holiday travel

Is Holiday Travel Safe?

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With the lingering pandemic, surrogacy contracts, and the overall stress of travel, is it safe to travel this holiday season while you’re pregnant?

In the past, traveling was basically fine for healthy pregnant women without complications but everything is a bit different now. If you are planning a trip as a surrogate, always make sure you notify your intended parents and most importantly your doctor, to get the green light. You can discuss whether or not your travel is essential or if it’s safer to put it off in order to minimize any health risks.

Of course, the best time to travel is in the second trimester between the 14th and 28th week. This time is often the best because your energy is back, morning sickness (if any) is virtually gone and you can still get around easily. After the second trimester, it tends to become more difficult to move around or sit for long periods of time.

If you are free and clear to travel and thinking about a road trip, consider this:

  • When taking a car trip, keep in mind the shortest route is often the best route.
  • Wear your seat belt at all times. The belt should sit low on your hip bones, below your belly.
  • Plan to make frequent stops. Use these stops to move around and stretch your legs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, and clothing that is not too tight.
  • Wear a few layers of light clothing that can easily be added or removed.
  • Eat regular meals to boost your energy.
  • Drink extra fluids. Take water with you. You may need to take more restroom breaks—don’t hold it too long.

If you have spoken to your doctor and have the green light to board a plane, consider these tips:

  • Avoid “high touch” areas like escalator railings, elevator buttons or door handles.
  • Wipe down surfaces during your trip like plane armrests and tray tables.
  • Use hand sanitizer and use it after touching common surfaces.
  • Avoid touching your face to decrease risk of contracting any virus.
  • Choose a window seat – there is lesser chance of catching the virus, even if you have to ask the two people next to you to get up so you can use the bathroom!

For more information, visit the COVID-19 travel website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. You also can read about COVID-19 and pregnancy at www.acog.org/COVID-pregnancy.

Shared Conception wishes you safe travels and a wonderful holiday season! If you are interested in surrogacy and helping creating a family, give us a call. It’s the best gift you can give this year! Or visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information!

What to call your surrogate

What to Call Your Surrogate

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There is no official name to call your surrogate after the birth of your baby. Phrases like, “friend of the family” barely scratch the surface. Someone who was once a stranger, has changed your life in the best way possible and now has a special place in your heart. But how did that happen? And for those who are looking into surrogacy, how does it happen?

Surrogate-intended parent relationships usually blossom as the surrogate’s belly blossoms. Intended parents tend to develop a deep and powerful relationship with their surrogate. By the end of the journey, most intended parents want their surrogate to stay in their life and in the life of their child. Some have a special name for their “tummy mummy.” Even if this is not the case, that is okay too! This article is going to share how parents who have had children through surrogacy develop and maintain a relationship with these incredible women!

The relationship between you and your surrogate tends to grow naturally. After you meet your surrogate and go through the medical and legal procedures and a successful embryo transfer, you get know each other pretty well. There is also a lot more time spent together for the remainder of the journey. There will be a lot of talking and texting about prenatal appointments, checking in and maybe inviting her to the baby shower. Our surrogates have also always loved meeting their intended parents for coffee or lunch!

And remember, as her belly get bigger, it is harder and harder for her to move around. So, dropping off dinner from her favorite restaurant can mean the world to her. It is also important to recognize special moments in her life such as her birthday, or a milestone like a promotion. And, recognition can be as simple as an encouraging and kind note or a simple call or text.

Don’t overthink your relationship; let it happen naturally. After all, a happy pregnant woman is a healthy one too! Shared Conception is always here to help our intended parents if they have questions about anything surrogate-related. If you are considering surrogacy, give us a call today or visit https://sharedconception.com. We would love to hear from you.

Becoming a Gestational Carrier

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If you are a woman who wants to be a gestational carrier (or surrogate), you absolutely need to be willing to do the research to consider what you are getting yourself into.

Surrogacy is a life changing venture. It sounds great in theory, but in practice, it really is a huge undertaking. Women who feel compelled to help couples and individuals, sometimes find themselves compromising themselves out of the goodness of their hearts. Below are some common mistakes to avoid. It’s so important to be true to yourself…that is one of the best gifts you can give to your yourself and the Intended Parent(s)!

