Surrogate Medications
Gestational surrogates will undergo a range of medical treatments and medications throughout their pregnancy. These medications are prescribed to ensure the health and success of the pregnancy, as well as to prepare the surrogate's body for embryo implantation and ongoing pregnancy support.
Each surrogate has a medication protocol specific to her body based on test results from her evaluation at the fertility clinic. The medication calendar is set in advance after consulting your, the intended parents’, and the fertility clinic’s schedule. The information below is a sample only – all fertility clinics have their own protocol that is tailored to you specifically and must be followed per doctor’s orders.
Common Medications for Surrogates
Birth Control Pills (BCPs)
Purpose: Birth control pills are often used in the initial phase of the surrogacy process to regulate the surrogate’s menstrual cycle and synchronize it with the intended mother’s cycle (if using fresh eggs) and to prepare the uterus for embryo implantation. The pills help to suppress ovulation.
Side Effects: Nausea, mood changes, weight gain, headaches, and potential blood clot risks (although rare).
Schedule: Typically taken for about 2-4 weeks before starting other fertility medications like Lupron and estrogen. The duration can vary depending on the clinic’s protocol.
Estrogen and Progesterone
Purpose: These hormones are crucial in preparing the uterus for embryo implantation and maintaining the pregnancy during the early stages. Estrogen helps in thickening the uterine lining, while progesterone supports the implantation process and prevents early miscarriage.
Estrogen Side Effects: Nausea, headaches, mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness.
Progesterone Side Effects: Fatigue, bloating, mood swings, sore breasts.
Schedule: Estrogen is typically taken daily via injections, patches, or oral pills, while progesterone is often administered through injections, vaginal suppositories, or oral capsules.
Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate)
Purpose: Lupron is used to control ovulation by suppressing the body’s natural hormones, ensuring the surrogate's body is in the ideal state for embryo transfer.
Side Effects: Hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, vaginal dryness, decreased libido.
Schedule: Administered as a daily injection leading up to the embryo transfer.
Folic Acid
Purpose: This vitamin is essential for cell growth and development and helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
Side Effects: Generally safe, but excessive intake may cause nausea or upset stomach.
Schedule: Taken as a daily oral supplement, often before pregnancy and throughout.
Prenatal Vitamins
Purpose: These are multivitamins that ensure the surrogate gets all the necessary nutrients, including folic acid, iron, and calcium, to support the pregnancy.
Side Effects: Mild nausea, constipation, or an upset stomach, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Schedule: Taken daily, usually in the morning or at bedtime.
Medication Schedule for Surrogates
The medication schedule can vary based on the clinic’s protocol, but here’s a general timeline for when surrogates will take their medications:
Before the Embryo Transfer
Surrogates begin taking Lupron and Estrogen about 2-3 weeks prior to the embryo transfer. This is to prepare the body for the upcoming procedure.
Progesterone injections start on the day of the embryo transfer or a few days before to ensure optimal uterine conditions.
Post-Embryo Transfer (Early Pregnancy Support)
After the embryo transfer, Estrogen and Progesterone will continue daily for about 10-12 weeks to maintain the pregnancy.
Surrogates may also be prescribed Folic Acid and Prenatal Vitamins from the beginning of the process.
Throughout the Pregnancy
As the pregnancy progresses, medication may be reduced or adjusted by the fertility doctor, but Prenatal Vitamins and Folic Acid typically continue until the end of the pregnancy.
Depending on the surrogate’s health and the pregnancy’s needs, other medications may be added or adjusted.