Surrogacy Dictionary

A surrogacy agency manages the process of matching Intended Parents (IPs) with Surrogates, coordinating medical, legal, and emotional support throughout the surrogacy journey.

A surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate mother receives no financial reward beyond reimbursement of medical and pregnancy-related expenses. Common in countries with restrictive surrogacy laws.

A type of egg, sperm, or embryo donation where the donor’s identity is not revealed to the Intended Parents or resulting child. Clinics handle all matching and medical arrangements.

A fertility test using ultrasound to count the small follicles in the ovaries at the start of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Helps predict IVF response and egg retrieval outcomes.

A laboratory procedure where the embryo’s outer shell (zona pellucida) is gently thinned or opened to improve chances of implantation during IVF.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is measured in the blood after embryo transfer. Rising levels indicate pregnancy and are an early milestone in surrogacy and IVF cycles.

A fertilized egg that has developed for 5–6 days in the lab before transfer to the uterus. Blastocyst-stage transfer often increases chances of successful implantation.

A gestational carrier (surrogate) carries a baby created through IVF for Intended Parents. She has no genetic link to the child since the embryo is created from IPs’ or donors’ gametes.

A process where the Intended Parents and surrogate maintain no personal contact after the pregnancy is complete. Rare in modern surrogacy, but still referenced in legal contexts.

The agreed-upon financial payment made to the surrogate for time, effort, and risks associated with pregnancy. Covers base fee and additional reimbursements (maternity clothes, travel, etc.).

A medical process that preserves reproductive cells or embryos at very low temperatures for future use in IVF or surrogacy cycles.

The process of monitoring hormone levels, follicle growth, and uterine lining during IVF cycles. Critical for timing egg retrieval and embryo transfer.

Eggs retrieved from a donor are fertilized with sperm to create embryos for Intended Parents. Common when the intended mother has poor ovarian reserve or genetic conditions.

Leftover embryos from previous IVF cycles that are donated to other families for use in surrogacy or fertility treatment.

Sperm from a donor (anonymous or known) is used for fertilization in IVF, IUI, or surrogacy processes when the intended father cannot provide viable sperm.

A trained companion who supports a surrogate or intended mother during labor and delivery, focusing on physical and emotional well-being rather than medical procedures.

Calculated date (usually 40 weeks from last menstrual period or embryo transfer) that helps surrogates, parents, and doctors track pregnancy progress.

A fertilized egg that has divided into multiple cells. In IVF, embryos are cultured in the lab for 3–6 days before being transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.

A process where leftover embryos from one family’s IVF cycle are given to another couple to attempt pregnancy, sometimes with legal adoption frameworks.

Embryologists grade embryos based on cell structure, growth, and symmetry to select the best ones for transfer in IVF.

A key IVF step where a selected embryo is transferred into the uterus of the surrogate or intended mother for implantation.

The inner layer of the uterus that thickens to support embryo implantation. Doctors measure thickness during IVF cycles.

A medical condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing infertility and requiring advanced fertility treatments.

A form of estrogen hormone measured during IVF to track ovarian stimulation and follicle growth.

IVF process where previously frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into the surrogate or intended mother’s uterus.

A specialized medical center providing services like IVF, ICSI, IUI, egg/sperm donation, surrogacy coordination, and genetic testing.

Freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos for later attempts at pregnancy, often before cancer treatments or elective reasons.

A reproductive endocrinologist or specialist trained to diagnose and treat infertility and oversee IVF and surrogacy processes.

Small sacs in the ovaries where eggs develop. Monitored during IVF cycles to time egg retrieval.

A hormone crucial for ovarian function. High levels may indicate diminished ovarian reserve, guiding IVF treatment planning.

IVF step where embryos are transferred immediately after creation (3–6 days) without freezing. Less common today compared to FET.

Eggs from females and sperm from males are gametes. IVF and surrogacy rely on gametes from Intended Parents or donors to create embryos.

An older fertility treatment where eggs and sperm are placed directly into the fallopian tube for fertilization inside the body, less used today compared to IVF.

Professional advice given to Intended Parents and surrogates about inherited conditions, embryo screening, and risks before IVF and surrogacy procedures.

A surrogate who carries a baby conceived using IVF, with no genetic link to the child. She provides a safe womb while IPs or donors provide the genetic material.

A pregnancy-related condition where the surrogate develops high blood sugar, requiring careful monitoring and medical management for her and the baby.

The most common type of surrogacy today. The surrogate carries an embryo created from the gametes of Intended Parents or donors, with no genetic relation to the child.

Hormone responsible for regulating release of LH and FSH. Medications based on GnRH are used during IVF cycles to control ovulation.

Injectable hormones used in IVF cycles to stimulate ovaries to produce multiple eggs for retrieval.

Hormone produced by the placenta after implantation. Blood tests measuring hCG confirm early pregnancy in surrogacy and IVF cycles.

A diagnostic test where dye is inserted into the uterus and fallopian tubes to check for blockages, often performed before IVF.

A specialized IVF technique where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to assist fertilization, often used in cases of male infertility.

Hormonal medications for IVF are often given via intramuscular injections, typically in the buttock or thigh.

The process where the embryo attaches to the endometrium, marking the start of pregnancy. Surrogacy journeys track this as a major milestone.

Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to form embryos, which are then transferred to a surrogate or intended mother’s uterus. The backbone of modern surrogacy.

Surrogates and Intended Parents must provide informed consent to medical and legal procedures, ensuring they understand risks and responsibilities.

Individuals or couples who create embryos via IVF and rely on a surrogate to carry the pregnancy. Central role in all surrogacy arrangements.

A procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus at ovulation, sometimes used before IVF or surrogacy.

