Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy: which is right for you?

There are two types of surrogacy options, gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy (also called genetic surrogacy). At Montana Surrogacy Agency we only practice gestational surrogacy, which is the most common type of surrogacy.

What is gestational surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is when a woman carries a baby that has no genetic relation to her for another family. Gestational surrogates are also called gestational carriers, surrogate mothers, or just surrogates. An embryo is created using IVF (in vitro fertilization) with the intended mother’s egg or a donated egg and the intended father’s sperm or donated sperm. Donor embryos may also be used for gestational surrogacy. Because the pregnancy does not occur naturally, the gestational carrier takes a series of hormone supplements for 3-4 weeks prior to the embryo transfer to prepare her uterus for pregnancy. The medications and how they are administered vary slightly for each gestational surrogate. An embryo transfer catheter is then used to “transfer” the embryo or embryos onto the lining of the uterus. This process is painless and no anesthesia or pain medication is required, though sometimes a sedative is used to encourage a calm transfer.

What is traditional surrogacy?

Traditional surrogacy is when a woman carries a baby for another family and she is the biological mother of the child. The pregnancy is achieved by either intra-uterine insemination with the intended father’s sperm or donated sperm or by IVF with her eggs and the intended father’s sperm or donated sperm. Traditional surrogacy is most commonly used when the surrogate is carrying a baby for someone that she is related to. Because most agencies do not practice traditional surrogacy, intended parents often look within their families or to traditional surrogate classifieds. With the medical advancement of gestational surrogacy, traditional surrogacy is much less common.

What kind of surrogacy do we practice at Montana Surrogacy?

Traditional surrogacy is often discouraged by reproductive law attorneys and surrogacy agencies because of the increased potential for conflict of interest. Gestational surrogacy is easier both legally and emotionally, which is why it is the only type of surrogacy we practice at Montana Surrogacy.

Have more questions about surrogacy? Send us an email or call us!

~ The Honest Surrogate