What is the difference between a surrogate and a gestational carrier (GC)?

While you may see these terms used interchangeable, the term ‘traditional surrogate’ refers to someone carrying a child resulting from their own eggs and the intended parent’s sperm. NRM cannot assist in this type of arrangement. A gestational carrier (GC), on the other hand, has no genetic link to the child she carries, and we are here to help with this arrangement. 

What are the basic criteria to be a GC?

•   All GCs are highly recommended to be vaccinated for COVID-19 & influenza yearly.

•   GC needs to be between the ages of 21-45

•   The GC must have given birth and parented at least one child

•   No more than 5 deliveries total

•   Including no more than 3 past c-sections

•   These must be uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries

•   Non-smoker

•   Excellent health history, no psychological problems

•   No use of medications that would be harmful to pregnancy

•   No high-risk sexual practices or recent tattoos or piercings done at home 

•   Someone that lives in the United States, has reliable transportation, and lives in a stable home environment (either married or single), and is not receiving government assistance

What is the overall time frame?

Matching with an intended parent or intended parent(s) can take anywhere from 3-6 months.

Once you are matched with intended parent(s) then the standard time frame from the time you match to when together you undergo embryo transfer usually is 4-5 months. This is the time it takes you the GC medical workup to include uterine evaluation & psychological evaluation, etc (1 month), the legal contracts to be executed (2-3 months), and the frozen embryo transfer protocol (1 month). 

 Variables to this timing (items that may make the timeline longer):

- The embryo(s) have not yet been created

-The embryo(s) need to be shipped from another facility

What are my responsiblities?

• You agree to: 
• ·  Practice safe sex, use a condom for prevention of infectious diseases and pregnancy leading up to the cycle
• ·  NO INTERCOURSE DURING THE FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER CYCLE.
• ·  Abstain from getting any new tattoos or piercings.
• ·  Be reliable in your communication and prompt in returning calls to your NRM care team.
• ·  Take the medications as prescribed to support pregnancy.
• ·  Do not start any new medications without consulting your NRM doctor or OB doctor.
• ·  Attend all appointments both pre-pregnancy and once pregnant (obstetric care).

What if the pregnancy test is negative?

It is important to understand that outside of taking the medication as directed, you are not responsible for a pregnancy test result being positive or negative; a negative pregnancy test is not your fault. Negative pregnancy tests are a risk of any embryo transfer and are related to factors outside of your control. While this can be emotionally difficult for you, the IP(s), and all involved in the process, negative outcomes are a known risk of all embryo transfers. You and the IP(s) will regroup with the doctor and plan the next steps.