When choosing to become a surrogate mother, it is important to understand the surrogacy process and the various steps and requirements needed. In today’s blog we are going to be discussing the common medications a surrogate mother may be prescribed by their doctor.
Understanding Surrogacy Medications
As a surrogate mother, the health of you and the to-be baby is of the utmost importance. That is why doctors, along with surrogate agencies, typically will advise on taking specific medications that are used to help ensure a healthy, issue-free pregnancy.
Below we have listed some of the most common surrogacy medications and also have provided some details as to the reasoning for being prescribed them.
Birth Control Pills
It may sound strange but one of the first types of medication you might be prescribed happens to be birth control. Although the goal of becoming a surrogate is t o ultimately delivery a baby to the intended parent/s, birth control pills are often times used by the fertility clinic in an effort to sync your cycle with the date of the embryo transfer. The usage of birth control pills during the surrogacy process, including the time when to stop taking the pills, will be guided by the fertility clinic.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are prescribed to surrogate mothers both before the embryo transfer and after. Just like if you were getting pregnant on your own, prenatal vitamins help deliver the appropriate vitamins and nutrients to your body through the transfer and throughout the pregnancy. Some surrogacy agencies might recommend specific brands of prenatal vitamins.
Lupron
Lupron is given to the surrogate mother following the use of birth control. The purpose of Lupron is to help regulate your cycle and prevent your ovaries from ovulating prematurely. Just like with the use of birth control, this helps the fertility clinic ensure a successful embryo transfer.
Estrogen
Estrogen is prescribed in order to help coordinate the surrogate mother’s cycle and help to maintain early pregnancy. This can be administered via pills, patch or through injection, all of which will be determined by your fertility clinic.
Progesterone
Progesterone is often times the final surrogacy medication given to the surrogate mother before the embryo transfer. This is prescribed to surrogate mothers to aid in preparing the uterine lining for implantation of the embryo.
Medrol
Medrol is an optional medication that your clinic may prescribe that is used to increase the chances of a successful embryo transfer.
Other Surrogate Medications
In addition to the most common surrogacy medications listed above, below are a few of the other medications you may be prescribed:
Aspirin – Aspiring, taken in a low-dose, can be used before and during pregnancy. It is not uncommon for certain fertility clinics to prescribe a daily dose before the embryo transfer to help increase the chances of the transfer being successful.
Antibiotics – Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to the surrogate mother before the embryo transfer to ensure that your body is clear of infections beforehand.
