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9 Weeks Pregnant with Twins or Multiples
Your pregnancy is at one of the most important stages for the babies inside your womb, since the twin foetuses at 9 weeks experience the growth of some of the most important organs of the body. This also kicks off numerous changes within your body itself. As the first trimester begins to come to a close in the coming weeks, making sure your physical health is at its best becomes even more necessary. Working women can come to a decision of discussing their pregnancy with their bosses, and establish a timeframe as to when they’d like to go on a leave. Coming to terms with a lifestyle that will be predominantly sedentary would be a massive change for women who are in jobs that adopt a different working style.
The Growth of the Babies At 9 Weeks
Whether you have twins or multiples in your womb, their development has reached a monumental stage by the 9th week and a lot of defining characteristics are on their way to completion.
The eyes of the babies are nearly formed completely, which are protected by the eyelids having neared completion too. Facial features like the mouths and noses start getting proper shapes too. Along with them, the ears start to form along the sides of the heads and the toes begin to pop out from the feet as well. The babies' fingers also start becoming distinct.
Inside the bodies of the babies, most of the internal organs that have been developed take their rightful position and continue growing further. The heart usually develops enough to have all the four chambers present in their full glory, which makes its functioning better. The formation of teeth also occurs around this age, high above the gums, so that they can emerge when the time is right.
What is the Size of the Babies?
Since the placenta is usually formed completely by the 9th week of pregnancy, the babies start to grow rapidly in height and weight. This pretty much marks the end of the embryo phase and sets the stage for beginning the next phase of development. Their size might now be as large as a grape or cherry, and they are all set to embrace the rapid growth coming their way.
Common Bodily Changes
The body of a woman pregnant with multiples does tend to have slightly different changes as compared to a woman going through a standard pregnancy, around this stage. A bunch of changes are common, irrespective of the number of babies inside you.
The growth of the babies will cause the uterus to expand in size as well. This expansion depends totally on the number of babies residing inside. At times, it could be as large as a papaya or maybe even more. The uterus also adjusts its orientation as it grows in size, which makes it tilt slightly upwards with respect to the body.
Frequent urination would still be present this week and will continue to trouble you for a long time. The adjustment of the orientation also puts pressure on the bladder, which causes you to constantly feel like peeing.
The hormone levels that fluctuate constantly can lead to headaches in women. Mothers who have had migraines earlier could find themselves facing them again. As normal as this condition might be, it certainly isn’t a comfortable one. Combined with exhaustion, stress, anxiety, this can easily remove all the fun and happiness of being pregnant.
Working women whose work schedules require them to sit in front of computer screens for long durations are at risk of facing headaches, and even strain on the eyes. Taking rest is the only way to counter this.
Weight gain continues to happen gradually, though it isn’t as much to make a huge difference. Fluctuations tend to happen around this time, causing your weight to reduce for a few days and then increase again.
The increasing size of the uterus and the boosted flow of blood towards the breasts cause them to expand in size. This expansion puts a pressure on the skin as well, leading it to stretch and even get itchy at times.
Acidity and constipation could occur, which can also be combined with a tendency to pass gas or burp quite often. There’s nothing to worry about this, except for embarrassment if you were to fart in a social situation. A proper diet and consumption can reduce the chances of this happening.
The completion of 9 weeks marks the strongest phases of nausea and morning sickness in a woman. Most women begin to hate their pregnancy around this time, and the irritation can get absolutely frustrating at times. On the brighter side, these symptoms will start reducing in the coming weeks.
Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy At 9 Weeks
Apart from the different changes taking place in the body, the signs of having twins at 9 weeks can manifest themselves in a number of emotional and rather subtle ways within you.
The infamous mood swings strike their strongest around this time, as a result of high hormone secretion. You might feel like taking a small nap at a random time of the day. At times, you could get angry at your family members for no reason at all.
