Path to Parenthood!
Welcome, dear friends, to another chapter in our transformative journey to motherhood. Our path to parenthood continues! As we navigate the challenging terrain of infertility, I’m here to share the latest update on our path to parenthood. Our surrogate has begun her estrogen phase, and we eagerly anticipate her upcoming clinic visit. This step is crucial as it brings us closer to starting progesterone and advancing our surrogacy journey.
Waiting for updates…
The wait for updates has been a bit longer due to our manager’s vacation. We now have the information we’ve been awaiting with hopeful hearts. Your continued thoughts and prayers mean the world to us, and I am grateful for your support. Please join our community of kindred spirits, where empowering coaching and shared experiences help us all through these alternative paths to parenthood. Stay tuned for further updates, and know that your journey is unique and cherished. Let us continue to support each other with empathy and understanding. Until next time, take care and be bless.
The steps of a frozen embryo transfer (FET) when using a surrogate generally follow a specific process. The process involving the surrogate, the intended parents, and medical professionals. Here’s an overview of the typical steps:
1. Preparation and Screening of the Surrogate
- Medical Screening: The surrogate undergoes a thorough medical screening, including blood tests, physical exams, and uterine evaluation (hysteroscopy or saline ultrasound) to ensure she is physically healthy and capable of carrying a pregnancy.
- Psychological Evaluation: A mental health professional assesses the surrogate’s psychological well-being to ensure she is prepared for the emotional aspects of surrogacy.
- Legal Contracts: The intended parents and surrogate sign legal agreements outlining the rights, responsibilities, and expectations for all parties involved.
2. Synchronization of Cycles
- Birth Control: The surrogate may be placed on birth control pills to regulate and synchronize her menstrual cycle with the frozen embryo transfer schedule.
- Lupron Injections (Optional): A medication like Lupron may be used to suppress the surrogate’s natural cycle and ensure her body is ready to accept the embryo.
3. Endometrial Preparation
- Estrogen Therapy: The surrogate begins estrogen therapy (injection, patch, or oral), which is usually around two weeks before the embryo transfer. This helps thicken her uterine lining, making it more receptive to the embryo.
- Monitoring Appointments: The surrogate attends regular monitoring appointments for blood tests and ultrasounds to check her estrogen levels and measure the thickness of her uterine lining (typically aiming for 7-8mm thickness).
4. Progesterone Support
- Progesterone Injections or Supplements: Once the uterine lining is thick enough, the surrogate begins progesterone therapy (via injections or vaginal suppositories) to prepare the uterus for implantation. This usually starts 4-6 days before the transfer.
5. Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Thawing the Embryo: On the day of the transfer, the chosen frozen embryo(s) are thawed in the lab.
- Embryo Transfer Procedure: The doctor transfers the embryo(s) into the surrogate’s uterus using a thin catheter. The procedure is quick and painless, similar to a Pap smear.
6. Post-Transfer Care
- Continued Medication: The surrogate continues with progesterone and possibly estrogen to support the uterine environment.
- Rest and Recovery: The surrogate may be advised to rest for a day or two after the transfer to allow for optimal conditions for embryo implantation.
7. Pregnancy Testing
- Beta hCG Test: Approximately 10-12 days after the embryo transfer, the surrogate will have a blood test (beta hCG) to check for pregnancy. This measures the hormone levels that indicate a successful implantation.
8. Follow-Up and Early Pregnancy Monitoring
- Early Ultrasound: If the hCG test is positive, an ultrasound will be 2-3 weeks later to confirm the pregnancy and check for the fetal heartbeat.
- Ongoing Care: Once they confirm the pregnancy, the surrogate will continue with progesterone and estrogen support until the placenta takes over hormone production, usually around 8-10 weeks of pregnancy.
9. Transfer to OB-GYN Care
- Transition to OB Care: Once the surrogate reaches a certain point in the pregnancy, she will usually transfer from the fertility clinic to her OB-GYN for regular prenatal care.
Each case may vary depending on the protocols of the clinic and the surrogate’s specific needs and each individual’s path to parenthood.
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