Dictionary - Expect Miracles Surrogacy

Surrogacy Dictionary: Every Term, Explained

From A to Z, simple definitions for complex journeys.

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Z

A

Assisted Hatching

Technique to aid embryo implantation.

Antral Follicle Count (AFC)

A measure of ovarian reserve.

Anonymous Donation

Donor identity kept confidential.

Altruistic Surrogacy

Surrogacy without financial compensation.

Agency

An organization connecting Intended Parents and Surrogates.

Blastocyst

A 5–6 day old embryo.

Beta hCG

Hormone confirming early pregnancy.

Cycle Monitoring

Tracking fertility treatments.

Cryopreservation

Freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos.

Compensation (Surrogacy)

Payment to surrogate for her role.

Closed Adoption/Surrogacy

No contact between surrogate and IP.

Carrier (Gestational)

A woman carrying a pregnancy for others.

Due Date

Estimated birth date.

Doula

Birth support professional.

Donor Sperm

Sperm used from a donor.

Donor Embryo

Embryos donated by another couple.

Donor Egg

Egg from another woman used in IVF.

Estradiol (E2)

Hormone important for IVF cycles.

Endometriosis

Uterine tissue outside uterus.

Endometrial Lining

Uterine lining for implantation.

Embryo Transfer

Placement of embryo in uterus.

Embryo Grading

Rating embryo quality.

Embryo Adoption

Adopting frozen embryos.

Fresh Embryo Transfer

Transfer of newly created embryo.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

Hormone that regulates ovaries.

Follicle

Structure holding immature egg.

FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer)

Transfer of thawed embryo.

Fertility Specialist

Doctor for reproductive medicine.

Fertility Preservation

Saving eggs/sperm for future use.

Gonadotropins

Fertility medications.

GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone)

Hormone controlling fertility cycle.

Genetic Counseling

Guidance about genetic risks.

Gestational Surrogacy

Surrogacy using IVF embryos.

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes developed during pregnancy.

Gestational Carrier (GC)

A woman carrying a pregnancy for others.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

X-ray test of uterus and tubes.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

Hormone confirming pregnancy.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Fertility treatment creating embryos in lab.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Fertility treatment placing sperm in uterus.

Intended Parent(s) (IP)

Person(s) seeking to have a child through surrogacy.

Informed Consent

Agreement after full disclosure.

Implantation

Embryo attaching to uterus lining.

IM (Intramuscular) Injections

Fertility medication delivery method.

Journey (Surrogacy Journey)

Step-by-step path in surrogacy.

L

Luteal Phase Support

Hormonal support after embryo transfer.

Lifestyle Requirements (for Surrogates)

Health and behavior expectations.

Life Insurance (for Surrogates)

Financial protection policy.

Licensed Agency

State-recognized surrogacy agency.

Level II Ultrasound

Advanced pregnancy scan.

Legal Parentage

Recognition of Intended Parents as legal parents.

Multiple Pregnancy

Twin or higher-order pregnancy.

Mock Cycle

Trial run of IVF medications.

Miscarriage

Pregnancy loss.

Medication Protocol

IVF treatment schedule.

Medical Screening

Health testing before approval.

Matching (Match Process)

Pairing surrogates with IPs.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Special care unit for newborns.

National Network of Surrogates™

EMS concept of a pre-screened network.

Ovarian Stimulation

Hormone treatment to produce multiple eggs.

Ovarian Reserve

Measure of egg supply.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Risk of excessive response to hormones.

Oocyte Retrieval (Egg Retrieval)

IVF procedure to collect eggs.

Oocyte (Egg)

Female reproductive cell.

OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist)

Doctor specializing in women’s health.

Psychological Support

Emotional care during journey.

Psychological Evaluation

Mental health assessment.

Progesterone

Hormone supporting early pregnancy.

Prenatal Care

Medical care during pregnancy.

Pre-Birth Order (PBO)

Legal parentage order before birth.

Post-Birth Order (PBO)

Legal parentage order after birth.

R

Risks in Surrogacy

Potential medical and legal risks.

Retroverted Uterus

Uterus tilted backward.

Reproductive Law Attorney

Legal expert in surrogacy law.

Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE)

Fertility specialist.

Support Coordinator

Agency staff helping during journey.

Surrogate Screening

Evaluation before approval.

Surrogate Compensation

Financial payment to surrogates.

Surrogate (Gestational Carrier)

Woman carrying a pregnancy for others.

Surrogacy Matching

Pairing IPs with surrogates.

Surrogacy Journal

Educational/news hub for surrogates.

Transfer (Embryo Transfer)

IVF procedure placing embryo in uterus.

Uterus (Womb)

Organ where baby develops.

Umbilical Cord

Ultrasound

Imaging to track pregnancy.

Virology Screening

Infection testing for IVF/surrogacy.

Vitamin Support

Supplements during pregnancy.

Viability Scan

Early ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.

Womb

Another term for uterus.

Wellness Checks

Ongoing surrogate health monitoring.

Y

Z

Zygote

Fertilized egg cell.

ZIFT (Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer)

Fertility technique similar to IVF.