The levels of hCG hormones peak immensely around this week. Nausea is the strongest result at this stage, and what’s bad for women pregnant with one child, gets multiplied for women with twins or more babies in their womb. If the number of babies is more, the body needs to work that much harder to support them, leading to a higher secretion of hCG and causing these symptoms to get worse.
The 9th week of pregnancy can turn out to be one of the toughest ones for you. All the changes that occur, followed by the demands of taking care of your family, home, and your own self, can leave you with barely any energy at all. Adjusting your sleep schedules is highly recommended to get enough sleep.
Salivation increases as a result of nausea but it also gets combined with an excessive production of mucus in your nostrils around this week. The increased blood flow causes the nose to feel stuffy, followed by stimulated mucous membranes leading to a cold-like scenario.
Twin Pregnancy - Belly at 9 Weeks
Most of the pants that you could wear earlier won’t fit you as easily as they used to. The increase in weight and waistline will be evident but only to you. Most of the change in the size of the belly is a result of the growth of the uterus, and the tiny bump that many women speak about will be on its way soon enough.
Twin Pregnancy at 9 Weeks - Ultrasound
Going for an ultrasound when you reach the 9th week of pregnancy will introduce you to a new realm of your babies' development. This one is less visual and more aural, as your doctor will allow you to hear the heartbeats of your babies. The position of your twins or multiples will be key to being able to separate those beats, but you could even hear them in unison, beating rapidly at an extremely fast pace.
What to Eat
Nutrition takes a lot more importance with a diet that can provide all the nutrients in an amount that is apt for the growth of the babies.
Sticking to lean and boiled meat is your best bet. Including seasonal fruits and vegetables can help ensure more essential nutrients. A constant state of fatigue could be the result of an iron deficiency, which should be balanced immediately with iron-rich food items.
Green vegetables, red fruits, dried nuts are all great inclusions to be done in your diet. Supplemented by prenatal vitamins, these can keep you healthy throughout.
Pregnancy Care Tips
Taking a few tips into account to keep yourself safe in this phase of pregnancy helps you stay safe for the weeks and months to come.
Do's
Opt for using maternity bras that can support your breasts and not irritate their sensitive skin.
Monitor your weight on a weekly basis and don't fret about losing a few kilos.
Dont's
Avoid having sexual intercourse if bleeding or any foul smelling discharge emits from the vagina later on.
Don’t binge on spicy, sweet or fatty items since they could make your morning sickness worse.
What You Need to Shop for
Since your nausea will be at its worse, getting some sugar-free chewing gums that are safe for pregnant women can be quite helpful. Start keeping a diary to write down your emotions, and to keep yourself calm and relaxed.
When a woman is 9 weeks pregnant with twins, it can be one of the most taxing moments she has ever faced in her life. All the happiness of the pregnancy can be sucked out by the numerous bodily changes. Make sure to ask your partner for support and let time do its bidding, since the best moments will be arriving pretty soon.
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Yoga for Kids - Benefits and Poses
Yoga offers a gamut of 'asanas' or poses for addressing different aspects of wellbeing. From poses that simply calm us down to poses that therapeutically cure many underlying physical conditions, the science of yoga is very versatile. The purpose of designing a yoga program for kids becomes very important in choosing the right kind of poses for them. Yoga programs for kids are mainly intended to make them learn to accept their bodies, be more disciplined in their actions and be calmer to focus and concentrate in a better way. When practised over a period of time, it makes them physically and mentally strong and improves their overall health and wellness.
What is Yoga & Why is it Important
Yoga is the ancient science of combining and harnessing the physical, mental and spiritual energies of the body to unfold its full potential. It has gained significant popularity in the recent times as an effective means of combating the pressures of today's world. Many adults have integrated the practice of yoga asana in their regular schedule and have greatly benefited from it.
It is a very economical tool to stay fit and focused in life. A few hours of daily practice ensures great improvement in the activeness, immunity and the general wellness of a person. With many new forms of exercise mushrooming every single day, this ancient practice of yoga is slowly and steadily growing due to its holistic healing nature.