The complete process that Intended Parents and surrogates follow: from initial consultation, screening, matching, legal contracts, embryo transfer, pregnancy, to delivery.

Binding contracts signed between Intended Parents and surrogates, detailing compensation, rights, medical responsibilities, and legal parentage.

A legal process through court orders (Pre-Birth or Post-Birth Orders) ensuring Intended Parents’ names appear on the child’s birth certificate.

A detailed ultrasound typically done mid-pregnancy to check fetal anatomy and development, often shared with Intended Parents as a milestone.

Surrogacy agencies that meet state requirements for licensing, ensuring compliance with medical, ethical, and legal standards.

Surrogacy agreements often include life insurance for the surrogate, ensuring her family is financially supported in case of complications.

Surrogates agree to avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs, and follow healthy diet/exercise guidelines during pregnancy.

IVF protocols include progesterone medications to support the uterine lining and improve chances of embryo implantation.

The structured process where agencies connect surrogates and Intended Parents based on preferences, legal requirements, medical compatibility, and personal values.

Surrogates undergo thorough medical evaluations (bloodwork, ultrasounds, infectious disease screening) to ensure readiness for pregnancy.

A timeline of fertility medications (hormones, injections) given to prepare a surrogate’s body for embryo transfer and support pregnancy.

A common risk in early pregnancy where the embryo fails to continue developing. Agencies provide emotional support and medical options after loss.

A test cycle given to surrogates to see how their body responds to hormones before actual embryo transfer.

When a surrogate carries more than one fetus. Often reduced risk protocols limit embryo transfers to minimize multiples.

A unique agency model where surrogates from multiple states are vetted, trained, and ready to match with Intended Parents nationwide.

A hospital unit where premature or medically fragile babies may be cared for after birth, a consideration in surrogacy contracts.

Surrogates and Intended Parents work closely with OB/GYNs during pregnancy, especially for prenatal monitoring and delivery.

An egg cell retrieved from ovaries for fertilization in IVF, either from the Intended Mother or an egg donor.

A minor surgical procedure performed under anesthesia to remove eggs from the ovaries for IVF.

A potential side effect of fertility drugs where ovaries become swollen and painful. Careful monitoring reduces this risk.

A fertility measure based on hormone levels and ultrasound that helps determine how many viable eggs a woman has.

IVF step where medications encourage the ovaries to produce more eggs for retrieval.

A lab test performed on embryos during IVF to check for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic conditions before transfer.

Established through surrogacy contracts and court orders, ensuring Intended Parents are recognized as the legal parents of the child.

A temporary organ formed during pregnancy that provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus while removing waste products.

A court-issued order that grants Intended Parents legal parentage after the baby is delivered.

A court-issued order granting Intended Parents legal parentage before delivery, available in surrogacy-friendly states.

Routine checkups, ultrasounds, and lab tests provided to surrogates to monitor the health of both the baby and the surrogate.

Essential hormone administered during IVF to help maintain the uterine lining and support embryo implantation.

Surrogates and Intended Parents undergo counseling to confirm emotional readiness for surrogacy.

Ongoing counseling services provided to surrogates and IPs to navigate stress, expectations, and bonding throughout the process.

A doctor trained in reproductive medicine and infertility who oversees IVF, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and surrogacy-related care.

A lawyer specializing in surrogacy, contracts, parental rights, and state-specific regulations.

A common anatomical variation that may be detected in medical screenings but usually doesn’t prevent pregnancy.

Includes miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, legal disputes, and emotional stress — all outlined in contracts and explained in counseling.

When only one embryo implants and develops, reducing medical risks compared to multiple pregnancies.

Sperm from a donor, screened for health and genetics, used to fertilize eggs for IVF in surrogacy arrangements.

A rare but tragic outcome; agencies ensure surrogates and Intended Parents have emotional and medical support if this occurs.

Hormones given during IVF to produce multiple eggs for retrieval and fertilization.

Assigned to guide surrogates and IPs through medical, emotional, and legal steps, ensuring smooth communication.

A legal document outlining rights, responsibilities, compensation, and terms of the surrogacy journey.

A platform where surrogates can read news, stories, and updates related to surrogacy, often used for community engagement.

The process by which agencies evaluate compatibility and connect Intended Parents with surrogates.

States with laws supportive of surrogacy arrangements, such as California, Illinois, and Nevada, where legal parentage is easier to secure.

A surrogate undergoes IVF and carries a child with no genetic link, providing a safe and nurturing pregnancy for Intended Parents.

Includes base compensation, allowances, medical coverage, and other benefits agreed upon in the surrogacy contract.

Involves psychological, medical, and background checks to confirm a surrogate is suitable for the process.

A critical IVF step where embryos are inserted into the surrogate’s uterus to begin pregnancy.

Used throughout pregnancy to monitor fetal development, confirm implantation, and share milestones with Intended Parents.

Provides nutrients and oxygen from the surrogate’s bloodstream to the developing baby.

Muscular organ in the female body where pregnancy takes place, central to surrogacy and IVF processes.

An ultrasound (usually around 6–8 weeks) to check if the embryo has implanted successfully and to detect a heartbeat.

Screening of donors, surrogates, and Intended Parents for HIV, hepatitis, and other infections as part of medical clearance.

Surrogates are advised to take prenatal vitamins, folic acid, and other supplements to support a healthy pregnancy.

Regular medical checkups and reports during pregnancy to ensure surrogate and baby’s wellbeing.

The organ in the surrogate’s body where the baby grows throughout the pregnancy.

An older method where fertilized embryos (zygotes) are placed in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. Rarely used today.

The single cell formed when sperm fertilizes an egg, marking the very first stage of human development before becoming an embryo.