If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a surrogate, let me just say—it’s not just about carrying a baby. There’s a lot that happens before, during, and even after the pregnancy to make sure the surrogate stays healthy and safe the whole time. The medical side of it might sound a bit technical, but I’ll break it down.
First Up: Can She Even Be a Surrogate?
The women must go through intensive health checks and hormone tests, scans, and mock embryo transfers to become a surrogate. The applicants are usually required to be of a certain age, healthy pregnancy, should be close relative of intended parents, and their health requirements. Physicians make sure that their bodies are in perfect condition before initiating the process.
The Mind Matters Too
This part gets overlooked, but it’s important—mental health. Agencies usually ask the surrogate to chat with a counselor or psychologist. It’s not about passing or failing anything. It’s more like… making sure she understands what she is getting into emotionally. I mean, carrying someone else’s baby is a big deal, right?
Next Comes the Meds
Once she’s cleared and everything is good to go, hormone treatment starts. These meds help her body prepare for the embryo. She’ll probably be doing regular shots or pills, depending on the plan. And yep, that means lots of clinic visits—ultrasounds, bloodwork, the whole routine. They really do keep a close eye on things.
Transfer Time!
This is the big moment. The embryo, which is usually made through IVF, is placed in her uterus. It does not hurt much—it’s a quick procedure. But after that, the wait begins. For the next couple of weeks, the clinic monitors her closely to make sure the embryo sticks and the pregnancy starts properly.
Regular Checkups
Once the pregnancy is confirmed, it’s all about staying healthy. That means monthly doctor visits at first, and more frequent checkups later. The surrogate isn’t just seeing any doctor—usually there is a team involved to make sure she and the baby are both doing fine.
Just in Case: Emergency Support
Let’s be honest—things don’t always go as planned. That’s why agencies make sure there’s medical insurance and emergency plans in place. Most surrogates also have a case manager or nurse they can call anytime if something feels off. It helps knowing someone’s always there.
After the Baby Comes
Once the baby is delivered, the journey isn’t over. The surrogate still needs time to heal. There are post-delivery doctor visits, and sometimes emotional check-ins too. It’s a mix of relief, joy, and exhaustion. Agencies usually stick around to make sure she’s okay, which is good.
Conclusion:
Surrogacy isn’t just about a growing belly—it’s a medical process from start to finish. Behind the scenes, there are doctors, nurses, counselors, and coordinators working hard to make sure everything goes smoothly. At the center of it all is the surrogate, who deserves the best care possible.