Kids in today's day and age are over stimulated with the availability of so many distractions in the form of gadgets and toys. This has a profound effect on their attention span and their concentration level. Low immunity due to unhealthy eating habits and pollution is another major cause of concern for parents today. Halting the rapidly changing world is impossible. The only solution to this problem lies in dealing with it by empowering the kids.
Yoga is a blessing to mankind and the importance of yoga for kids in solving these problems cannot be reiterated more. Kids are generally very quick at learning and therefore, incorporating yogic practices in their routine early on in life can be a great way to ensure a healthy lifestyle for them.
Benefits of Yoga for Kids
There are innumerable benefits that yoga has for kids when practised regularly. Here are a few of them:
It can be an effective calming technique for kids. A simple exercise of observing their breathing pattern can improve their focus, attention and calmness.
It can help them build a positive self-image about their body and give them a control of their flexibility and agility.
Asanas like the suryanamaskar improve their ability to balance their body which indirectly acts as a meditative posture for them.
Holding the focus to stay in a certain posture is especially good for kids as they take their baby steps towards achieving self-control.
Channelised breathing patterns, prescribed in the various pranayamas, boost the immunity and energise the body. This protects them from upper respiratory problems that have become a common problem among children today.
Some asanas improve the core strength immensely, correcting their postural problems.
Some yoga postures are specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders to meet their special therapeutic needs.
In today's competitive world, even school-going children are subjected to tremendous stress. The pressure to achieve and excel in academics and extracurricular activities is high, due to which many kids suffer from anxiety related issues. Yoga asanas, not only help them relax but also give them the time and patience to slow down and get a perspective on things around them. Learning a new skill is easier in childhood and the neuronal connections made at a younger age tend to leave a lasting imprint in their brains.
8 Effective Yoga Poses for Children
There are a few yoga asanas that are scientifically proven to help children improve their overall physical and mental awareness. Here are a few asanas that are great for kids.
1. Adho Mukhasvanasana - The Dog Pose
This pose mimics the posture of a dog stretching itself. It involves balancing the weight on the legs and the hand in an inverted 'U' position. In this posture, the kid is encouraged to tuck in the toes facing inwards, raise the hips as much as possible and push the chest well inside. The head that is hanging down is stretched inwards.
This asana is particularly helpful to children in improving blood circulation to the extremities of the body. It also serves as a good stretching exercise for improving flexibility to do other complicated yogic poses. The ability to balance the core of the body is also improved by regular practice.
2. Vrikshasana - The Tree Pose
This yoga posture, as the name suggests resembles a tree. In this posture, the child is made to stand in one leg and then fold the knee of the other leg to place it over the thigh of the leg used to balance the weight of the body. The arms are stretched up with the hands folded in the 'namaskar' position. The child balances the weight on one leg for a few minutes and then repeats the same with the other leg.
This asana comes only with practice and may take a few tries to perfect. It is usually suggested to improve concentration as only focusing can help in balancing the weight of the body in one leg. This is one exercise that kids are bound to enjoy and have fun doing.
3. Virabhadrasana I - Warrior Pose I
The warrior pose of yogasana increases body balance and core strength for the kids. It is particularly useful to kids in creating a positive image about their own body, thereby increasing their self-confidence. It is helpful in alleviating any pain in the chest, ankle, knee and arms.
In this posture, the child is first made to stand with the legs wide apart and arms spread out at shoulder length. Then, by twisting the right foot to face outwards, the right knee is gently bent in the forward direction. It is ensured that the left knee is straight and the position is sustained for about a minute with normal breathing.
4. Tadasana - The Mountain Pose
This is a very simple yoga posture that can be a good starting point for advanced asanas. In this posture, the child is first made to stand in an erect position with both the legs close to each other. The hands are then raised above the head to join in the namaskar gesture. The asana is a true measure of the stamina and balancing ability of the child.
