FAQs | Page 5 Of 6 | Family Source Surrogacy & Egg Donation Agency

Q: How much contact will I have with my Intended Parents or Surrogate throughout the process and beyond?

This is a decision Intended Parents will need to make depending on your own level of comfort. Some Intended Parents prefer a lot of contact throughout the pregnancy; i.e., regular updates via e-mail and/or phone, and the expectation to attend many of the doctor appointments (RE and OB) with their Surrogate. It may be highly important to the Intended Parents to be “included” in the pregnancy. Similarly, Surrogates may also like the prospect of a close relationship with their Intended Parents. Surrogates and Intended Parents oftentimes have a life-long friendship—even after the birth of the baby/ies—and in many cases, this is a completely realistic notion. A percentage of Intended Parents and Surrogates commit to a fairly low level of contact—perhaps occasional updates or phone calls—but do not necessarily want or need a close relationship throughout the pregnancy and post delivery. This may be viewed by some as a “business relationship” of sorts. The Intended Parent/s may not be able to (or may choose not to) attend doctor appointments and may not meet the Surrogate throughout the pregnancy until time of delivery. Surrogates may be comfortable with this type of relationship because, although they are fulfilled in helping someone else have children, it isn’t crucial to them that they develop a strong relationship with their Intended Parent/s. Of course there are many degrees of what constitutes a “close” relationship, and there are many scenarios that are somewhere in between the different ends of the spectrum mentioned above. Family Source believes that it is most important that, regardless of the expectations you have of your Intended Parent-Surrogate relationship, you agree during the matching process and when entering into a contract together to make every effort to follow through with expectations.

Q: How many embryos are usually transferred? *

This can vary on all different aspects. The reproductive endocrinologist will guide you in making a well-informed decision, based on several factors, one of which is embryo quality. Typically, if the embryos are considered to be of very good or excellent quality, the reproductive endocrinologist will recommend that one embryo is transferred. The Intended Parents and Surrogate will need to agree (and this will be in the contract) how many embryos the Surrogate is willing to transfer. * We are not medical professionals and do not claim to have the medical knowledge you need to make the important decisions you will make throughout the process. When working with our agency, you will be referred to a reputable infertility clinic (reproductive endocrinologist) that will provide you with professional medical advice.

Q: What if I’m not affiliated with a specialist (reproductive endocrinologist)?

Family Source is happy to recommend successful fertility centers to you.

Q: Does Family Source accept Intended Parents who are unmarried?

Absolutely. We do not discriminate against any person based on marital status.

Q: Are there side effects from the medications I would take as a Surrogate or an Egg Donor?

We at Family Source are not medical professionals; however, we are familiar with most of the typically used medications for IVF protocols. In addition to reading through the general protocol in our sections on this website addressing the Surrogate process and the Egg Donor process please review this list of the most commonly used medications for IVF protocols. It is important to note, women respond differently to these medications: In most cases, very few side effects, if any, are experienced, but it is possible that more adverse reactions may occur among some patients. Some potential side effects are: mild bruising and/or soreness from shots, headaches, mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, functional cysts (approx. 15% of IVF patients will develop), and in extreme cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a condition which, fortunately, is pretty rare. It is most important to work with a reputable infertility clinic that 1) has a good track record of avoiding ovarian hyperstimulation among its patients and 2) has the expertise needed to treat the syndrome if it should occur. Your reproductive endocrinologist will answer any additional questions you have in regards medications and their possible side effects.

How much contact will I have with my Intended Parents or Surrogate throughout the process and beyond?

How many embryos are usually transferred? *

What if I’m not affiliated with a specialist (reproductive endocrinologist)?

Does Family Source accept Intended Parents who are unmarried?

Why do people need Surrogates and/or Egg Donors?

Are there side effects from the medications I would take as a Surrogate or an Egg Donor?