Gestational Carrier Programs: Follow Up

A gestational carrier program is important for couples that cannot conceive naturally, but have healthy sperm and eggs. The couple can use a gestational carrier, who will carry the baby for them. The follow up visits after the fertilization and the transfer of the embryo in the gestational carrier’s womb are important to monitor the evolution of the embryo and to make sure there are no complications.

The Gestational Carrier Program

The gestational carrier program is a procedure that will give an infertile couple the chance to have a baby, by using their own eggs and sperm, which will be implanted in the gestational carrier’s uterus.

The procedure is multifaceted and will involve several steps, the last being the fertilization and the transfer of the embryo into the uterus of the gestational carrier. A series of follow up visits will be needed after the embryo transfer.

Follow up Visits

Immediately after the embryo transfer, the gestational carrier can go home, but she will have to stay away from strenuous exercise for up to 5 days. Most doctors recommend a 2 days rest period, which will increase the chances of the embryo to be properly implanted in the uterus.

The first follow up visit will be scheduled 10 to 14 days after the embryo transfer to the gestational carrier’s uterus. The visit will consist of a pregnancy test. Alternatively, the test may be performed at home, but a specialized test at a fertility clinic will be more accurate.

If the pregnancy test is positive, this means that the embryo has been successfully implanted into the uterus of the gestational carrier. If the pregnancy test is negative, this means that the gestational carrier procedure wasn’t successful and a new cycle may be started. However, this may be possible only after 1 or 2 months of pause, which is needed for the both the mother and the gestational carrier to be able to undergo a new series of hormonal treatment. If the pregnancy test is negative, the gestational carrier should get her period within three to 10 days.

If the gestational carrier is pregnant, she will have to continue the hormonal injections for up to eight weeks or as indicated by the fertility doctor, to increase the chances of a normal development in the uterus.

Four or five weeks after the embryo transfer, the gestational carrier will be asked to come for a new follow up, which will involve an ultrasound. The ultrasound will give a clear picture about the morphology of the embryo and will establish if the pregnancy is normal. Monthly checkups will be recommended. Ultrasounds may also be performed at each visit.

The Lifestyle of the Gestational Carrier

The gestational carrier will have to lead a healthy lifestyle to ensure that the baby has all he needs to develop in the womb. The gestational carrier may get a number of vitamins and supplements and may need to follow a healthy diet.

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