This asana ensures an erect posture for the kids. Many a time in classrooms as well as during study times, children tend to bend over and put a lot of strain on the spine. Incorrect posture causes pain and other discomforts to the children at later stages of life. This yogasana is very helpful in correcting such postural issues.
5. Uttanasana - The Rag Doll Pose
This asana is a part of the suryanamaskar exercise and hence, is a good precursor to the more complicated version for kids. In this asana, the kid first raises the hand above the head and then bends over as straight as possible to touch the feet. Care must be taken to not bend the knees while doing this. If the child is not able to touch the feet fully, he or she is encouraged to catch the portion of the leg which is reachable.
This exercise is very beneficial in stretching the hamstring. The hamstring is a very important muscle in the leg that needs to be flexible for good agility. By practising this asana, the muscles stretch considerably making it less prone to injury.
6. Baddha Konasana - The Butterfly Pose
The name of this asana can be very exciting for kids as it mimics the action of a butterfly. To practice this asana, the child is made to sit on a flat surface with legs stretched in front. Then the knees are bent inward, parallel to the floor to make the soles of the feet touch each other. The soles are then held tightly with the hands and the knees are flapped up and down like the wings of a butterfly.
This asana is very helpful in strengthening and flexing the inner thigh muscles. It shapes the thigh muscles in the long run and ensures a very erect posture.
7. Setu Bandhasana - The Bridge Pose
The pose resembles an inverted U, where the upper body is bent like a bridge.To do this asana, the child is first made to lie on their back on a flat surface. Then, the knees are folded in an inverted V shape and the hands are folded in the reverse direction and placed near the head. Then the hips are gently lifted above the ground as high as possible.
This asana is quite challenging and can be perfected with practice. With every try, the flexibility is improved significantly. This asana causes the reverse flow of blood to the torso and the head and re-oxygenates these regions. It is very helpful for kids to improve their stamina, immunity and streamline their blood flow.
8. Pranayama – Breathing Exercises
Pranayama is a very key aspect of yogasana and has very significant benefits to the body. As the word suggests, these exercises which modulate the breathing pattern have calming effects on the body and improve the self-awareness levels. Many a time, breathing patterns change during the course of life and the right kind of energising breathing techniques are lost. Practising these breathing techniques equips the kids to face the world with better calmness, clarity and focus. There are many breathing techniques in pranayama and the basic ones can be taught to kids to be practised on a regular basis. This also keeps upper respiratory infections away, by reducing the allergic reactions of the body.
Yoga exercises for kids have to be taught in a very creative and fun way to the children. Unlike adults, children pick up when taught with a lot of imaginative pretend play incorporated in it. A simple posture of bending over and touching their legs can be taught in a fun way by asking them to stretch their hands to reach to the stars and then catch them to smear it on their legs. This not only helps them learn it quickly but also keeps them motivated to pursue it every single day until it becomes part of their routine.
Another interesting thing about teaching yoga exercises for kids is that they enjoy learning it in a group. It can be a great way to encourage them to play and learn as a team. As a weekend fun activity either with their friends or with other yoga practising adults of the family, the stretching and bending can warm them up for a week full of hard work.
Family yoga programs are on the rise today, owing to the increased awareness about the benefits of yoga, among people. The new generation that is going to make the future of the world needs to be protected against all the unwanted consequences of technology. Going back to the roots to circumvent this problem is the only solution to this and there is no better way than yoga.
Also Read: 15 Fun and INteresting Outdoor Activities for Kids Read more
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Bleeding After Sex during Pregnancy - Should You be Concerned
Pregnancy can be a tumultuous time - all the hormones raging and the changes taking place, it is enough to make even the strongest woman feel weak and defeated. But you will still find yourself craving for physical pleasure once in a while.
There is nothing more horrifying than finding out that you are bleeding when lying in bed after a passionate romp with your partner. Bleeding can be indicative of some bigger problem, but it might not be a problem, too. Let’s take a look at what bleeding after sex in early pregnancy and in the later stages mean.
