What to Expect During Pregnancy
Modern gestational surrogacy is a rare way in which women selflessly help others realize their dreams of parenthood. This beautiful journey consists of several stages, starting with screenings and medical assessments, and ending with the moment everyone is eagerly waiting for: pregnancy and delivery. Congratulations on starting this incredible journey with Patriot Conceptions! Once your blood test confirms pregnancy, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate each trimester of your gestational surrogacy for a smooth and rewarding experience.
First Trimester: Early Stages
During the first trimester, your pregnancy will be closely monitored by our team of experts, including IVF doctors, at a location convenient for you, either at the recipient parents’ office or a nearby monitoring clinic. Here’s what you can expect in the first trimester:
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4-6 weeks: An ultrasound will be performed to verify the presence of a gestational sac in your uterus.
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6-8 weeks: Another ultrasound will be performed to confirm the baby’s heartbeat.
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10 Sunday: You will have one to two more visits with our IVF specialists before moving on to OB care. Your clinical coordinator will guide you in tapering off IVF medications according to your doctor’s instructions.
Second and Third Trimesters: Transitioning to OB Care
Once the pregnancy is confirmed with a fetal heartbeat ultrasound, your surrogate coordinator will assist you in transitioning to Obstetrician (OB) care. Together, you, the intended parents, and our team will choose the best in-network OB or hospital to ensure the smooth progress of your pregnancy.
Before your first OB appointment, your Surrogate Match Coordinator will make sure your OB has all relevant information from your IVF cycle and pregnancy, a copy of your insurance card, and your medical records from the IVF clinic .
Second Trimester Assessment Tests
Most intended parents prefer non-invasive pregnancy tests, including Nuchal Translucency ultrasound, first and second trimester blood tests, and the NIPT blood test, around 12 weeks. You can coordinate these tests with your OB, or we can provide referrals in your area, if you are willing to travel.
In some cases, intended parents may opt for invasive testing, such as amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), if non-invasive testing raises concerns. Rest assured, you will be compensated for any inconvenience associated with these tests.
Legal Processes
Around the 16th week of pregnancy, the legal process of parentage begins with the same lawyers who helped with the initial contract. Depending on your state’s laws, you and your spouse (if applicable) may be required to sign documents confirming the parents’ legal rights to the baby before birth. In some states, steps may be required after the birth, possibly leading to a court date to establish legal parentage.
Support After Birth
After giving birth, please keep in touch with us and the intended parents for any postpartum medical appointments. We are eager to hear about your recovery and provide support and gratitude as needed.
Experience the Rewarding Journey of Surrogacy with Patriot Conceptions
At Patriot Conceptions, we are proud to be a leading surrogacy agency, dedicated to supporting you throughout this life-affirming journey. We greatly value your contribution as a surrogate, and we are committed to ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
Contact Us!
Your extraordinary surrogacy journey together Patriot Conceptions waiting! Contact us today, and we will provide you with all the information and support you need to make this journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Your choice to be a surrogate is a gift beyond measure, and we’re here to make sure it’s a truly wonderful experience for you and the intended parents.