Gestational Surrogacy is carrying a child that is not genetically related to the Surrogate. The Embryo(s) transferred can be thoughs of the Intended Parents are result from the use of an egg and/or sperm donor. This embryo is typically transferred to the Surrogate through In vitro fertilization (IVF).

Traditional Surrogacy involves using the Eggs of the Surrogate along with the sperm of the Intended Father or a sperm donor. This process can be done through insemination during the Surrogate’s natural cycle or by means of an egg retrieval from the Surrogate Mother and then IVF.

Central Coast Surrogacy has many Intended Parents looking for their ideal Surrogate Angel. We strive to make this process as simple and enjoyable as possible. We have qualifications each Surrogate must meet to help provide peace of mind to both the Surrogate and the Intended Parent. Once the Surrogate is accepted into the program, her profile is “made live” so that couples looking for a Surrogate can view it. We also get many requests from IVF clinics for available Surrogates to match with their clients. Surrogates are notified once a family is interested in working with them. The Surrogate is told about the family, provided a profile, and given the choice to consider working with this family. No Surrogate is ever forced to match with a couple they are uncomfortable with. 
 

Each Intended Family’s circumstances and reasons for Surrogacy are different. This is explained to the Surrogate so that she may make an informed decision. While meeting in person is not always possible due to distance, we try in all cases to have a meeting of some sot prior to transfer. This can be by phone or skype and may be assisted by a translator. Some of our families will meet with several Surrogate’s to choose the best fit and some Surrogate’s will met with several families before they feel comfortable. This is a good and natural selection process. We will be there each step of the way for guidance, advice, and support.

Each qualified Surrogate and her spouse will have a psychological screening, which typically take about an hour to complete. The screening consists of an interview and a personality screening by a trained and licensed professional. All aspects of your life will be discussed and all aspects of Surrogacy and he process will be covered to make sure you are informed and comfortable with your decision.
 

A background clearance will also be conducted on you and your spouse. During the application process we will ask of any criminal background you or your spouse may have and at this time we will run your official background clearance. It takes approximately 24 hours to receive this back.

Your medical records will be reviewed by the IVF doctor your Intended Parents have selected. At this time, you will be scheduled for a consultation and clearance appointment with this doctor. At this appointment you will receive information about the clinic, meet your doctor, and review the medical process of Surrogacy. You will have bloodwork, checking your health and for any STD’s, and you will have a pelvic exam and pap smear. This exam is to inform you about Surrogacy from a medical prospective and to make sure you are healthy before the transfer.

Once you are matched, we will begin working with attorneys to create your contract. Both you and your Intended Parents will have an attorney. The attorney will draft  contract to define what Surrogacy is and parental rights, and will also include expectations from both parties and your compensations. Your contract will be reviewed with you by your attorney before signing it. Any changes needed will be done prior to signing. Once the contract is signed, your escrow account is funded and reimbursements and monthly payments will begin. The contract is in effect until after birth.

The embryo transfer cycle will begin once you have medical and legal clearance. Some Intended Parents do a fresh cycle, in which you and your Intended Mother or Egg Donor will match cycles and embryos will be transferred at 3 to 5 days, and some Intended Parents will have frozen embryos at their IVF clinic’s lab ready for transfer. Your IVF doctor will talk to you about your specific case and will provide you with a calendar of events and medications to follow. Typical medications used to prepare your body for transfer include a birth control pill, Lupron, Estradiol/Delestrogen, and Progesterone. Some are in pill form and some require injections. This process requires multiple blood draws to check your hormone levels, and multiple vaginal exams to check your lining thickness.
 

On transfer day you will arrive to your appointment early for one last blood draw prior to transfer. You will be asked to dress comfortably and to avoid any using any perfumes, lotions, or powders that may jeopardize the health of your embryo. The transfer is a short process that requires full bladder. During the transfer the embryo(s) will placed inside your uterus and you will be asked to stay with your hips raised for 30 minutes. After you will be released to use the restroom and go back to your home and a hotel for a bed rest period of 2-3 days. A blood draw to confirm pregnancy is typically 9-12 days post transfer.

Pregnancy is confirmed by a blood draw following transfer and then at 6 weeks your IVF doctor will conduct an ultrasound to confirm heart beat(s). At this time you will begin your pregnancy installments and will begin pregnancy care. Surrogates are typically released to their own OB between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. You will be expected to inform us and your Intended Parents of all appointments and their outcomes so that support can be provided and Intended Parents can be involved. Your care is our number 1 priority.

We discuss with you early on in this process what you would like happen during the birth. It is important and crucial that you let us know who you would present, the type of birth you desire, and where you would like to birth so that we can have a smooth and joyful experience for both the Surrogate and the Intended Parents when the time comes. We are available to support you in any way possible through the birth and after and are here when needed for support and referrals for after care as needed. Most hospitals allow for the Surrogate and the Intended Parent to have separate room in the hospital for privacy and bonding following birth.