Is Bleeding After Sex in Pregnancy Normal
If you have the green light from your doctor, there is no problem with having sex when you are pregnant. Sex is good for the mother, as it gives her a chance to let off some steam and de-stress after some stressful times.
Seeing blood after sex can be a little harrowing, but there is no need to worry. Bleeding after sex is actually normal in pregnancy and does not mean in any way that the baby is in danger. During pregnancy, the baby is sealed safe in the amniotic sac in the uterus and mucus plugs the cervix close. Therefore, no harm comes to the baby by sex.
However, it is important to know why the bleeding occurred; it is usually because of the increased blood supply to the vagina during pregnancy. This combined with the softening of the tissue in the cervix results in occasional blood flow. But there is no harm caused to the baby.
What Causes Bleeding Post Sex When Pregnant
There are a few reasons as to why bleeding may occur after sex when you are pregnant. They are:
1. Blood Supply
When the woman gets pregnant, there is an increased amount of blood supply to her vagina and cervix. This includes both the rate and the volume of the blood reaching the area. This means that the increase in pressure in those areas during sex could result in minor bleeding.
2. Capillaries
When the woman becomes pregnant, there is a sudden increase in the amount of oxygen and blood required in the uterus and cervix. This results in the formation of a lot of capillaries in the area, which may break during sex and result in spotting or light bleeding.
3. Softening
The cervical area of the woman becomes tender and soft and may break easily after vigorous sex. This also results in bleeding, at times.
4. Polyps
Polyps could form at the cervix during pregnancy, because of the increased amount of estrogen in the body. These could also cause spotting after intercourse.
Does Post Sex Bleeding Mean Miscarriage?
The chances of the pregnancy terminating and resulting in a miscarriage after and because of sex are very rare. The baby is completely safe during this time since it is inside the amniotic sac in the uterus. The sac provides nourishment to the baby, and also acts as a cushion and shock absorber. Also, the baby is quite far from the incoming part of the vagina- there is no way that the sex can affect the baby in any manner. Even though, you could refrain from sex at least in the first trimester if you already have a history of miscarriage.
How to Deal With Bleeding After Sex while Pregnant
In the first trimester, it is common for mothers to feel cramps after sex or an orgasm for a long amount of time. However, you should definitely go to the doctor if you feel that the pain has been present for too long. Again, refrain from sex in the first trimester if you have had miscarriages before. The doctor may prescribe an ultrasound scan to check on the baby - the cause may be a low lying placenta, or simply because of the increased blood supply. Either way, you should visit the doctor if the pain persists.
How to Avoid or Minimize the Risk of Bleeding
There are a few ways to reduce the risk of bleeding during sex when you are pregnant.
1. Safe Sex Positions
When you are having sex, ensure that you are comfortable with the position and the pace. Avoid rough sex, when you are pregnant - this could increase the risk of bleeding.
2. Oral Sex
Oral sex is a great alternative, as it is one of the most satisfying ways to get sexually content without intercourse. However, do not blow air into the vagina, as it may cause air embolism - formation of air bubbles in the blood vessels.
3. Cosy Sex
Be as gentle as possible, during sex - rough sex may be fun, but it increases the risk of bleeding. Discuss with your partner about your problems and needs, so that both of you are on the same page.
4. Lubricants
The vagina is overtly soft and sensitive during pregnancy, so friction may be enough to cause bleeding of varying degrees. Therefore, using lubrication will help you reduce the chances of irritation within the vagina.
5. Condoms
Condoms will prevent you and the baby from any Sexually Transmitted Infections - always use them during pregnancy.
When to Avoid Intercourse During Pregnancy
Sometimes, you would be better off refraining from sex- some situations are:
1. Placenta Previa
The placenta sometimes lies low in the uterus and covers the cervix completely or partially, resulting in a higher chance of miscarriage, after sex.
