Hello - I'm researching the options for becoming a Mom at 46 years old. I was wondering if there's any research on using older eggs and transferring to a younger surrogate. I understand the main problem with women over 45 having a healthy child is about the quality of her eggs, but I would like to know if using a younger surrogate in some way increases the outcome in a positive way.
Reply by Rayven Most intended mothers who are in their mid 40s choose to use donor eggs to help insure a healthy child.
As to whether a younger surrogate has a better chance of carrying less-than perfect eggs than an intended mother in her 40s, that really depends on both the surrogate's health and that of the intended mother in question.
The short answer, is the surrogate would probably have a better chance of carrying the child, but the child would still be at risk for birth defects more common in older eggs. The surrogate would probably be encouraged to have extra screening, and possibly an amniocentesis during pregnancy to check for common defects.
If the health of the intended mother is good, and it is most likely the eggs that are the problem, another solution might be for the intended mother to get an egg donor and carry herself.
On the other hand, if the fertility clinic feels the eggs are viable, then surrogacy might be the perfect fit.
Each situation is different, and what I offer here is only speculation, as you will need to speak with your doctor about your specific health issues.
