Considering gestational surrogacy in Maryland? Below are some common questions about the medical process of surrogacy in Maryland.

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

What is the Medical Process of Surrogacy in Maryland?

The surrogacy journey in Maryland begins with selecting a compatible surrogate and conducting thorough medical screening to ensure her suitability for pregnancy. Once medically cleared, the surrogate undergoes hormone therapy to prepare her uterus for embryo reception. Intended parents contribute sperm and eggs for the IVF process, resulting in an embryo that is carefully transferred to the surrogate’s womb.

Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives regular health check-ups to monitor her well-being and the baby’s development. After the birth, the child is lovingly handed over to the expectant parents, with processes tailored to the unique circumstances of the surrogacy arrangement and Maryland’s legal framework.

What are Gestational Surrogate Medications?

Throughout the gestational surrogacy process, a surrogate is prescribed several medications to simulate the natural conditions for pregnancy. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are integral in preparing the surrogate’s uterus, mimicking her natural cycle to optimize conditions for embryo implantation. Additional medications may be used to suppress the surrogate’s natural cycle, granting physicians control over the timing of the pregnancy.

Not to be overlooked, prenatal vitamins are also administered to promote the overall health and wellness of the surrogate throughout the pregnancy. All of these medications are carefully prescribed under strict medical supervision, with the dual focus on ensuring the surrogate’s health and maximizing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

How Does a Surrogate Mother Get Pregnant in Maryland?

A surrogate mother gets pregnant via IVF. A surrogate prepares their body to receive the embryo via fertility medications. When ready, the doctor inserts the embryo into the surrogate’s uterus. After a few days, if the embryo transfer is successful, then the embryo will implant into the surrogate’s uterus, and the surrogate is then pregnant. If the embryo transfer is unsuccessful, then the embryo does not transfer and the surrogate does not become pregnant.

What is the Gestational Surrogate Mother IVF Process?

In the surrogate mother IVF process, hormone therapy initiates by suppressing the surrogate’s natural menstrual cycle, followed by estrogen and progesterone treatments to prepare her uterus for implantation. Concurrently, the intended mother or egg donor undergoes hormonal stimulation to foster egg production. Post retrieval, these eggs are fertilized with sperm from the intended father or sperm donor, with embryonic development closely monitored.

Specialists select the healthiest embryo for transfer to the surrogate’s uterus. Post-transfer, hormone therapy supports the pregnancy until the placenta is self-sufficient, typically by the tenth week. Throughout, health professionals meticulously guide the process, prioritizing the health and safety of the surrogate, the donors, and the future child.

What is a Surrogate Mother Embryo Transfer?

The embryo transfer marks a pivotal moment in the IVF surrogacy journey, where a high-quality, fertilized embryo is carefully introduced into the surrogate’s uterus. Using a slender catheter, the embryo is passed through the cervix, typically without pain, and may be aided by a mild sedative. As the most hopeful phase, the goal is for the embryo to implant in the uterine lining, a critical process usually unfolding within a week post-transfer.

The surrogate maintains hormone treatments and is closely monitored with blood tests and ultrasounds to ensure implantation success. The effectiveness of this procedure hinges on the embryo’s viability, the womb’s readiness, and the medical expert’s proficiency.

What is the Embryo Transfer Success Rate in Surrogate?

The success rate for embryo transfer in surrogacy is variable, with the  reporting an average of about 50% for first embryo transfer success rate. Key factors steering these rates include the age and health of the egg donor, sperm integrity, and the surrogate’s uterine conditions.

Particularly, embryo quality, denoted by development speed, morphology, and genetic integrity, is crucial to implantation success. A healthy endometrium in the surrogate articulates a receptive environment for the embryo. Moreover, the fertility specialist’s adeptness and technique are pivotal.

Each surrogacy journey is unique, and the interplay of these elements distinctly personalizes the outcome, illustrating the nuance of reproductive science.

How Long After Embryo Transfer Does the Embryo Implant?

Embryo implantation—a pivotal stage in the IVF process—takes place roughly 6 to 10 days following an embryo transfer into the surrogate’s uterus. This critical phase involves the embryo adhering to the uterine wall. Surrogates may notice mild symptoms akin to those of early pregnancy, including light bleeding or cramping, although experiences vary, with some individuals reporting no symptoms.

It’s important not to infer too much from the presence or absence of such signs, as they don’t reliably predict success. The definitive confirmation of successful implantation and pregnancy is commonly obtained through a blood test, which measures the levels of the hormone hCG.

Do Surrogates Share DNA with the Baby?

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not share any genetic material with the child she carries. The egg and sperm that form the embryo come exclusively from the intended parents or from donors—this embryo is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate’s role is nurturing and supporting the pregnancy, but does not involve a genetic contribution. Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s own egg is used, does create a genetic link between the surrogate and the child. However, this practice is significantly less common, often eschewed due to its ethical and legal complexities.

Who Pays for the Surrogate’s Medical Bills in Maryland?

In Maryland, the surrogate’s medical bills are typically covered by the intended parents as part of the surrogacy agreement.

Can You Get Pregnant After Being a Surrogate in Maryland?

Absolutely, becoming a surrogate does not inherently affect future fertility. Provided there are no complications during or after the surrogacy pregnancy, surrogates in Maryland can conceive and carry their own pregnancies afterward.

Can A Surrogate Abort the Baby in Maryland?

In Maryland, while the right to an abortion is particular to the state that someone lives in, the interplay between these protections and surrogacy agreements introduces complexity. Surrogacy contracts usually stipulate the precise conditions under which a termination of pregnancy may be considered permissible, often restricted to certain medical reasons concurred upon by all involved parties.

It is crucial for surrogates and intended parents to collaborate with well-informed attorneys who specialize in reproductive laws to ensure that the surrogacy agreement comprehensively addresses these sensitive matters.

This legal guidance ensures clarity and affords protection to everyone participating in the surrogacy process. If you want to know more about the surrogacy medical process, then fill out our form!