How Surrogate Works
Surrogacy is a modern way to help people become parents when pregnancy is not possible or safe for them. It may sound complicated at first, but the entire process is well-organized, guided by doctors, and built on trust. Understanding how surrogate works helps families feel more confident and comfortable as they begin this special journey.
If you prefer reading this topic in Hindi, you can explore our Hindi article here: सरोगेसी प्रक्रिया क्या है?
Understanding What Surrogacy Means
Surrogacy is an arrangement in which a woman—known as a surrogate mother—agrees to carry and deliver a baby on behalf of intended parents. These intended parents may be individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves.
Unlike traditional pregnancy, surrogacy typically uses medical assistance through IVF. In most cases, the surrogate does not use her own egg. Instead, doctors create an embryo using:
- The intended mother’s egg and intended father’s sperm, or
- Donor egg and/or donor sperm.
This embryo is then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. When the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child, this method is known as gestational surrogacy, which is the most commonly practiced form today because it is medically safer and legally clearer for all parties.
Who Can Benefit From Surrogacy?
Surrogacy helps a wide range of people who cannot carry a pregnancy on their own. It is often recommended for:
- Women unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical issues such as heart disease, uterine abnormalities, or severe hormonal disorders.
- Women without a uterus, either from birth or due to surgery.
- Women with repeated IVF failures, where embryo implantation does not occur naturally.
- Individuals with high-risk medical conditions, where pregnancy may endanger their life.
- Same-sex male couples, who require a surrogate to carry their biological child.
- Single men who wish to become parents through assisted reproductive technology.
For these families, surrogacy becomes not just an option but a life-changing possibility
Types of Surrogacy Used in Modern IVF
Gestational Surrogacy
In this method, the surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF. She does not contribute her own egg, meaning she has no biological connection to the baby. This method is medically and legally straightforward, making it the preferred form of surrogacy worldwide.
Traditional Surrogacy
Here, the surrogate uses her own egg, making her genetically related to the baby. Fertilization is often done through artificial insemination. Due to emotional, ethical, and legal complications, traditional surrogacy is rarely practiced and is restricted in many countries.
How Surrogate Works From Start to Finish
Medical Steps in the Surrogacy Process
- Screening and Tests:
Both the surrogate and intended parents undergo medical evaluations to ensure suitability for the process. - IVF to Create Embryos:
Eggs and sperm are fertilized in a lab to create embryos. - Preparing the Surrogate’s Uterus:
Hormonal medications help thicken the uterine lining to support embryo implantation - Embryo Transfer:
A selected healthy embryo is gently placed into the surrogate’s uterus. - Pregnancy Monitoring:
Regular scans, checkups, and medical supervision continue throughout pregnancy. - Delivery:
The baby is delivered safely under medical care and handed to the intended parents.
Emotional and Supportive Stages of the Journey
Surrogacy involves emotional cooperation and understanding.
- Surrogates receive counseling to prepare mentally.
- Intended parents are guided throughout the process.
- Healthy communication builds trust and support between both parties.
Legal Protection and Agreements in Surrogacy
Surrogacy requires legal agreements outlining:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Medical decisions
- Parental rights
- Baby handover
These documents ensure that the process is transparent, safe, and conflict-free.
How IVF Creates Embryos for Surrogacy
The IVF procedure includes several stages:
- Egg stimulation: Medicines help mature multiple eggs.
- Egg retrieval: Eggs are collected from the ovaries safely.
- Sperm collection: Performed from the intended father or a donor.
- Fertilization: Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab.
- Embryo growth: Embryos develop for 3–5 days.
- Embryo selection: The healthiest embryo is chosen for transfer.
This advanced process ensures the best possible chances of pregnancy.
Book a consultation at Lifeline IVF Panvel to understand how surrogate works and explore safe, legal surrogacy options.
Preparing the Surrogate for Embryo Transfer
The surrogate undergoes:
- Hormonal treatments
- Ultrasounds
- Blood test
- Uterine lining preparation
A well-prepared uterus increases the chance that the embryo will implant successfully.
Pregnancy Care and Monitoring in the Surrogacy Journey
Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives:
- Regular ultrasound scans
- Routine health checkups
- Nutrition and lifestyle guidance
- Emotional support
Intended parents often stay in touch and participate in important appointments.
Delivery Day: What Happens When the Baby Arrives
On delivery day:
- Doctors ensure a safe childbirth
- The newborn is handed to the intended parents
- Legal formalities are completed
- The surrogate receives proper recovery care
This emotional moment marks the completion of the surrogacy journey.
Why the Surrogate Process Works for Many Families
Surrogacy is successful because it:
- Allows genetic connection
- Eliminates pregnancy risks for intended mothers
- Provides high IVF success rates
- Supports same-sex couples and single parents
- Ensures medical experts guide each step
Is Surrogacy Safe? Understanding Health and Risks
Safety is maintained through:
- Strict medical screening
- Controlled IVF techniques
- Regular monitoring
- Professional pregnancy care
These steps make surrogacy a reliable and safe reproductive choice.
How Surrogate Works in India Under Legal Guidelines
India regulates surrogacy strictly:
- Only altruistic surrogacy is allowed
- Surrogate must have her own child
- She cannot be paid commercially
- Legal agreements are compulsory
- Procedures must be done in registered clinics
These rules ensure ethical and safe practices.
Emotional Connections Built Through Surrogacy
Surrogacy creates bonds of:
- Respect
- Trust
- Gratitude
- Shared purpose
It is a journey that brings deep emotional meaning to both surrogate and intended parents.
Cost Factors Involved in Surrogacy Treatment
Surrogacy costs vary depending on:
- IVF procedures
- Medications
- Medical monitoring
- Pregnancy care
- Delivery charges
- Legal documentation
Costs change based on individual medical needs.
Common Myths About Surrogacy and the Truth Behind Them
Myth: The surrogate is the baby’s mother.
Truth: In gestational surrogacy, she is not biologically related.
Myth: Surrogacy is unsafe.
Truth: Proper medical and legal steps ensure safety.
Myth: Surrogacy is too complicated.
Truth: When managed by professionals, it follows a clear process.
Why Choose Lifeline IVF Panvel for Surrogacy Treatment?
Lifeline IVF Panvel is a trusted fertility centre known for ethical, transparent, and patient-focused surrogacy care. The clinic follows all Indian legal guidelines while offering advanced IVF technology and personalised treatment plans. Experienced fertility specialists closely monitor every stage—from medical screening and IVF to pregnancy care and delivery. Clear communication, emotional counselling, strict surrogate screening, and modern lab facilities help ensure safety, comfort, and higher success rates for intended parents and surrogates alike.
Conclusion
Surrogacy offers a compassionate, structured, and medically supported way for individuals and couples to build a family. By understanding how surrogate works, parents can confidently begin this hopeful journey. Surrogacy continues to bring joy and fulfillment to families across the world.
FAQs
How surrogate works in simple terms?
A surrogate carries a baby created through IVF for intended parents and hands over the baby after birth.
Is the surrogate genetically related to the baby?
No. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby.
Is surrogacy legal in India?
Yes, altruistic surrogacy is legal under strict medical and legal guidelines.
How long does the surrogacy process take?
Usually between 12 to 18 months, including IVF, pregnancy, and delivery.
Is surrogacy safe for the surrogate?
Yes, with proper medical screening, monitoring, and professional care, surrogacy is considered safe.
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