Indications for a gestational surrogate
A surrogate is used when an intended parent wants to have a child and either does not have a uterus or has a medical condition that would prevent carrying a pregnancy safely. Also, a surrogate may be considered for women who have a history of repeated failure to implant any embryo due to factors such as extensive fibroids, adenomyosis (endometriosis of the uterus), or surgical or congenital absence of a uterus
The ideal GC is a healthy woman between the ages of 21 and 45 who has had a successful term pregnancy and has a supportive family environment to help her cope with the added stress of pregnancy. The carrier should have no more than five previous vaginal deliveries or two previous cesarean deliveries. Prior to becoming pregnant, the surrogate should talk about the risks of pregnancy with her healthcare provider.
The surrogate should have a complete history and physical examination performed to ensure that there are no reasons for her to avoid pregnancy.
Surrogates should have proper mental health evaluation to cover the potential psychological risks associated with the process including managing relationships with her partner, her children, her employer, and the intended parents
Evaluation prior to engaging a gestational surrogate
- The intended parents should be tested for genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, as indicated by their ethnic backgrounds.
- The intended parents are screened for infectious diseases that can be passed to the carrier. Testing is required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within 30 days of the egg retrieval and within 7 days of the sperm collection