2. Cervical Incompetence
The cervix may start to open prematurely in the woman, so the chances of miscarriage also increase. In such cases, avoiding sex would be the better option, for the health of the baby.
3. Multiple Pregnancies
When you are pregnant with more than one baby, sex may involve higher chances of risks for the foetuses.
When to Call a Doctor
Sometimes, you may feel that something is wrong- then calling the doctor as soon as possible would be the best thing to do. Some situations are:
If the bleeding is heavy and consistent, after sex.
If you experience consistent cramps and intense pain in the lower abdominal, pelvic area.
If you observe vaginal discharge which contains tissues or clots.
If you undergo or feel dizzy, or faint.
If you get a high fever with or without chills.
If your uterine contractions continue even after sex is over.
FAQs
1. Is it normal to bleed after sex without pain during pregnancy?
Bleeding after sex with no pain when pregnant is normal and does not indicate any problem. If the bleeding is mild, you might not feel any pain - blood clots usually cause pain for the woman.
2. Can I bleed after sex during the first trimester?
Orgasms early in the pregnancy an cause uterine contractions in the mother, and this can rupture the tiny blood vessels present in the uterus and the cervix. Light bleeding after sex is common, and it will reduce as you pass into the second and third trimesters- this is because of the increased hormonal activity.
3. What does light spotting after sex mean?
Sometimes, you might observe light pink spotting after you have had sex. This is blood mixed with vaginal fluid or could be due to anaemia in the mother. So, consulting the doctor would be the best course of action.
4. Is heavy bleeding after intercourse during pregnancy normal?
Heavy bleeding is not normal- if you end up soaking more than one pad within the hour, you may have a haemorrhage. So, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
5. How long does prenatal bleeding after sex last?
Mild bleeding may last for a few hours, but you should see to the doctor if it lasts for more than a day.
Bleeding during pregnancy is common, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. However, it will probably be light and will last for a few hours- if it is heavy or does not seem to stop, you should consult the doctor as soon as possible.
Also Read: Safe Sex Positions during Pregnancy Read more
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Gestational Surrogacy - What is it and How does it Work?
Surrogacy, by its very definition, is where a woman raises a child in her womb that isn’t her own and later hands it over to the parents who’ve been wanting a child for themselves. Although traditional surrogacy had been popular earlier, looking for a gestational surrogate has gained prominence amongst parents wanting a child that is biologically their own.
What is Gestational Surrogacy?
A woman offers her uterus for the growth of a baby, which is then delivered and handed over to the parents for whom she was the carrier. However, this surrogacy does not have the baby carrying any genetic traits of the surrogate mother. The fertilisation process happens outside the womb, using the eggs and the sperm.
How is Gestational Surrogacy Different from Traditional Surrogacy?
For a long time, traditional surrogacy was how a childless couple could enjoy the joys of being parents. In an infertile couple, the fertile partner would end up having intercourse with another partner. As medical science improved, the process of intercourse was replaced with in-vitro fertilization or IVF.
In such cases, no matter who the baby goes to, biologically, the child is a combination of a different sperm and egg as that of the actual parents. With gestational surrogacy, it is just the uterus of the surrogate mother that is used for the growth and development of the baby. Once the embryo is formed, it is transferred to the surrogate mother, who ends up raising the baby for a full-term pregnancy.
Who can Opt for Gestational Carriers?
Although gestational carriers are primarily used by infertile couples, there are a number of scenarios where someone might opt for one. These are usually:
If a woman has opted for removal of her uterus and cannot biologically hold a baby.
If a woman’s uterus is not optimal for the baby’s development due to certain conditions.
If a woman has had repeated miscarriages or the body is unable to hold a baby for a full-term.
If multiple fertility treatments have failed to conceive a child successfully.
If the couple is a same-sex couple or a single man/woman wanting to be a parent.
