Table 1 Stages of surrogacy preconception and possible disruptions (Source: Author’s Research)
Process of surrogacy: preconception | Labour involved for the surrogates | Possible reproductive disruptions |
|---|---|---|
Screening of surrogate (and donors) | Frequent visits to clinics for ultrasonography (vaginal and abdominal) and blood tests, hormonal shots & medicines | Need for re-matching |
Hormonal stimulations | ||
Intended parents & surrogate (& donor) matching | ||
Ovum pickup &/or sperm collection (if needed) | ||
Fertilisation & incubation | ||
Embryo freezing (usually) | ||
Signing of contract | ||
Embryo transfer | Embodiment of embryo, movement restrictions, hormonal shots | Â |
Waiting period | Embodiment of embryo, movement restrictions, hormonal shots | Â |
Pregnancy test (betaHCG) | Blood test followed by abdominal ultrasonography | Missed conceptions, chemical pregnancies |