In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) back into the uterus. Here is a general overview of the IVF process:

1. Ovarian stimulation: The woman is given medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The progress of follicle growth and egg development is monitored using ultrasound and blood tests.

2. Egg retrieval: Once the follicles have matured, the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries using a needle guided by ultrasound. This is typically done under sedation or anesthesia.

3. Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are then mixed with sperm in a laboratory dish and allowed to fertilize for several days.

4. Embryo culture: The resulting embryos are monitored in the laboratory for a few days to ensure proper development.

5. Embryo transfer: One or more embryos are then transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. This is typically done without anesthesia.

6. Pregnancy testing: Two weeks after the embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is done to determine whether the procedure was successful.

Throughout the process, the woman may be given medications to help prepare the uterus for implantation and to support early pregnancy.

IVF is a complex and often expensive procedure, and success rates can vary depending on several factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of the eggs and sperm, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. It’s important for couples considering IVF to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider and to carefully consider their options before proceeding with treatment.

IVF is not the same as surrogacy. As explained above, in IVF, a woman’s eggs are fertilized outside her body with her partner’s sperm. With surrogacy, the surrogate woman carries and delivers another couple’s baby.

If IVF has been unsuccessful for you, or you want to learn more about your surrogacy options, don’t hesitate to reach out to Shared Conceptions today.

Did you know that your vision can be affected by pregnancy? Pregnancy can affect a woman’s vision in several ways, but these changes are usually temporary and typically resolve after delivery. Here are some common ways that pregnancy can affect vision:

1. Blurred vision: Some women may experience blurred vision during pregnancy, which can be caused by changes in fluid retention and hormonal shifts. Blurred vision may be temporary or may last throughout the pregnancy.

2. Dry eyes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to a decrease in tear production, which can cause dry eyes and discomfort.

3. Eye shape changes: As the body changes during pregnancy, the shape of the eye may also change slightly, which can affect the way that light enters the eye and can cause vision changes.

4. Eye pressure changes: Pregnancy can cause changes in eye pressure, which can be a risk factor for developing glaucoma.

5. Gestational diabetes: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes may experience changes in vision due to changes in blood sugar levels.

After birth, nursing can also alter a woman’s eyesight. Very similar to vision changes during pregnancy, these problems also usually disappear after breastfeeding.

It’s important for pregnant women to receive regular eye exams to monitor any changes in vision and to identify any potential issues early on. Additionally, pregnant women should notify their healthcare provider if they experience any sudden or significant changes in vision, as these may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Shared Conception is here for you. We have two locations in Texas- one in Houston and one in Dallas. Our team of professionals can answer any questions you may have about the surrogacy process or how to become a surrogate mother. You can view more information on our website or you can contact us here.

The surrogacy process has undergone significant changes over the years in terms of its legal and medical aspects.

Here are some key changes that have taken place:

1. Legalization: In many countries, surrogacy was not legally recognized until recently. Although more and more countries have legalized surrogacy, the legal framework varies greatly from country to country. Here in the US, there are still three states where paid surrogacy is illegal: Michigan, Louisiana, and Nebraska. Also, there are states where it’s not illegal, but there aren’t clear-cut laws on the books, so it doesn’t protect the intended parents and surrogates as much as states that are considered surrogate-friendly.
2. Medical advancements: The medical procedures involved in surrogacy have become more advanced over the years, making the process safer and more effective. For example, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is now a commonly used technique for surrogacy, whereas earlier, it was not widely available.
3. Gestational surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate mother carries a child conceived through IVF using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, has become more popular than traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother’s own egg is used. This is because gestational surrogacy is less legally and emotionally complicated.
4. Commercial surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is paid for her services, has become more common in recent years. However, it is still illegal in some countries and heavily regulated in others.
5. Surrogacy agencies: The rise of surrogacy agencies has made the process more accessible and streamlined. These agencies often provide various services, from matching intended parents with surrogates to handling legal and financial matters.

Overall, the surrogacy process has become more widely accepted over the years, making it easier for intended parents and surrogates to navigate the process. However, it is important to note that the surrogacy process still involves complex legal and ethical issues, and it is essential to approach it with caution and care. If you are considering surrogacy, working with a surrogacy agency such as Shared Conception can be the best route. In the absence of an agency, all the paperwork, compliance, communication with the surrogate, medical information, and other essential requirements become the Intended Parents’ responsibility. You can learn more about working with a surrogacy agency in our February blog: Why You Should Use a Surrogacy Agency.

Herbs can have both positive and negative effects on pregnancy, so it is important to use them with caution and only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Some herbs are considered safe during pregnancy, while others may pose a risk to the health of the mother and baby.

Here are some general guidelines for using herbs during pregnancy:

1. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbs during pregnancy.
2. Avoid using herbs during the first trimester, as this is when the baby’s major organs develop.
3. Stick to herbs known to be safe during pregnancy, such as ginger, chamomile, and raspberry leaf.
4. Avoid using herbs such as pennyroyal, tansy, and wormwood.
5. Be cautious with herbal supplements, as they may contain herbs that are not safe during pregnancy.
6. Avoid using herbs in large doses or for prolonged periods of time.

