1)Can I become a surrogate if I have never given birth?
Unfortunately not, at Ova the Rainbow, Inc., we require that our surrogates have at least one natural born child.
2)What kind of screening or tests will I need to take?
You will be required to have a physical exam, cultures, blood tests, and a psychological screening which may include a written test.
3)Will my spouse or partner be asked to take tests?
Yes, if you have a spouse or partner, he/she will be asked to submit to blood tests, cultures, and a psychological consultation.
4)May I become a surrogate if I am not married?
Yes.
5)May I become a surrogate without my spouse or partners support or consent? No, your spouse or partner must know of your intentions and be willing to support your efforts to become a surrogate.
6)How long does it take for me to be matched with a prospective parent?
Ova the Rainbow, Inc. matches surrogates within one month. If we do not have a prospective parent who meets your requirements, we will refer you to another reputable agency that does.
You , as a surrogate, will not be on a waiting list at Ova the Rainbow, Inc.
7)Will I meet the prospective parent/s?
Yes, you will meet the prospective parents before you agree to work together.
8)What type of surrogacy requires injections?
Gestational surrogacy.
9)How many injections will I be required to take?
That can be variable depending on which fertility specialists you are working with. Be prepared to undergo approximately 120 injections.
10)Which type of surrogacy uses artificial insemination?
Traditional or Classical surrogacy. This requires your ability to make a genetic contribution or in simple terms, you will provide the egg.
11)Why does a prospective parent need my help?
Two main categories:
1-There are several reasons why a surrogate may be asked to help another woman.
Many reasons involve the prospective mothers inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. She may have a history of illness or multiple miscarriages. The prospective mother may not have a functioning uterus or may have been exposed to DES. At Ova the Rainbow Inc., we only offer surrogates to women who have legitimate medical reasons for not carrying their own pregnancies.
2-The prospective parent may be a single man or a male couple who would like to become parents.
12)How long does the gestational surrogate's transfer cycle take?
Approximately 6-10 weeks depending on the egg donor's or intended mother's cycle, and the fertility specialists protocol.
13)How long does it take for a traditional surrogate to begin inseminations?
As soon as contracts are signed. You may begin inseminations shortly thereafter depending on your natural cycle. You may undergo inseminations each month when you ovulate until a pregnancy is achieved.
14)What happens during the cycle month and embryo transfer?
First, the surrogate and egg donor/intended mother are both started on birth control pills then each is asked to begin an injectible medication called Lupron. This enables the fertility specialist to coordinate both women's cycles. Soon after the surrogate begins Lupron she will have a period.
After which the surrogate will begin an estrogen supplement usually it is an injection given twice weekly but can also be offered in pill form or patches depending on which fertility specialist is used. The estrogen helps build a nice uterine lining in preparation for the embryo transfer. A few days prior to the embryo transfer the surrogate will begin daily progesterone injections, vaginal gel, or oral supplements. These help her body maintain a pregnancy if the transfer is successful until her natural progesterone kicks in.
The embryo transfer procedure is simple, painless, and only takes a few minutes. It is much like a pelvic exam or pap smear. The fertility specialist will insert a speculum into her vagina, slightly dilate her cervix, and insert a thin catheter into her uterus. The doctor will then transfer the embryos into the surrogate's uterus. The catheter is removed and given to an embryologist to confirm that all embryos were transferred. At this point, the speculum is removed and the surrogate is asked to rest for approximately 1 hour before leaving the fertility clinic. She is usually ordered to have 24 hours of strict bedrest followed by up to 3 days of limited bedrest. This is variable depending on which fertility specialist you are working with. A pregnancy blood test is given 10-12 days after the embryo transfer. If the surrogate is pregnant, she will continue all medications as directed by the fertility specialist.
15)What expenses will be covered?
Travel, childcare, and lost wages. You receive a monthly non-accountable expense allowance of $150.00. If your expenses exceed the allowance, you will be required to submit expense forms with original receipts to Ova the Rainbow, Inc. to be reimbursed or paid for expenses such as lost wages, mileage, or childcare.
16)How much is the surrogate's fee?
Our first time surrogate fee is $20,000. Experienced "proven" surrogates may request a higher fee at their discretion.
17)How is the surrogacy fee disbursed?
Ova the Rainbow, Inc. disburses surrogate's fees in installments beginning on the first day of the 8th week of gestation. The surrogate will receive an installment every four weeks throughout the pregnancy with a final installment given after the delivery. If you have more specific questions you are urged to contact us.
If your questions are not answered here please contact us
