You may or may not have heard of one of the most intimidating aspects of being a surrogate, however, Positive Surrogacy is here to try an ease your minds! Each journey is different, but to carry a baby for someone else, medical intervention is necessary. And with that, comes medications! Despite your possible worries, every year thousands of women make it through and help create forever families!
Surrogate’s bodies, and uterus in particular, need to be prepared to get pregnant, medication and monitoring is required. Every Doctor and clinic is different, so depending on your match and medical providers, this will determine the type and kind of medicine you receive during your journey. You will be monitored closely throughout the process to ensure the best chance for success.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process in which an embryo is implanted directly into the uterus. Intended parents work with an IVF clinic to take the steps needed to create embryos. A surrogate’s journey coincides with these events by visiting with the fertility physician, undergoing testing, blood work and a medication regimen that will prepare her body to accept and implant the embryo.
The IVF physician and nurses will offer extensive education and support throughout the IVF cycle. A “calendar” will be provided to each surrogate with specific instructions on dates/times for blood draws, ultrasounds and how/when to administer medications, etc. Not all, but yes, many of the medications are most successfully administered directly into the body using needles. We promise you, it is not as bad as it sounds!! The nurses take extra care to help teach you how to easily take the medications. There are some tricks of the trade, medical professionals and other surrogates can provide to help ease your stress and make things easier!
Common Medications
Although each journey and medication protocol is different, there are a few common medications that you may be prescribed during your IVF cycle. This is just a small list of possibilities for your information. Please note, we are not medical professionals and we encourage you to discuss your medications thoroughly with your IVF physician.
- Birth Control– In order to regulate your period to align with the IVF calendar, you may be prescribed medication with specific instructions of when to start and stop birth control pills. This will allow your period to be on the correct timeline.
- Lupron- Many women are prescribed an injectable medication, in the first steps called Lupron. This is to quiet the ovaries and prevent your body from releasing its own eggs.
- Delestrogen– This is the estradiol hormone that helps to build up the lining of your uterus. In order for the embryo to implant successfully the uterus needs to have a certain amount of lining that is monitored through ultrasounds.
- Progesterone- This hormone is found normally in the body and is needed to strengthen the uterus and support a health pregnancy. In surrogacy, one needs to supplement with Progesterone throughout the first trimester until the placenta is strong enough to support the pregnancy on its own.
These medications are usually administered through needles. However, the process is not as bad as you may think! The nursing staff will teach you and even help to administer the meds on your own or with the help of a friend and/or partner. In certain cases, some medications are also available through other forms such as pills, suppositories, etc. Your IVF clinic will explain what the preferred and best options that are available to you. Always keep in mind, that the main goal is a healthy and happy pregnancy and all parties will want the greatest chance for success! At Positive Surrogacy, we are here to support you as well! We can offer tips and helpful hints! We have all been there and understand your concerns!