Benefits of using herbs

Chamomile is an excellent antioxidant and can help boost your immune system. Also, it is known to help reduce your stress, improve sleep, and help reduce morning sickness and fatigue. Raspberry leaf is a great source of iron, helps boost your energy levels, helps reduce fatigue, and improves digestion. Ginger root helps reduce nausea, improves digestion, and helps reduce morning sickness and fatigue. Nettle leaf is a great source of iron, magnesium, and calcium; it helps boost your energy levels, reduce fatigue, improve digestion, and help reduce morning sickness.

Herbs to Avoid

Cinnamon, while used on occasion, is considered safe. Taken as a tea, it can induce uterine contractions. Wormseed contains a toxic compound known as ascaridole that induces uterine contractions, and as an oil, it is neurotoxic. For a complete list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy, check out this comprehensive list created by the University of Texas at El Paso: Herbal Safety.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about using herbs during pregnancy. If you are interested in learning more about surrogacy options or are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, please contact us at 713-622-1144, and we will be here to help you with any questions.

 

During pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the fetus.

Here are some foods that you should avoid or limit while pregnant:

1. Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood: These foods can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause food poisoning, which can harm your baby.
2. Certain types of fish: Fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, should be avoided as they can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. Instead, opt for low-mercury fish like salmon, trout, and tilapia.
3. Raw or undercooked eggs: Raw or undercooked eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.
4. Unpasteurized dairy products: Unpasteurized dairy products can contain harmful bacteria, such as listeria, which can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
5. Certain types of cheese: Soft cheeses like brie, feta, and camembert can also contain listeria, so it’s best to avoid them during pregnancy.
6. Processed foods: Processed foods, such as deli meats and hot dogs, can contain harmful bacteria, so they should be avoided or heated to steaming hot before eating.
7. Caffeine: While moderate amounts of caffeine are generally considered safe during pregnancy, it’s best to limit your intake to no more than 200 mg per day.

Here are some foods that are good to eat during pregnancy:

1. Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Aim to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables each day.
2. Whole Grains: Whole grains like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal provide fiber and other important nutrients like iron, folate, and B vitamins.
3. Lean Proteins: Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, beans, and lentils provide important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
4. Dairy Products: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are a great source of calcium, which is important for the development of the baby’s bones.
5. Healthy Fats: Foods that are high in healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, provide essential fatty acids that support the baby’s brain and eye development.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs during pregnancy and to follow their recommendations for a healthy pregnancy. If you are interested in learning more about surrogacy options or are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, please contact us at 713-622-1144, and we will be here to help you with any questions.

There is a lot of information regarding surrogacy, and some of the terms may be confusing if you are unfamiliar with them. In this blog, we wanted to define some of the common terms you’ll see as you research surrogacy topics.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproductive technology where a woman (known as a ‘surrogate’ or ‘gestational carrier’) carries a pregnancy for an individual or a couple.

Intended Parent, also referred to as IP: An Intended Parent is an individual or couple who cannot conceive on their own or carry a pregnancy safely – for any reason – and choose surrogacy to build their family.

Traditional Surrogate: A woman who uses her own eggs and carries and gives birth to a baby for the intended parents. She gets pregnant by artificial insemination or IVF with sperm from an intended father or sperm donor. Traditional surrogates are genetically related to the baby. Due to the legal complexity of traditional surrogacy, Shared Conception does not work with traditional surrogates and only utilizes gestational surrogacy to help build families.

Gestational Surrogate: Eggs from the intended mom or an egg donor are fertilized in the laboratory with sperm from the intended father or sperm donor to make an embryo. The embryo is implanted in the uterus of the gestational surrogate, who carries the baby until birth. The gestational surrogate is not genetically related to the baby and is not the biological mother. Another term for a gestational surrogate is gestational carrier.

Matching: A process in which a surrogate is matched with intended parents. Here at Shared Conception, we take many factors into consideration when matching surrogates and IPs. We make matches based on legal requirements, personality compatibility, and shared expectations.

In Vitro Fertilization, also referred to as IVF: Is a procedure in which eggs are removed from a woman’s ovary and combined with sperm outside the body to form embryos. The embryos are grown in the laboratory for several days and then either placed in a woman’s uterus or cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.

Egg Donor: A woman who donates eggs, or oocytes, for assisted reproduction via IVF.

Egg Retrieval: The process by which eggs are removed from either the intended mother or egg donor for fertilization.

Frozen Embryo Transfer: A process that occurs when a frozen embryo (an already fertilized and frozen egg) is thawed and transferred into a surrogate.

