Surrogacy is a wonderful journey, allowing individuals or couples to experience the joy of parenthood when faced with challenges in conceiving. However, being a surrogate comes with certain responsibilities and guidelines, including considerations about one’s intimate life.

One important aspect of being a surrogate is the need for abstinence from sexual activity for a specific period before and after the embryo transfer. Typically, surrogates are advised to abstain from sex for at least two weeks before and after the transfer. This precaution is essential to optimize the chances of a successful transfer and ensure the well-being of both the surrogate and the developing embryo.

After a successful embryo transfer, surrogates can resume their normal sex life. It’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided in the surrogacy contract if there are any. The contract may outline specific guidelines regarding the duration of abstinence and other relevant aspects of sexual activity.

The surrogacy contract is a legal and binding agreement that outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both the surrogate and the intended parents. It’s essential for surrogates to carefully review and adhere to the terms related to their sexual life. Some contracts may stipulate longer periods of abstinence, depending on the preferences of the intended parents and the guidance of medical professionals.

Surrogacy agencies, such as Shared Conception, play a crucial role in facilitating the surrogacy process. It’s highly advisable for surrogates to engage in open communication with their surrogacy agency and clarify any questions regarding sexual activity during the surrogacy journey.

The Shared Conception team is here to answer any of your questions you may have regarding surrogacy, the process and what the requirements are. If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, please contact us here at Shared Conception or call us at 713-622-1144.

Have you been contemplating using surrogacy as a means to expand your family? If so, you’re not alone. Surrogacy is gaining traction worldwide, and more individuals are viewing it as the best option when they are unable to conceive naturally.

Let’s look at some of the advantages of choosing surrogacy:

1. Planning for When You are Ready: Utilizing surrogacy to start a family allows for planning the pregnancy to a certain extent. Whether you’re coordinating with life events or aiming for a specific time of the year to have a child, you can establish a general timeline and strive to align with it. While surprises can still occur, you have some ability to guide the process.
2. Parenting From Birth: If having children naturally isn’t possible, adoption is a wonderful way to become a parent, but it has its constraints. In adoption, the child is typically older, and you miss the experience of bonding with a child from their infancy. With surrogacy, you ensure the opportunity to be there from day one, experiencing the initial smiles, laughter, and milestones. However, both adoption and surrogacy are great options for starting your family.
3. The Pregnancy Journey: Unlike adoption or other paths to parenthood, surrogacy provides the pregnancy experience. Although you’re not carrying the pregnancy, you still get to witness sonograms, hear the heartbeat, and anticipate the journey to becoming a parent.
4. Biological Parenthood: If having a biological child is important to you, the only way, apart from giving birth, is through surrogacy. Sustaining a bloodline and passing on genetic traits holds significant value for many individuals, including same-sex couples. Surrogacy allows you to use your own sperm and eggs if they are viable, or you can opt for donors for one or both components.
5. Empowerment and Control: Uncertainty and high costs often lead individuals to discontinue infertility treatments. The unpredictability can take a toll on their lives, causing them to abandon the pursuit. Surrogacy offers a sense of control. You make crucial decisions, such as selecting a donor egg source, determining when the pregnancy occurs, choosing the surrogate, and more. Your journey toward parenthood begins with taking charge and collaborating with a surrogacy agency.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate mother or finding a surrogate, we are here to help you. You can contact us at any time, and our team at Shared Conception will answer any questions you have. Visit our website at https://sharedconception.com/contact/ or call us at 713-622-1144.

Surrogacy, a complex arrangement that involves one woman carrying a child on behalf of another individual or couple, has a rich history that dates back centuries. This complex practice has evolved significantly over time, shaped by cultural, legal, and technological advancements. In this blog, we’ll discuss the history of surrogacy, tracing its origins, transformations, and the social implications that have accompanied its progression.

Ancient Beginnings

The concept of surrogacy finds its roots in ancient civilizations, where it was often practiced as a means to ensure lineage continuation and secure heirs. In early societies, particularly in regions like Mesopotamia and Rome, infertile couples often sought the assistance of a fertile woman to carry a child on their behalf. These arrangements were often informal and lacked the medical and legal frameworks that we have today.

Rise of Modern Surrogacy

The late 20th century witnessed a resurgence of interest in surrogacy, driven by medical advancements and changing family dynamics. The first recorded instance of modern surrogacy took place in 1976, when a gestational surrogate carried a child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). This landmark event paved the way for the more medically and legally regulated surrogacy practices that we see today.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

The emergence of modern surrogacy brought about a myriad of legal and ethical challenges. One of the most prominent cases that garnered widespread attention was the Baby M case in 1986. This legal battle highlighted the need for comprehensive surrogacy laws that protect the rights of all parties involved, including the surrogate mother, intended parents, and the child.