Possible Risks of Gestational Surrogacy
As with any medical procedure, there are certain risks that accompany gestational surrogacy as well, which you should be completely aware of before opting for it.
Since the eggs that are used for fertilization in a gestational surrogacy come from the mother, she would need to undergo a procedure for inducing ovulation and retrieving eggs from the body. This process itself carries quite some risks. On the other hand, if donor eggs are being used, then such a process is not required.
A larger risk poses itself in the form of financial investment that comes with gestational surrogacy. Not only will the gestational carrier have a fee for carrying the baby for the full pregnancy term, but all the medical costs that are associated with it have to be borne by the opting parents. These include all the checkups and tests that are regularly required to monitor the baby’s growth, but also the costs that might arise in the presence of any complications or requiring any surgery if the case arises so. These can easily go quite higher than expected.
Perhaps the biggest risk involving gestational surrogacy, or surrogacy of any sort for that matter, is an emotional one. Prior to proceeding ahead with the procedure, a number of contracts and legal documents will be signed to ensure that the child that a surrogate mother delivers will be legally and rightfully the child of the intended parents. But, the entire journey of pregnancy and the process of delivery could cause the surrogate carrier to develop a strong attachment for the baby and not adhere to the terms set in paper. The loopholes in laws present in various areas could create unseen complications in this regard, bringing into question the legal ownership of the child. Even though that may not always be the case, the parents opting for such a surrogacy might live in perpetual worry and anxiety of dealing with a situation like this, if it were to arise.
A massive health risk is taken by the gestational carrier herself in carrying the baby to full term. Many times ovulation needs to be artificially induced to be able to have the embryo successfully implant itself in the uterus. This does merit additional compensation for the carrier but that may not always happen. Even if a family member or a friend agrees to be the carrier, the parents need to be aware of the risks she would be taking as well, and make sure she is cared for on those lines.
How can you Get Started?
If your decision of proceeding ahead with gestational surrogacy has attained a complete acceptance, then it is time to start understanding how to begin with it.
1. Finding a Willing Gestational Carrier
This is the process that might take quite some time by itself. Some parents prefer asking the people closest to them, including their friends and family, if they’d be willing to be a surrogate for their child. Certain private agencies house profiles that can be used to find the right one for you, based on various parameters. A good carrier generally has a previous history of successful deliveries, is around between the ages of 20-40, and is healthy with a good support system for herself.
2. Undergoing Necessary Counselling
The process and journey of gestational surrogacy look simple and straightforward on paper. However, most parents are quite unaware of dealing with the emotional impact that accompanies it. Once a surrogate has been selected, it is best to have a common counselling session with a fertility expert, who would walk you through the stages and help you manage the various scenarios that might arise. Any emotional queries or figuring out a relationship standpoint can be freely discussed at this stage.
3. Medical Evaluation of The Sperm and Egg
For parents who would be using their own sperms and eggs, a genetic and medical evaluation would be required. In case of donors, most of them are usually screened before making them available for parents. The evaluation ensures that both the sperm and the egg are in a condition that is good enough to have a successful IVF, as well as there exist no medical complications as such, which might affect the gestational carrier.
4. Medical Evaluation of The Surrogate
If your surrogate has been arranged by a private agency, they would mostly have all her medical evaluation in place or might undertake a recent one themselves. In any case, a recent medical checkup is highly advised to address any issues or complications in her health or constitution. At the same time, if the carrier is married, then her partner might also have to undergo a checkup as well as a psychological evaluation to understand the impact of the surrogacy.
5. Getting All Legal Matters Cleared
A legal agreement is absolutely necessary for the benefit of both, the parents as well as the surrogate. It is advised for each party to have their own advocates, who can go through the details of the agreement, and reach a final contract that is acceptable to both. Keep all aspects of finances, transfer of rights, the legal acquisition of the baby prior to after delivery, and many other pointers clear in the legal contract.