Research

It’s important to become well-educated about surrogacy before throwing yourself into the surrogacy process. A lot of your time and emotions will be involved. You will also need to consider the impact a journey will have on your family, health, job and overall lifestyle.

Emotional impact

You will want to consider the emotional impact a surrogate may endure. You cannot forget that you are pregnant, but you have to also understand that your intended parents have faced many hardships from pregnancy and fertility. Their emotions can affect you throughout the pregnancy and you do have to deal with their feelings as well.

Pregnancy is not always easy

Many who choose surrogacy decide on it because they like being pregnant. So, naturally you expect your all your pregnancies to go as well as your previous ones. But, that is not a guarantee. Every pregnancy is different. That is why it is so important to have a support system in place; just in case.

Don’t forget to ask questions! That is the beauty of having an agency such as Shared Conception as part of your support system. Never hesitate to ask! We will make sure you are comfortable every step of the way.

Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way. Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

learn about surrogacy

Be “In the Know” about Surrogacy

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Have you ever considered surrogacy? It is a big decision and a lot of conversations are to be had. When making this decision, it’s not just about you making the amazing decision by yourself to help create a family. It involves your support system like your children, parents, spouses, friends and other family members. It is important that all parties involved understand and are comfortable with the idea, nuances and processes involving surrogacy; not to mention, the wonderful end result of a surrogate birth–a newborn child and an entire family unit being created or enriched.

 

The key to a successful surrogacy from the beginning is education and research. Before mentioning this life-changing decision to anyone in your support system, learn the process yourself. There is usually lots of questions that follow when you tell someone your plans of becoming a surrogate.

 

Make sure you know everything that is expected of you as a gestational carrier, and all it takes to do so, is a no pressure phone call to Shared Conception. In this call you can ask any question imaginable about surrogacy. We have heard them all! We have a knowledgeable staff; many of whom have been surrogates themselves, to answer any and every question you may have. We can even give you our expert advice on how to speak with individual family members about surrogacy.

 

Most surrogacy arrangements conducted through Shared Conception, result in happy endings. With expert guidance and knowledge, our agency will help both the surrogate and the intended parent in ALL aspects of your journey; from the beginning to the end.

 

Making families is an honor and a privilege for those of us who have been touched by surrogacy or infertility. Our surrogacy agency, Shared Conception, is available to all of our precious surrogates to be a guide, shoulder to cry on, voice of reason and supporter; all aimed at the direct goal of happy and healthy journey. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way.

 

Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an information request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

 

designer surrogacy

Surrogacy by Design

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There is a good side and a not so good side to everything in this world. Even with surrogacy. Luckily, surrogacy is growing and has some kind of positive presence in main stream media. Unfortunately, some women have used surrogacy for more reasons than just infertility. This has grown to become labeled “designer surrogacy.” Some women are afraid of pregnancy. For reasons such as gaining weight, fear of what it can do to their body or can’t fit a pregnancy into their lives.

Woman who choose surrogacy for purposes other than infertility, may indeed, be judged. Many believe pregnancy should not be treated as an inconvenience. Many celebrities have been criticized for using a surrogate to prevent stretch marks or interrupting film schedules.

The first United States surrogacy contract was written in 1976, and caused speculation that we would become a divided nation of breeders and then the wealthy who exploit them. Kind of like the popular series, Handmaids Tale. There are some states that allow it, while others ban it altogether. And only in 2012, have there been guidelines issued by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), stating that surrogacy should only be used “when a true medical condition precludes the intended parent from carrying a pregnancy or would pose a significant risk of death or harm to the woman or the fetus. The indication must be clearly documented in the patient’s medical records.” In Texas, there has to be a medical necessity for someone to do surrogacy.

But what is the definition of “medical need?” Surrogacy is appropriate when doctors offer the option to patients who suffer from a medical condition, severe anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. This also includes when a mother would be at high risk for postpartum depression, or has had a difficult previous pregnancy.

As for Shared Conception (a Texas-based surrogacy agency), we have never agreed to work with clients interested in designer surrogacy. We have, however, seen cases where there is a physical or mental reason. Even in cases where the intended mother has to be on certain medications or where the intended mother had a high-risk pregnancy the first time and has been advised not to proceed with another pregnancy. These scenarios do exist and Shared Conception understands and is happy to assist.

Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today or visit sharedconception.com and let’s talk!

 

How CoVid has Changed Surrogacy

How Covid has Changed Surrogacy

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Whether or not you are looking into surrogacy to expand your family, becoming a surrogate or you are already in the middle of a journey, the recent pandemic has changed everything in this world, including surrogacy. It is only natural to have questions about COVID-19 and how it may impact your plans. Here are some common questions and answers about the recent changes.

  1. Has COVID impacted surrogacy schedules? Assisted reproductive treatments, including IVF were put on hold for a couple months and slowly resumed in May in Texas. However, the hold went a bit longer for other states, depending on that state’s restrictions.
  2. Have rates and related-costs for surrogacy changed? COVID-19 has not increased any of our agency-related fees with Shared Conception.
  3. Has there been a shortage of available surrogates? The short answer, yes. Even before the pandemic, there has always a high demand for surrogates. We have not seen a significant change in surrogate availability due of Covid. We try to accommodate and match intended parents as quickly as possible but sometimes need to put some intended parents on a waiting list. This is especially true if there are multiple requests including wanting a surrogate in a specific location, diet or other restriction.
  4. Is there testing for surrogates and the babies they are carrying? There are no mandatory testing requirements for surrogates. Everyone involved, especially our surrogates are concerned about the health and safety of themselves and their families. No one is taking unnecessary risks.
  5. Does Shared Conception have guidelines for what surrogates do and not do in light of Covid? No, Shared Conception does not provide guidelines. The surrogate will follow the guidelines of the fertility clinic and the CDC.
  6. What if my intended parents live outside the country? There are travel bans from certain countries. It has made travel difficult for some of our international clients, but not impossible.

As this situation evolves and we learn more about the virus, we may see different rules or regulations that impact our processes. Shared Conception is devoted to staying on top of all the new rules and regulations and keep our clients and surrogates in the know. To learn more about Shared Conception, and how to become a surrogate or begin to create your family, contact us today or visit www.deliveradream.com  We look forward to speaking with you!

Surrogacy without an Agency?

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If you are contemplating becoming a surrogate, or a repeat surrogate, you may consider doing this without the support of a surrogate agency. You will still need an attorney and fertility clinic to embark on a journey – but, when learning about the matching process, you may wonder whether becoming a surrogate without an agency is possible. While it’s possible to become a surrogate without an agency, it is not the right decision for most people.

It’s always smart to research such a life changing experience, such as surrogacy. In your research between using an agency or becoming an independent surrogate, you find that it may include less costs for the intended parents, more direct involvement on the part of the surrogate, and more control over your process. It’s important to understand that while that may look like a benefit initially, could end up as a disadvantage.

There will be extra roles that you have to play as an independent surrogate. It begins with finding intended parents, coordinating between your attorney, fertility specialist, medical professionals and surrogacy partner to make sure all the necessary steps and precautions are taken care of. This is a lot for anyone to handle, especially when your main focus should be bringing a little one into the world! All of this added stress is handled by an agency so you can proceed through your journey taking care of yourself and that bundle of joy!

Surrogacy is complicated, even for those who have been on a journey previously. Working with an agency, such as Shared Conception can help guarantee a worry free and successful journey. With Shared Conception, our experienced and professional team helps create the best plan for your journey. Without the help of an agency, your own journey will be harder and at times, much more stressful. That is why many of our intended parents choose an agency and come back for subsequent sibling journeys. Shared Conception takes the pressure off the intended parents and the surrogate, to ensure a positive experience.

Shared Conception wants everyone involved to have a positive experience. That is why we encourage all prospective surrogates and intended parents to contact Shared Conception to learn more about our processes. Give us a call or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

 

multiples and surrogacy

What are the odds? Surrogates having multiples?

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Historically, multiple pregnancies are not uncommon and are often associated with IVF. With advances in the study of reproductive medicine, the belief that more than one embryo should be transferred has changed. It is no longer recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine to transfer more than one embryo. Single embryo transfers are now advised and recommended, unless there are medical reasons to transfer more than one.

