Gestational Surrogacy Treatment in India

What is the Difference Between a Surrogate and a Gestational Surrogate?

There are two main types of surrogacy:

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate uses her own egg to become pregnant. This means she becomes biologically related to the baby.

Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate will carry a pregnancy created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donor eggs and sperm. The surrogate will only carry the pregnancy, and has no genetic relation to the baby.

Gestational surrogacy is becoming more common as it is a clearer medical and legal process.

When is Gestational Surrogacy Suggested?

Gestational surrogacy is usually recommended when:

• Pregnancy is medically unsafe
• The uterus cannot support a pregnancy
• Multiple fertility treatments have failed
• Repeated pregnancy loss has occurred
• Certain health conditions make pregnancy high-risk

Medical Screenings for Gestational Surrogacy

Medical screening is one of the most important parts of the surrogacy process because it helps ensure safety for everyone involved.

Screening for the Gestational Surrogate

The surrogate undergoes several health evaluations before approval. These may include:

Blood tests

To check haemoglobin levels and to find any underlying medical condition, blood tests are prescribed. 

Infectious disease screening

This is done to rule out infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections that may adversely impact pregnancy.

Ultrasound scans

To examine whether the uterus can support a healthy pregnancy or not, ultrasound scans are suggested. They are often a reliable way of tracking pregnancy. 

Hormonal evaluation

It checks whether hormone levels are normal and suitable for embryo implantation and pregnancy.

General physical examination

Doctors assess overall fitness, medical history, and any existing health concerns before approving the surrogate.

Uterine assessment

It helps evaluate the condition of the uterine cavity to identify abnormalities such as fibroids, scarring, or structural problems.

Screening for Intended Parents

The intended parents may also undergo medical tests such as:

Fertility testing

It helps assess the overall reproductive health of the intended parents.

Semen analysis

It checks sperm count, movement, and quality to determine male fertility health.

Ovarian reserve testing

It helps evaluate egg quantity and ovarian function in the intended mother.

Hormone testing

It helps doctors understand reproductive hormone levels that may affect IVF treatment.

Infectious disease screening

It is done to reduce the risk of transmitting infections during fertility treatment or pregnancy.

Genetic testing in selected cases

It may be advised when there is a family history of inherited disorders or repeated IVF failures.

These investigations help doctors plan IVF treatment more effectively and reduce possible complications.

How Does a Gestational Carrier Get Pregnant?

Through the IVF procedure, the embryo is transferred to the gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy. The embryo is created in the laboratory and transferred into the surrogate’s uterus after hormonal preparation of the uterine lining. If implantation occurs successfully, pregnancy begins.

What are the Risks of Using a Gestational Carrier?

The following risks may be involved: 

Medical Risks

• Complications in IVF treatment 
• Failed embryo implantation
• Risks of Miscarriage
• Multiple pregnancy

Emotional Challenges

The whole process can sometimes make the intended couple and surrogate emotionally drained due to the physical and emotional involvement. 

Legal and Financial Concerns

The legal procedures, documentation, and financial planning involved in the surrogacy process can sometimes feel complex, especially if there is a lack of proper guidance.

Who is the Biological Mother in Gestational Surrogacy?

It is the woman whose egg is used to achieve pregnancy who becomes the biological mother of baby. If the egg is from the intended mother, then she becomes the biological mother and if a donor egg is used, then the egg donor becomes biologically related to the baby. The gestational surrogate only carries the pregnancy but does not share a genetic connection with the child.