Gestational Surrogacy Process
A simpler way of looking at gestational surrogacy is to equate the surrogate mother as an oven and the baby as a food item prepared by someone else. This clarifies a mental thought process regarding the ownership of the child.
Once surrogates are selected and legal requirements satisfied, there are many more procedures to undergo. Blood tests and ultrasounds will be done regularly to keep a constant check on the surrogate. Furthermore, a variety of hormones are injected into the carrier so that the body prepares itself to go into a pregnancy mode. This continues for about a month until the doctors are sure that the hormones have been successfully absorbed by the body.
If the body is prepared and the embryo has been formed after successful fertilization, the important part begins. The transfer of the embryo into the surrogate’s womb is done by using a technique which makes use of an ultrasound-guided catheter. This enters the woman’s body via the cervix and implants the embryo on the uterus. Hormone injections might continue even after that and blood levels will be checked regularly to look for signs of pregnancy
In unfortunate cases, the embryo may fail to take hold. In such a case, all medical procedures are stopped immediately and the surrogate undergoes a menstrual cycle. Following that, if both parties approve, the process is tried again with a different embryo.
How does Gestational Surrogacy Work?
Carrying out gestational surrogacy can be done in multiple ways, depending on the availability of eggs or embryos.
1. How Does It Work with Fresh Eggs
Menstrual cycles are matched so that the timings of retrieving your eggs and preparing your embryo is in sync with the uterus of the surrogate being ready to accept an embryo to be implanted.
Egg production is stimulated using gonadotropin medicines.
Once eggs are matured, they are retrieved and fertilized using the necessary sperm.
When they achieve fertilization, the embryo is transferred to the surrogate.
2. How Does It Work with Frozen Eggs
The surrogate is already on the appropriate medical procedures required to prepare her uterus for implantation.
Once the time is close, the frozen eggs are thawed and fertilization is commenced using the appropriate sperms.
These fertilized embryos are then transferred to the ready uterus.
3. How Does It Work with Frozen Embryos
This is quite similar to how frozen eggs are prepared, only that the waiting time is even less.
Since the embryo is already ready, once the surrogate achieves a prepared uterus, the embryo is thawed and inserted into the carrier for implantation.
How Long does the Process of Gestational Surrogacy Take?
Finding a willing surrogate itself can take many months to even a year or more. As for the medical procedures, around 3-4 IVF cycles, each lasting 4-6 weeks, might be required for a successful pregnancy to be attained.
Success Rates of Gestational Surrogacy
The success rates for surrogacy using one’s own eggs begin at 51 percent for women up to 34 years old and then starts reducing down to 10 percent for women beyond the age of 43. If frozen eggs are used instead, these success percentages are increased slightly.
What are the Benefits of Gestational Surrogacy?
Some of the benefits of gestational surrogacy are,
Everyone from infertile parents to same-sex couples can enjoy the joys of parenthood with this.
The child has the same genetic traits as that of the intended parents, making it biologically their own.
Surrogacy helps develop a strong bond with the carrier and helps in easy transfer of the child since the baby is not biologically related to her.
What are the Drawbacks of Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy has a few disadvantages like,
Opting to use for your own eggs might make it necessary to get the required fertility treatments for successful fertilization.
Intended mothers could have a hard time coming to the terms of another woman enjoying the process of pregnancy for their own child.
The legal complications are immense and the expenses in such cases are quite high.
How Much does Gestational Surrogacy Cost?
The costs can vary from person to person and agency to agency, along with the medical expenses, all ranging from 15 lacs to even 40 lacs or higher.
Gestational surrogacy is one of the best ways to have your own biological baby born the natural way. With the right measures in place, and by undertaking the right medical precautions, gestational surrogacy allows you to not only form a great bond with the carrier and ensure proper growth of the baby, but also be the joyous parents of a child that is your very own.
Also Read:
Surrogacy: Treatment for Fertility
Heterotopic Pregnancy
Fertility Treatments Options for Women
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Process Read more
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