In today's world, medical advances have created new ways to treat infertility, and surrogacy is one of the most important. In this method, a woman assumes the pregnancy instead of another person to give birth to a baby for her. Although this phenomenon is promising, it has its own complexities from the moral, legal and emotional point of view. In this article, we ask your doctor to examine surrogacy in detail. Stay with us.

What is surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a procedure in which another woman becomes pregnant as a surrogate mother to give birth to a baby for a couple who are unable to conceive themselves. In this method infertility treatment, the egg is taken from the genetic mother and sperm from the father, and the embryo grows in the surrogate mother's womb.

The surrogate mother is only responsible for pregnancy and taking care of the fetus and has no genetic connection with the baby. This method is usually used for women whose uterus has problems due to medical reasons or for whom pregnancy is dangerous. In some countries, surrogacy is commercial and in others it is done altruistically, that is, the surrogate mother may be a relative or friend.

difference between surrogacy and egg donation

Surrogacy is sometimes confused with egg donation, but these two methods are completely different. In surrogacy, the egg is taken from the original mother or donors and the embryo grows in the womb of another woman. In egg donation, the egg is taken from another woman, and the genetic mother and the pregnant mother may be two different people.

Emotionally, both in surrogacy and egg donation, many parents report a close and healthy relationship with their child, and the differences depend more on the circumstances and individual characteristics of each family than on the type of assisted reproduction method. From the legal point of view, the status of these two methods is different, and knowing these differences is very important for making an informed decision.

Who needs surrogacy?

Sometimes other reasons such as recurrent miscarriage or exacerbation of heart and kidney diseases are also mentioned. Also, single men or same-sex couples can use surrogacy to have children.

Stages of having a baby with surrogacy

The stages of surrogacy include preliminary investigations and selection of surrogate mother, preparation of egg and sperm of parents, embryo transfer and prenatal care until delivery. Each step requires medical precision and psychological support to make the process successful and safe. In the following, we will examine each of these steps in detail.

The first stage of surrogacy includes medical tests and detailed counseling for the parents and the surrogate mother to ensure that she is physically and mentally ready for pregnancy and that the fetus will be genetically healthy. Choosing a surrogate mother is one of the most sensitive steps, and women who have a history of successful pregnancy and perfect health are usually introduced.

In addition to physical health, the mental state, moral commitment and motivation of the surrogate mother are also examined. Finally, a contract is drawn up between the parties that specifies the legal, financial and obligations details. This contract is usually drawn up with the presence of a lawyer or legal advisor in order to avoid any future disputes.

2. Preparation of egg and sperm of parents

After choosing a surrogate mother, the next step is to prepare the egg and sperm of the parents. The genetic mother receives ovulation-stimulating drugs to produce several eggs, and then these eggs are fertilized with the father's sperm through IVF.

The embryos formed in the laboratory are examined and the healthiest ones are selected and kept in the incubator until transfer. At the same time, the doctor prepares the hormonal status of the surrogate mother's uterus so that the embryo can be accepted. Sometimes frozen embryos are also used, which puts less pressure on the surrogate mother and has a high success rate.

3. Embryo transfer to surrogate uterus

When the womb of the surrogate mother is ready, the embryo is transferred to her womb, and this process is usually done without anesthesia and in the office or clinic. The doctor inserts the fetus into the uterus with a special tool, and a few days later, the pregnancy is confirmed with a blood test or ultrasound.

At this stage, the surrogate mother must be under close care, and nutrition, rest, and supportive medication are very important. The relationship between surrogate mother and parents should be respectful and accompanied by emotional support. Also, psychological counseling sessions are recommended to manage the feelings and concerns of both parties.

4. Pregnancy and childbirth

طی بارداری، مادر جایگزین مانند هر زن دیگری تحت مراقبت‌های منظم پزشکی قرار می‌گیرد و رشد جنین، سلامت رحم و وضعیت عمومی او بررسی می‌شود. Usually, the costs of pregnancy and childbirth care are borne by the original parents. Maintaining peace of mind and emotional support during this period is very important so that the surrogate mother feels safe and appreciates her role.