Different countries have taken varying approaches to regulating surrogacy. Some, like the United States, have embraced surrogacy and developed detailed legal frameworks to manage the practice. Others, like France and Germany, have imposed strict bans on commercial surrogacy due to concerns about potential exploitation and commodification of women’s bodies.

Technological Advancements

Advancements in reproductive technologies have played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of surrogacy. The development of IVF, embryo transfer techniques, and genetic testing has expanded the possibilities for surrogacy arrangements. Gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child she carries, has become more common due to these technological breakthroughs.

Cultural Perspectives

Cultural attitudes towards surrogacy vary significantly around the world. In some cultures, surrogacy is embraced as a way to help couples facing infertility, while in others, it might be met with skepticism or moral concerns. Religious beliefs, societal norms, and perceptions of family structure all influence how surrogacy is viewed and practiced.

The Present and Future of Surrogacy

Today, surrogacy continues to be a complex and evolving practice. With globalization, assisted reproductive technologies, and changing family dynamics, surrogacy arrangements have become more diverse and accessible. However, controversies surrounding exploitation, legal ambiguities, and ethical dilemmas persist.

As we move into the future, it’s likely that surrogacy will continue to be a topic of debate and evolution. Striking a balance between respecting the autonomy and rights of surrogate mothers, ensuring the well-being of the child, and meeting the desires of intended parents will be central to the ongoing development of surrogacy laws and practices worldwide.

The history of surrogacy is a testament to the intricate interplay between culture, technology, and the human desire to create and expand families. From its ancient origins to the modern challenges and opportunities it presents, surrogacy has journeyed through time, adapting to changing norms and advancements. As society navigates the complexities of surrogacy, it’s crucial to approach this practice with empathy, awareness, and a commitment to ensuring the well-being of all those involved. If you are interested in surrogacy, either in becoming a surrogate or finding a surrogate, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Shared Conception. We are experienced, compassionate, and eager to help you.

In the natural world, the instinct to create a safe and nurturing environment for impending arrivals is universal. From mother cats and dogs to expectant birds, this phenomenon, commonly known as nesting, is a primal urge deeply ingrained in various species. Remarkably, even human moms-to-be experience this compelling instinct as they prepare to welcome their little ones into the world. But what about surrogate mothers? Do they, too, experience the nesting instinct? In this blog, we discuss the intriguing realm of surrogate parenting and the surprising phenomenon of nesting.

The Surrogate’s Role: Surrogacy is a profound act of selflessness, where a woman carries a child for intended parents, helping them realize their dream of family and parenthood. While the baby will ultimately go home with the intended parents, the surrogate still experiences the remarkable journey of pregnancy, both physically and emotionally. And just like any expectant mother, surrogates can also find themselves caught up in the whirlwind of nesting.

The Nesting Instinct Persists: The burning question often arises: Do surrogate mothers still encounter the nesting instinct? The answer is a resounding “YES.” Surrogates, in fact, commonly experience this instinctual urge to prepare their surroundings for the new life they’re carrying. The act of nesting is not reserved for those who will raise the child but extends to those who are nurturing it in their wombs. It’s a natural process driven by hormones and biological cues, and it’s not swayed by the understanding that the child will eventually be handed over to the intended parents.

The Power of Nesting: The nesting instinct during pregnancy is a powerful force. It propels pregnant mothers, including surrogates, to embark on a journey of swift productivity. Suddenly, the garage gets swept out, stray socks find their pairs, and grout lines in bathrooms are meticulously attended to with toothbrushes. This occurrence is a testament to the innate desire to create a safe and clean environment for the soon-to-arrive baby. For surrogate mothers, it’s a manifestation of their deep connection to the life growing within them.

Embracing the Experience: Every surrogate’s journey is unique, and not all may experience the nesting instinct during their pregnancies. However, for those who do, it’s a special moment to be cherished. While the specific baby might not remain with the surrogate after birth, the emotional connection formed during pregnancy is undeniable. It’s a testament to the profound bond that develops between a surrogate and the life she carries, regardless of the eventual destination of the child.

Surrogacy is remarkable and transcends traditional definitions of motherhood. The nesting instinct, a universal experience, remains a part of this journey for many surrogate mothers. It’s a beautiful reminder that the act of nurturing a life goes beyond biology and extends to the emotional realm. Shared Conception encourages surrogate mothers to embrace the moments of nesting as an integral part of their unique experience. Ultimately, it’s a great reminder of the extraordinary act of helping another family complete their own. If you have any questions about the surrogacy process, please contact us.