Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy, full surrogacy or IVF surrogacy is defined as treatment by which the gametes of the genetic couple, commissioning couple or intended parents in a surrogacy arrangement are used to produce embryos that are subsequently transferred to a woman who agrees to act as a host for these embryos. The surrogate host is therefore genetically unrelated to any offspring that may be born as a result of this arrangement.

Indications for gestational surrogacy

The principle indications for treatment by gestational surrogacy in our practice at bourn hall are as followings:

  • Congenital absence of the uterus.
  • Following hysterectomy for cancer, postpartum hemorrhage, or menorrhagia.
  • Repeated failure if IVF treatment.
  • Severe medical conditions incompatible with pregnancy.
  • Recurrent abortion.

Counseling:

Many issues must be discussed with both the genetic couple and the proposed host surrogate, including:

For the genetic couples:

  • A review of all alternative treatment options.
  • The need for in-depth counseling.
  • The need to find their own host (UK).
  • The practical difficulty and cost of treatment by gestational surrogacy.
  • The medical and psychological risks of surrogacy.
  • Potential psychological risk to the child.
  • The chances of having a multiple pregnancy.
  • The degree of involvement that the host may wish to have with the child.
  • The importance of obtaining legal advice.
  • The genetic couple are advised to take out insurance cover for the surrogate host.

For the host

  • The full implications of undergoing treatment by IVF
  • The possibility of multiple pregnancy.
  • The need to abstain from unprotected sexual intercourse during and just before the treatment.
  • The possibility of family and friends being against such treatment
  • The normal medical risk associated with pregnancy and the possibility of cesarean section.
  • Implications and feelings of guilt on both sides if the host should spontaneously abort a pregnancy.
  • The possibility that the host will feel a sense of bereavement when she gives the baby to the genetic couple.

Tests for genetic mother

The majority of ‘genetic mother’ treated in this clinic are fully assessed by their gynaecologist before referral. Following are the tests for genetic mother

  • FSH
  • LH
  • TSH
  • PRC
  • CBC
  • BI Grouping
  • HIV
  • HBSAg
  • HCV
  • USG-to assess ovarian reserve

Test of surrogate mother

  • CBC
  • BI Grouping
  • TSH
  • Prolactin
  • HIV
  • HBSAg
  • HCV
  • USG Pelvis

Tests of husband surrogate

  • HIV
  • HBSAg
  • HCV