If you’re interested in learning how to become a surrogate, it is important to familiarize yourself with the medications you will need to take throughout the process. These medications play a crucial role in preparing your body for pregnancy and increasing the chances of a successful outcome. When you become a surrogate, your health is vital. While your doctors will provide specific guidance, here is some basic information to help you understand and plan for the medications involved.
Medications Used in Surrogacy
- Birth Control: Used to prevent unplanned pregnancy and allow for scheduling the embryo transfer.
- Lupron: Controls ovulation to ensure your egg is not used for conception.
- Antibiotics: Prevents pelvic infection, which could complicate the embryo transfer.
- Low-dose Aspirin: Enhances circulation and improves implantation rates.
- Medrol or similar corticosteroid: Regulates the immune system to minimize embryo rejection.
- Estrogen: Thickens the uterine lining to support early pregnancy.
- Progesterone: Prepares the uterine lining for implantation and maintains pregnancy.
- Prenatal Vitamins: Provides essential nutrients for your body and the developing baby.
Please note that the specific medications and their combinations may vary based on your individual circumstances and the clinic’s protocol. Always consult your IVF doctor for personalized guidance.
Medication Schedule
Surrogacy medication schedules typically involve taking medications for a specific duration, ranging from a few days to a few months. The schedule usually includes starting certain medications a few weeks before the embryo transfer and continuing others until the end of the first trimester. Here’s a general overview:
- Starting the Process: Birth control pills, Prenatal vitamins (a few months before transfer)
- Preparing for Embryo Transfer: Lupron, Estrogen, Progesterone, Aspirin, Prenatal vitamins, Antibiotics, Medrol
- Maintaining Early Pregnancy: Aspirin, Estrogen, Progesterone, Prenatal vitamins
Your actual schedule will provide more detailed instructions, and it’s important to follow it closely. If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, make sure to communicate with your doctor regarding its impact on the next steps.
Understanding Surrogate Medications
Navigating the medication schedule can feel overwhelming but remember that your doctor and fertility clinic staff are valuable resources. Medications may come in different forms, such as pills, patches, inserts, lozenges, or injections, and you may need to take a combination of these. When discussing your medication schedule, feel free to ask about administration, dosage, and timing.
It is common for surrogacy medications to have side effects like bloating, nausea, or site tenderness. If these side effects become significant, seek advice from your IVF doctor. Never discontinue medications without consulting your physician and inform them if you need to use any other medications.
