Surrogacy
If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant, surrogacy may be an option. This special arrangement allows for another woman to carry your baby in her uterus to term.
There are two types of surrogates, traditional surrogates, and gestational surrogates
With a traditional surrogacy, the father’s sperm inseminates the egg of the surrogate. With a gestational surrogate, your egg is fertilized and placed in the surrogate’s uterus.
The fertility experts at Columbia Fertility Associates offer gestational surrogacy, which is referred to as a gestational carrier.
Surrogacy Q & A
What is a Gestational Carrier?
A gestational carrier uses your egg and partner’s sperm, or a donor if needed, to create an embryo, which is then implanted into the uterus of a surrogate through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
In addition to implantation, the team at Columbia Fertility Associates also assists in the process by screening your gestational carrier and assessing her health to ensure a successful pregnancy. The team also monitors the surrogate after implantation until she’s released to your OB/GYN for continued care.
How Do I Know if I Need a Surrogate?
When it comes to having a child, surrogacy may not be an easy decision, and the team at Columbia Fertility Associates can help you decide if it’s the best choice for you.
You may consider surrogacy if:
- You have a health condition that affects your uterus
- You’ve had a hysterectomy
- You have a health condition that makes pregnancy unsafe for you
Surrogacy may also be a consideration if you don’t qualify for adoption due to age or marital status, or if you’re a gay couple who wants to add a child to their family.
How Do I Find a Surrogate?
When it comes to finding a surrogate, you may first want to start by asking a close friend or family member. Surrogacy agencies are also available, and the team at Columbia Fertility Associates can provide you with names of partner organizations who help you find a surrogate.
As experts in fertility, the team at Columbia Fertility Associates offers a number of options to help you have a baby, including surrogacy and gestational carriers. To learn more about this program, call the nearest office or schedule an appointment using the online booking feature.