Gestational Surrogacy: A Glossary of Terms

Surrogacy is a foreign concept to a lot of folks. To make it feel even more foreign, surrogacy comes with its own “language.”  There are quite a few terms and abbreviations that, unless you are in the surrogacy world, you’ll have no idea what everyone is talking about. I was a surrogate and now work in the surrogacy industry and I still have to google terms on occasion.

Our sister company, Colorado Surrogacy, made this handy glossary of terms:

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): conception without intercourse, often refers to fertility treatments

BCP (Birth Control Pills): oral contraceptive

Beta Test: blood test for pregnancy that tests hCG levels (see: hCG)

BFN (Big Fat Negative): a negative pregnancy test

BFP (Big Fat Positive): a positive pregnancy test

CB (Cycle Buddy): Someone who is transferring the same day or within a couple of days

CD (Cycle Day): based on a woman’s monthly cycle and which day/number she is on during her cycle

D&C (Dilation and Curettage): medical procedure used to remove tissue from the uterus

DE (Donor Egg): the donor egg being used for IVF

DP3DT (Days Post 3-Day Transfer): days since the embryo transfer after the embryo was grown in the lab for 3 days

DP5DT (Days Post 5-Day Transfer): days since the embryo transfer after the embryo was grown in the lab for 5 days

DPT (Days Post Transfer): number of days after the embryo transfer

E2 (Estradiol): Estrogen steroid hormone involved in the regulation of the estrous and menstrual reproductive cycles

ED (Egg Donor/Egg Donation): the person who donates the eggs, or the process of getting donated eggs

EDD (Estimated Due Date): when the baby is due based on embryo growth and date of transfer

ET (Embryo Transfer): the procedure when the embryo is transferred to the “recipient” uterus

FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer): the procedure when a frozen embryo is transferred to the “recipient” uterus

GC (Gestational Carrier): a woman who carries a pregnancy for intended parent/s

GD (Gestational Diabetes): glucose intolerance during pregnancy

GS (Gestational Surrogate): a woman who carries a pregnancy for intended parent/s

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): hormones produced in pregnancy

HPT (Home Pregnancy Test): a home diagnostic kit for testing for pregnancy hormones (pee stick)

HSC (Hysteroscopy): ultrasound to view the lining of the uterus

IF (Intended Father): a father expecting a baby via gestational carrier

IFs (Intended Fathers): two fathers expecting a baby via gestational carrier

IM (Intended Mother): a mother expecting a baby via gestational carrier

IMs (Intended Mothers): two mothers expecting a baby via gestational carrier

IP (Intended Parent): a parent expecting a baby via gestational carrier

IPs (Intended Parents): parents expecting a baby via gestational carrier

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): procedure by which an ovum is combined with sperm outside the body resulting in embryos, which are transferred to the uterus

LMP (Last Menstrual Period): the start date of a woman’s last menstrual cycle

M/C (Miscarriage): spontaneous loss of pregnancy

OB (Obstetrician): doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum

OB/GYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist): a doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and women’s health

P4 (Progesterone): steroid and sex hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy

PBO (Pre-Birth Order): court document that establishes who the parents of a child are and whose names will appear on the birth certificate

PET (Post-Embryo Transfer): the time after an embryo transfer

PG (Pregnant): pregnant!

PIF (Potential Intended Father)

PIM (Potential Intended Mother)

PIO (Progesterone in Oil): shots of progesterone in oil pregnancy hormone are used to prepare the inner lining of the uterus for the transfer and implantation of the embryo

PIP (Potential Intended Parent)

POAS (Pee on a Stick): Pregnancy test

RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist): Physician who specializes in infertility and IVF

SCH (Sub Chorionic Hemorrhage): the increase of blood in the outer fetal membrane next to the placenta or between the uterus and the placenta

SubQ (Subcutaneous Injections): a shot given in the fatty tissue just under the skin

US or U/S (Ultrasound): picture using ultrasound technology, in this case, specifically of the reproductive organs or of an embryo/fetus

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section): when a woman chooses to vaginally deliver a baby after having delivered a previous baby via C-Section

There are many other terms and abbreviations. If you are ever unsure, you can see if you can find the answer by googling or reach out to your agency. It’s a lot to take in while you are going through the complex journey of surrogacy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, we don’t expect anyone to know all of the terms and abbreviations!

~ The Honest Surrogate