Table 1.
Stages of surrogacy preconception and possible disruptions (Source: Author’s Research)
| Process of surrogacy: preconception | Labour involved for the surrogates | Possible reproductive disruptions |
|---|---|---|
| Screening of surrogate (and donors) | Frequent visits to clinics for ultrasonography (vaginal and abdominal) and blood tests, hormonal shots & medicines | Need for re-matching |
| Hormonal stimulations | ||
| Intended parents & surrogate (& donor) matching | ||
| Ovum pickup &/or sperm collection (if needed) | ||
| Fertilisation & incubation | ||
| Embryo freezing (usually) | ||
| Signing of contract | ||
| Embryo transfer | Embodiment of embryo, movement restrictions, hormonal shots | |
| Waiting period | Embodiment of embryo, movement restrictions, hormonal shots | |
| Pregnancy test (betaHCG) | Blood test followed by abdominal ultrasonography | Missed conceptions, chemical pregnancies |