Fresh Embryo Transfer: The Intended Mother or egg donor takes hormones to stimulate egg production. The eggs are retrieved and fertilized to form embryos, then the embryo is transferred to the surrogate. Over the years, fresh embryo transfers have become much less popular as IVF experts feel that frozen embryo transfers have similar or even better success rates than fresh transfers.

Surrogacy Contract: A legal contract between the surrogate and intended parents. The parties negotiate the terms of the contract through their legal representation. Once the contract is signed, the terms of the contract govern the parties’ interactions. It is vital for both the intended parents and the surrogate to read the contract carefully so that all conditions are understood.

Pre-Birth Order: A court-issued order that is acquired before the birth of the child. This document places the names of the intended parents on the birth certificate and allows them to access to the child while he/she is in the hospital.

Post-Birth Order: A court-issued order that is acquired after the birth of the child. This order can be used for different purposes based on the specific state’s laws on surrogacy. In Texas, it’s just to complete the surrogacy process.

Surrogacy Agency: A surrogacy agency, such as Shared Conception, provides intended parents with all – or at least most – services required throughout the surrogacy process. Agencies aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible so you can focus on what’s important: the excitement of building a family.

Interested in Surrogacy?

An experienced surrogacy agency like Shared Conception can help you navigate the entire surrogacy process. Our mission is to give all that want a family the proper path to achieving one. Give us a call today or visit our Contact Page.

 

One question often asked is—are IVF and surrogacy the same? No, they are not. IVF, also known as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy are the two most common treatments for infertility, but often couples are confused about which option is best for them.

IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology used to help couples or individuals who are having difficulty getting pregnant conceive a child.

During IVF, eggs are surgically retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory dish, where fertilization occurs. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus, where they may implant and grow into a pregnancy. In some cases, the embryos may be frozen and stored for future use.

IVF is used to treat various fertility issues, including ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage or blockages, male infertility, and unexplained infertility. It can also be used in cases where other fertility treatments, such as medication or artificial insemination, have not been successful.

IVF is a complex process that involves multiple steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer. The process is typically done in several cycles, each taking several weeks to complete.

While IVF can be an effective treatment for infertility, it is not without risks and can be expensive. The success rate of IVF depends on the age of the patient, as usually, the success rate of IVF treatment declines with subsequent age. It is important for individuals and couples considering IVF to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider and to carefully consider their options before proceeding with treatment.

Surrogacy is the next logical step if the IVF procedure fails. Surrogacy is where a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another person or couple (the intended parents). The intended parents may use their own sperm and/or eggs or use a donor’s sperm and/or eggs to create an embryo that is then transferred to the surrogate. The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the baby, who is then handed over to the intended parents.

There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is inseminated with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, and she carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the baby. The baby is biologically related to the surrogate. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo that is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ sperm and/or eggs. The baby is not biologically related to the surrogate.

You can learn more about surrogacy, the process, or FAQs by visiting the pages on our website located under the ‘Parents’ tab. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss starting the surrogacy process, please call Shared Conception today or contact us here.

Unfortunately, back pain is a common symptom of pregnancy. Gaining weight, hormone fluctuations, and center of gravity changes are just a few causes of back pain. Here are the most recommended ways to relieve back pain while pregnant.

1. Posture Matters: Because your center of gravity shifts forward as your baby grows, you need to practice good posture. In order to do this- stand up straight and tall, hold your chest high, keep your shoulders back and relaxed, and don’t lock your knees. When standing, use a comfortable wide stand for the best support. If you must stand for long periods of time, rest your foot on a low step stool and take time for frequent breaks. Your posture while sitting is just as important. While sitting, be sure to choose a chair that supports your back or place a small pillow behind your lower back.
2. Wear the Proper Gear: While pregnant, opt for low-heeled shoes with good arch support and avoid flats and high heels. Wearing high heels can further shift your balance forward and cause you to fall more easily. You may also want to consider wearing a maternity support belt.
3. Be Careful While Lifting: While lifting a small object, squat down and lift with your legs. Don’t bend at the waist or lift with your back. It’s also important to understand your limits and to ask for help when needed. You don’t want to strain yourself too much during your pregnancy.
4. Don’t Sleep On Your Back: While sleeping can be uncomfortable in most positions while pregnant, try to avoid laying on your back. Sleep on your side, and keep one or both knees bent. A pregnancy support pillow between your bent knees, under your abdomen, and behind your neck can help ease your back pain.
5. Daily Physical Activity: Be sure to consult with your health care provider before participating in any exercises. Try gentle activities such as walking or swimming. A physical therapist can also show you ways to stretch and exercise while pregnant.
6. Know When to Contact Your Doctor: If you are experiencing back pain and can’t find relief with any of the above, or if the pain lasts longer than two weeks, you must speak with your physician. They may recommend medication such as acetaminophen or another treatment.

Back pain during pregnancy might be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection. If you have back pain during your pregnancy that’s accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever, or burning during urination, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you have any questions about surrogacy or how Shared Conception can help, please call us or contact us here.