What to Expect When Your Surrogate is Expecting
What to Expect: A Month-by-Month Guide to Your Surrogate’s Pregnancy
The surrogacy journey is an exciting and emotional time for intended parents. While your surrogate is carrying your baby, you may wonder how you can stay involved, what milestones to look forward to, and how best to support her along the way. This month-by-month guide will help you navigate the journey from transfer to delivery, ensuring you feel connected every step of the way.
Month 1-2: The Early Stages
Key Milestones:
Embryo Transfer: This is the big moment when the carefully selected embryo is transferred to your surrogate’s uterus.
The Two-Week Wait: After the transfer, there's a waiting period before a pregnancy test can confirm success.
Beta Testing: A series of blood tests measure hCG levels to confirm and track the pregnancy’s progression.
First Ultrasound: Around 6-7 weeks, an ultrasound confirms heartbeat(s) and viability.
How to Stay Involved:
Send your surrogate encouraging messages to show support.
Ask to join ultrasound appointments via Zoom or FaceTime if distance is a factor.
Celebrate the positive beta test and heartbeat confirmation together!
Month 3-4: The First Trimester
Key Milestones:
The "Graduation" from the Fertility Clinic: Once the pregnancy progresses well, your surrogate transitions to her OB.
Nausea and Fatigue: Your surrogate may experience morning sickness and exhaustion.
Genetic Testing & NT Scan: Non-invasive prenatal tests can screen for genetic conditions.
How to Stay Involved:
Send small care packages to support your surrogate during morning sickness.
Discuss genetic testing preferences and decisions together.
Begin researching baby names and preparing for the next stage!
Month 5-6: The Second Trimester
Key Milestones:
The Anatomy Scan (20 Weeks): This detailed ultrasound checks for proper development and may reveal the baby’s gender!
Feeling Baby’s Movements: Your surrogate may begin feeling kicks around 18-22 weeks.
Increased Energy Levels: Many women feel more energetic in the second trimester.
How to Stay Involved:
Join the anatomy scan appointment virtually or in person if possible.
Start setting up the nursery and preparing for baby’s arrival.
Consider recording a message or song for the baby to play through BellyBuds.
Month 7-8: The Third Trimester Begins
Key Milestones:
Viability & Baby's Growth: By 28 weeks, the baby has a strong chance of survival if born early.
Glucose Screening: Your surrogate will undergo tests for gestational diabetes.
Birth Plan Discussions: It’s time to finalize delivery preferences with the surrogate and medical team.
How to Stay Involved:
Work with your surrogate to outline a birth plan that respects everyone’s wishes.
Pack your hospital bag and finalize travel plans if you’re from out of town.
Discuss postpartum preferences, such as skin-to-skin contact and feeding plans.
Month 9: The Final Stretch
Key Milestones:
Weekly Doctor’s Visits: These monitor the baby’s position, growth, and your surrogate’s health.
Birth Plan Confirmations: Hospitals may require paperwork in advance for intended parents.
Labor Signs: Contractions, dilation, and other indicators signal that delivery is near!
How to Stay Involved:
Stay in close contact with your surrogate and agency for real-time updates.
Arrange accommodations near the hospital if necessary.
Prepare for the big day emotionally and logistically!
Delivery & Beyond: Welcoming Your Baby!
Key Milestones:
Birth Day! Your little one arrives, and you finally get to hold them in your arms.
Hospital Stay & Paperwork: Ensure all legal documents are in place to establish parentage.
Bonding Time: Skin-to-skin contact and the first feeding are precious moments.
How to Stay Involved:
Show appreciation to your surrogate for her incredible gift.
Take plenty of photos and videos to document the special day.
Enjoy every moment with your new baby!
Final Thoughts
The surrogacy journey is an incredible experience filled with milestones, emotions, and deep connections. While the wait can be challenging, staying involved and informed helps create a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Remember, this is not just about bringing a baby into the world—it’s about the love, trust, and dedication shared between you, your surrogate, and your growing family.
Are you currently on your surrogacy journey? How have you stayed engaged during the process? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #SurrogacyJourney #AwaitSurrogacy #IntendedParents #SurrogacySupport
