What are the Challenges of Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a beautiful and fulfilling way to experience pregnancy and give the gift of life to a hopeful intended family. Those who go through the surrogacy process get a unique experience that very few people ever get. Although OK surrogacy is a wonderful thing, it’s not without its challenges. Surrogacy is not an easy journey, and those who complete it are truly special. If you’re new to surrogacy, it’s important to understand and prepare for the ups and downs.
Although we can’t make your surrogacy experience completely perfect, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is here to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We provide surrogate mothers with the support they need to get the most out of their surrogacy experience. We’ll connect you with the professionals necessary to complete your surrogacy journey, including doctors, legal support, and more. We even assure you are taken care of postpartum and can heal properly. Surrogacy is not something you should go through alone, and we’re always on your side.
Surrogacy has a lot of benefits for gestational surrogates, but there is a lot to consider before starting the process of becoming a surrogate. Surrogacy isn’t an easy decision to make, and you should take your time to consider all sides.
Medical Challenges of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is a medical journey, so to speak. Before you can even be considered for surrogacy, you have to go through a myriad of medical screenings and exams. It’s crucial that you are healthy and capable of carrying a baby to term without any extreme risks of complications. If you have a history of health issues or anything concerning comes up in the pre-qualifying exams, you could be disqualified from becoming a surrogate.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Challenges: IVF is a safe and effective artificial insemination process, not much different in practice than a normal pap smear. However, complications can arise and cause challenges. The risk of multiple fetuses is higher in IVF pregnancies because more than one embryo is transferred to the uterus. This can cause more pregnancy issues and a greater risk of early labor and low birth weight. In these cases, selective reduction may be a necessary step.
IVF Medications and More: before the actual IVF procedure, you will be put on a set of medications and injections, some of which you’ll continue after the embryo transfer. These range of a variety of pills and will most likely include shots you have to administer yourself. Some surrogates find it challenging to stick a needle in their own stomach and have to recruit a spouse or partner to do it for them. These medications and injections are all necessary to ensure the embryo will attach on the first try.
Pregnancy Challenges: Pregnancy always comes with inherent risks, even when you’ve had one or more healthy pregnancies. You can expect the usual morning sickness, back pain, sudden ice cream deficiency, and more common pregnancy side effects. Even if you’ve already had other pregnancies, that doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear from issues that could come up during pregnancy or labor. Contrary to myths, pregnancies using IVF do not inherently lead to more pregnancy or birth complications. There are risks of miscarriage and birth defects, even with the most perfect circumstances. Being ready and preparing yourself for those challenges are important as a surrogate mother.
Emotional Challenges of Surrogacy:
Emotional challenges will come with the territory, and pregnancy hormones don’t exactly help. Carrying a baby for nine months will almost certainly create an emotional bond of some sort, which can be difficult to let go of at the end. Some surrogates say giving the child over to the intended parents was easy, but that won’t be the case for everyone, especially first-time surrogates. There is absolutely a lot of joy and happiness in surrogacy, but there is also sorrow, pain, and heartache.
Are the Challenges or Surrogacy Worth it?
The only person who can decide if surrogacy is right for you is you. Everyone will have their own pro-con list with surrogacy. Part of what makes surrogates amazing is their ability to take the good and the bad for what they are and accept them as part of the journey. It’s not easy, and sometimes it might really suck, but for those who complete the Oklahoma surrogacy process, come out the other side with a sense of pride and palpable positive change in themselves. Surrogacy is not for everyone, but for those who are up to the job, intended parents are endlessly grateful.
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email
Meet the Author: Michelle Brugioni is a practiced, well-versed college-educated writer and avid coffee drinker. She has ten years of experience as a freelance writer and has written for an alarmingly wide range of clients and publications. She has written on topics like: life science, biopharmaceutical company acquisitions, dealing with anxiety, and creative drinking games.
As a fearless writer and masterful researcher, each time Michelle is approached with the question, “Can you write this?” she responds confidently with, “When do you need it?”