Human and intimate relationship between surrogate mother and parents can create a positive and humane experience. At the end of the pregnancy, delivery may be natural or cesarean, and after birth, the baby is handed over to the original parents and their names are recorded in the birth documents.

age conditions of surrogacy

Age is one of the important factors in the success of surrogacy and usually doctors recommend that the surrogate mother be between 21 and 35 years old, because in this period the body is ready for a healthy pregnancy and the risk of complications is lower. Being older than 35 years can increase the possibility of problems such as gestational hypertension, diabetes or premature birth.

Therefore, infertility centers set a certain age range for admission. A history of successful pregnancy is also important, and women who have previous experience of childbirth are suitable options for surrogate mothers.

How much does surrogacy cost?

The cost of surrogacy varies depending on the country, the clinic, the physical condition of the surrogate mother and the details of the contract. The cost of surrogacy depends on the country, laws, number of IVF cycles, insurance coverage, medical and legal costs and agreement with the surrogate mother, and in Iran it should be estimated based on the updated rates of infertility centers and valid legal advice.

In other countries such as America, these costs are much higher and include insurance, legal advice and clinical services. Before taking action, couples should be financially prepared and clearly define the details of the contract.

Advantages of surrogacy

The most important advantage of surrogacy is the possibility of having a genetic child for parents who are unable to conceive themselves. This method gives new hope to families who have struggled with infertility for years. Another advantage is maintaining the genetic health of the mother.

In cases where the pregnancy is dangerous for the woman, using a surrogate can save her life without having to give up having a biological child. From a human point of view, surrogacy is an experience of altruism. A woman who assumes pregnancy for another family plays a valuable and emotional role in building a new life.

Dangers and possible complications of surrogacy

Like any pregnancy, surrogacy is not without risks, and the surrogate mother may experience complications such as nausea, gestational hypertension, or premature labor, but medical care can reduce these risks.

Separation from the baby after birth can be difficult for the surrogate mother, so psychological support is essential and parents should talk about clear emotional boundaries from the beginning. Also, legal disputes may occur after the birth, so it is very important to prepare a detailed contract before the process begins.

Important points before deciding on surrogacy

Before deciding on surrogacy, one should receive medical and psychological advice, choose a reliable and knowledgeable person as a surrogate mother, and draw up a detailed legal contract. These measures ensure that the process is both physically, legally and emotionally safe. In the following, we will explain each of these points in detail.

1. Medical and psychological counseling

Before any decision, it is necessary for both parties, parents and surrogate mother, to receive detailed medical and psychological counseling. The doctor should check the fertility status, general health and pregnancy history, and the psychologist should evaluate the emotional readiness and motivation of the people.

Psychological counseling helps to properly manage complex emotions such as dependence, anxiety or fear of separation from the baby. This stage guarantees the mental health of all three parties: parents, surrogate mother and future baby. Also, knowing the legal, financial and social aspects of surrogacy makes the decision more informed and rational.

2. Choosing a reliable and knowledgeable person

Choosing a surrogate mother is perhaps the most important part of this path. He should be healthy, responsible, mentally stable and aware of the importance of his decision. Preferably someone who has experienced a healthy pregnancy and has stable family relationships. Parents should also behave with honesty and respect in this way.

Maintaining human and intimate communication is the basis of success in this cooperation. The surrogate mother must feel that the value of her work is understood and that she is not just a means of doing a medical job. It is also suggested that both parties have regular contact during pregnancy, but with clear boundaries to avoid emotional sensitivities.

3. Setting up a detailed legal contract

Before starting the process, an official and transparent contract must be drawn up between the parties. This contract includes things like financial obligations, medical care, legal status of the baby, confidentiality of information and special contingencies. The contract must be reviewed by a family or medical attorney to be legally valid.

This issue not only prevents disputes, but also gives both parties a sense of security and trust. It is also better for the contract to include clauses about how to make decisions in emergency situations.

Conclusion

Surrogacy is one of the greatest achievements of medical science in the field of infertility treatment. This method is a bridge between hope and reality for many couples who wish for a child. Despite the legal, moral and emotional complications, if done with awareness, respect and proper counseling, it can be a beautiful and humane experience.

Your doctor takes care of your health!