How quality care benefits the surrogacy Process?

It is necessary to understand why quality care is an essential considerable factor in the surrogacy process.

Before we discuss the benefits of quality care we should aware of the risk factors and complications associated with surrogacy. 

Obstetrics complications and multiple pregnancies are primary risks associated with surrogacy.

Developed countries like America, Europe recommended for single embryo transfer through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology committees.

But in the real world, 15%–20% of clinics in these countries follow these norms.

This practice in developed countries indicates the reality of embryo transfer norms followed in the rest of the world.

However, it is necessary to mention that many clinics all over the globe are gradually accepting the single embryo transfer policy. 

Other complications associated with surrogacy are pregnancy, delivery of the child and the postpartum risks are also considerable.

Preeclampsia, eclampsia, urinary tract infections, stress incontinence, and gestational diabetes are common complaints that occur during these phases.

Amniotic fluid embolism and the possibility of postpartum hemorrhage are some rare complications that may occur in surrogacy pregnancy.

Moreover, we cannot deny the general risks associated with pregnancy are obvious in surrogacy pregnancy also. 

Along with physical issues, some of the mental health troubles are also associated with surrogacy.

Emotional trauma is one of the common mental states of many surrogates after relinquishing the child.

However, clinicians often found that surrogates are slowly dealing with the emotional problems after handing over the baby to intended parents. 

The surrogate mother needs care immediately after confirmation of the pregnancy.

The surrogate may stay either in the surrogate house or at her home during the gestational period depending on the facility available in the ART clinic.

The surrogate house concept is a recent catch that gets lots of attention because of different reasons.

The Surrogate can stay in the surrogate house for her entire antenatal period till the date of delivery for the easy accomplishment of her medical and personal requirements.

Surrogacy pregnancy is precious. Therefore, extensive obstetrics care of surrogates is an apparent need. 

She remains under the supervision of a 24-hour nurse, along with nutritionists, physical therapists, consultants, and gynecologists for her medical care.

Thanks to this treatment and the facilities available, the couple prefers the concept of surrogacy.

While living in a surrogate is a preferred practice these days, considering the flip side of the coin, it can be emotionally draining for the surrogate mother and her entire family as she has to live apart from her child/children and family.

However, as long as she stays in the surrogate, the surrogate mother can go home for several weeks during the pregnancy and her family members can also visit her in the surrogate.

Residency in surrogacy must be optional, not mandatory, for the surrogate mother, and she must be given the option.

The surrogate mother underwent obstetric examinations every 20 days until the date of birth, obstetric scan at 6-8 weeks, anomaly scan at 11-13 weeks, anomaly scan and 3D-4D at 20-22 weeks, and growth scan after 28 weeks and 34- 36 weeks.

Any additional scans depend on obstetric needs.

Prospective partners are regularly updated on surrogate pregnancies in the form of weight gain, vital signs, fetal growth, and reports of antenatal examinations and scans.

After delivery, the surrogate will be monitored for at least 15 days before being discharged.

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6262674/