The process of becoming a surrogate in Arkansas is a remarkable medical process where an incredible individual carries a child to term for another person. It is crucial that the surrogate is in excellent health and has a high likelihood of successfully bringing a child into the world. Allow us to address 9 of the most common questions about the surrogacy medical process in Arkansas, providing you with valuable information and guidance.

If you’re interested in surrogacy and want more information, you should contact us.

1. What is the Surrogacy Medical Process in Arkansas?

In gestational surrogacy, a remarkable process unfolds. The surrogate lovingly prepares her body by taking gestational surrogate medications to receive an already fertilized embryo, creating a beautiful opportunity for the intended parents to bring their long-awaited child into the world. Through this extraordinary journey, the surrogate selflessly carries the embryo in her uterus, providing the ideal environment for its development. Rest assured, the surrogate’s genetic makeup is distinct from the embryo and baby, as they originate from different sources. In general, gestational surrogates do not use their own eggs.

2. What are Surrogate Medications?

As the surrogacy process moves toward transferring an embryo to the surrogate, the surrogate will start taking prescribed fertility medications. These medications regulate the body’s hormone levels to prepare the uterus for the transfer of the embryo. Taking fertility medications increases the likelihood of a successful embryo transfer. Often, these medications are injected or taken orally. Some of these are medical injections and others are pills.

The specific surrogate or fertility medications that you’ll take will be determined by your doctor – everybody’s body is different.

3. How Does a Surrogate Mother Get Pregnant?

In simple terms, a surrogate mom gets pregnant through IVF and the transfer of an embryo into her uterus. Below you’ll find more information about these processes.

4. What is the IVF Surrogate Process?

A surrogate mom gets pregnant through in vitro fertilization. For IVF eggs are collected from the biological mother and fertilized with sperm from the donor in a lab. In the process of gestational surrogacy, the source of the eggs and sperm can either be the intended parents or obtained from other sources. This allows for flexibility and ensures a wider range of options for creating the embryo. Once the embryo is formed, it is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, where it has the opportunity to develop and grow. This method offers a remarkable opportunity for individuals or couples to fulfill their dreams of parenthood with the support of a surrogate.

5. What is Embryo Transfer?

A surrogate embryo transfer is the main medical procedure that a gestational surrogate undergoes. During the embryo transfer, a skilled doctor manually places the embryo into the surrogate’s uterus. Although the process may feel a bit invasive, it’s comparable to a pap smear. Rest assured, the procedure only takes about 15 minutes, and the doctor will ensure proper placement of the embryo. Keep in mind that it may take a few days to determine if the embryo has successfully transferred. Stay positive and hopeful throughout this journey!

An embryo will have to be successfully transferred for the embryo to develop into a fetus. Some surrogacies require a few tries before the embryo is successfully transferred. The successful transfer of an embryo is a crucial part of surrogacy — sometimes it takes several tries for the embryo to successfully transfer.

6. What is the Success Rate of First Embryo Transfers?

Considering the invasive nature of the process, it is crucial to be mindful of the success rate of embryo transfers. Success rates for IVF can vary based on factors such as the surrogate’s age, embryo quality, and the iteration of the IVF cycle (i.e., first, second, or third transfer). The success rate of second embryo transfers tends to drop compared to the first embryo transfer success rate. If you seek information regarding the success rate of IVF, it is advisable to consult doctors or medical researchers specializing in this field.

7. Do Surrogates Share DNA with the Baby?

Gestational surrogates do not share DNA or blood with the embryo or child, as the fertilized eggs used in the process come from sources other than the surrogate. While the surrogate carries the embryo in their body, there is no genetic or biological connection between the surrogate and the child.

However, if the surrogate herself supplies the eggs to be fertilized in a laboratory, she would then share DNA with the child. However, due to the intricate legal nature of surrogacy, it is highly probable that the surrogate, despite having a biological connection to the child, does not possess a legal relationship with them.

8. Will the Baby Look like the Surrogate Mother?

Whether or not the child will resemble the surrogate depends on the nature of their relationship. If the surrogate provided eggs for IVF, there is a possibility that the child may share some physical traits. Children born through gestational surrogacy are not biologically related to the surrogate. So the baby won’t look like the gestational surrogate. However, the surrogate can develop a special bond with the child, given their role in carrying the pregnancy.

9. Who Pays for the Surrogate’s Medical Bills in Arkansas?

Childbirth is a costly medical process, leading to questions about who pays for a surrogate’s medical expenses after delivery. While surrogacy arrangements can vary, typically the surrogacy agency assumes responsibility for the surrogate’s medical bills. However, these costs are ultimately covered by the fees charged to the intended family. If you want more information about surrogacy and the medical process, you should contact us!