5 Common Questions About The Surrogacy Medical Process

As you contemplate embarking on the life-changing journey of surrogacy, you may have a lot of questions. Do surrogates share DNA with the baby? Does the baby have any of the surrogates DNA?

We’re here to answer some of the most common questions you may have about genetics and surrogacy to help you understand what the surrogacy medical process consists of.

You can always contact a surrogacy professional at any time to find out everything you need to know about the surrogacy process.

Do Surrogates Share DNA With the Baby?

No. Since gestational surrogacy is much more common, a surrogate does not share any DNA with the baby. An embryo is created through IVF using the egg and sperm from donors or parents. The embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus to be carried to term.

But does a baby get DNA from a surrogate mother? When traditional surrogacy was more common, the surrogate did share DNA with the baby. Because of the legal and emotional complexities involved, traditional surrogacy is rarely sought out.

Does a Surrogate Mother Share Blood With the Baby?

The gestational surrogate you choose to use for the surrogacy process are not “blood” relatives to the babies they carry. They won’t have any biological relation to your child. If you’re wondering if they share blood in the womb, then yes but it doesn’t affect the baby’s blood.

But does a surrogate share DNA with the baby in the womb? Extensive screening processes are done to ensure that no communicable diseases are passed from the surrogate to the baby in utero.

Does A Surrogate Use the Parents’ Egg And Sperm?

If one of the parents has viable egg or sperm for a healthy embryo-creation process, then yes. If not, gamete donation may be needed to preserve at least one genetic connection to the baby even if both parents cannot be genetically related to the baby.

Do surrogate mothers share DNA with the baby if you use a donor? Your surrogacy professional will connect you with a reproductive endocrinologist to help decide if a sperm, egg or embryo donation is necessary. There are plenty of sperm, egg and embryo banks out there that can help you find a donation. You can choose an anonymous or identified donor depending on what you’re comfortable with.

How Does Gestational Surrogacy Work?

Gestational surrogacy is a reproductive arrangement where a surrogate mother carries a pregnancy to term on behalf of intended parents. Unlike traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is not used in the process. Instead, the embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using either the intended parents’ genetic material or donor gametes. So if you’re asking, do surrogate mothers share DNA with the baby, here’s what the process typically looks like:

IVF Using Gametes from the Parents

In this scenario, your egg and sperm are retrieved and fertilized through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before being transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. The embryo then implants itself in the surrogate’s uterus, where it will develop over the gestation period.

Does a baby get DNA from the surrogate mother in this case? Despite the surrogate providing the nurturing environment for the developing fetus, the genetic material comes solely from the parents. This method ensures that the child is biologically related to you, sharing your genetic characteristics and traits.

IVF Using Donor Gametes

In some cases, you may choose to use donor gametes, either eggs or sperm, due to certain fertility issues. The fertilization of the donor gametes is carried out through IVF, after which the resulting embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

In this case, do surrogate mothers share DNA with the baby? Even though the surrogate contributes to the successful development and birth of the child, the genetic makeup of the baby is determined solely by the intended parents or the chosen donors. Therefore, the child does not share genetic material with the surrogate, but rather with the individuals who provided the gametes for the IVF procedure.

Where Can I Begin the Surrogacy Medical Process?

The best way to begin the surrogacy medical process is through a surrogacy agency. They’ll answer all your questions, including does a surrogate mother share DNA. Your surrogacy professional will walk you through the ins and outs of the process to help you navigate your journey with confidence.