Yet sometimes, intended parents look for a surrogate who is willing to carry multiples for them. Carrying multiples takes a very special lady. It’s a lot more physically demanding for a surrogate. There is a higher chance of being put on bedrest, and most likely, a surrogate carrying multiples will be referred to a high-risk specialist. At the same time, the impact you have on a family and the joy you bring them is priceless. If you are thinking about carrying for a family and want to carry multiples, it is important to learn about the risks, benefits and alternatives of carrying more than one baby.

There are times when a surrogate finds herself carrying multiples, even after a single embryo transfer. Sometimes it is recommended by the doctor to perform selective reduction. This can decrease risk and increase the chance of a successful, full-term pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby.  Choosing selective reduction is a difficult decision for both surrogates and intended parents, but at time, it can possibly be the best decision for the baby and surrogate.

If you are thinking about becoming a surrogate, give us a call for an informative, no pressure conversation. Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. Our client coordinators will expertly act as a liaison between you and the intended parents. We will ensure that any sensitive or difficult subject matters are tactfully brought up and handled. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing you contributed to the world in a unique and precious way. Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you

 

communication with intended parents

Your relationship with your Intended Parents

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Just like the way you were while carrying your own baby, intended parents want to get to know their child, even though you are the one who is carrying. Most of the time, the intended parents attend doctor visits, especially the ones where there are ultrasounds and they can see baby and hear the heart beat! And, most surrogates want the intended parents to be there. Surrogates know how important it is to bond with baby while in utero, so it is helpful that surrogates understand that for the sake of the intended parents.

Besides attending the appointments, there are many other ways for the intended parents to get to know their baby before the little one arrives into the world. There are many devices that allow intended parents to record their voice; either by singing, reading books, or just plain conversation. Surrogates can play the recordings so the baby can hear and get to know his/her parents’ own voices.

Another easy way to keep your intended parents involved is through text and email. Technology is on our side when it comes to easy communication. Trying to keep the intended parents “in the know” means the world to them. It means everything to them when they receive a simple text or email like “lots of loving kicks today” or “she/he is doing great today!” If distance is impeding, don’t forget about video chat.

Of course, there is over-sharing. Remember, you have been through the joys (and not so joyous) moments of pregnancy. So, if you are friends with your IPs on social media (which Shared Conception does not recommend), then keep in mind what you post. In other words, be mindful because an innocent post could easily concern them. This is because posts are easily misconstrued. Shared Conception has a private Facebook group for their surrogates only. This is a safe space to vent with fellow surrogates who will always understand and just plain “get it.”

Ready to become a surrogate? We would be thrilled to talk to you. Call us or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

Home Pregnancy Test after IVF?

Home Pregnancy Test after IVF

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After the IVF process comes the 2-week wait. This is when the embryo will hopefully implant and begin to grow, while you nurture and care for it. After this wait, you take your first clinical blood test to confirm pregnancy. This may feel like the longest 2 weeks of your life. It doesn’t help that in many cases, you are required to be on bed rest for three days following the procedure. It can be maddening and you may be tempted to take a home pregnancy test on your own. Before you do this, please consider the intended parents. Some intended parents prefer that the surrogate not take a home pregnancy test so they can get the results with the blood test.

However, for those who do take a home pregnancy test before their first blood test, here is the scoop.

Home pregnancy tests measure the presence of a pregnancy hormone that is produced by the placenta in your urine, called hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin. Although the tests may be able to detect the hormone in your urine and give you a positive result, most tests aren’t sensitive enough to guarantee you accurate results.

The following tests are the best on the market according to the New York Times:

First Response Early Result – Most sensitive, easy to read

The First Response Early Result manual test is the most sensitive over-the-counter pregnancy test you can buy. It gives accurate results as or more quickly than most of the tests we considered and is just as easy to read as a digital test.

Clearblue Rapid Detection – Nice design, less sensitive

This test has a nice, usable design, with a big sponge tip, but it’s harder to hold and less sensitive than the First Response manual test.

ClinicalGuard HCG Pregnancy Test Strips – A cheap supplemental test

Cheap and simple, you can blow through a ton of these strip tests without spending much. But they don’t have the lab-verified accuracy of more expensive tests.

 Some surrogates start testing as early as five days post transfer but beware that the line may not show up that early or it may be extremely faint!

Whether you decide to wait for the blood test or try one of these home pregnancy tests, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for you and hoping for a safe, happy and successful surrogacy journey! Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com and let’s talk!