What are the chances I will loose my uterus in this process?

by Brittney
(Berkeley, Ca.)

I am concerned about loosing my uterus during the surrogacy process? Are the chances and risk high than a normal pregnancy? I also have another question as well. Is bed rest very common during the pregnancy? I know there is the required 3 to 4 days after the IVF transfer, but is it always occuring. I don't want to spend 9 months in the bed. Also, is being a surrogate time consuming? Will I still have time to do what I want to do? Thanks for your help on this matter.

Reply by Rayven

There are risks to surrogacy, and loss of uterus does happen, though it is uncommon. This is one of the main reasons why it is important that you are DONE having your own children before considering surrogacy.

The risks are slightly higher than with a typical pregnancy simply because there is a higher chance of multiples in IVF and gestational surrogacy, meaning a higher chance of complications, and a higher chance of major problems due to complications.

Though we have come a long way in the western world with advances in childbirth, women still do lose their lives. It's just extremely uncommon.

The bedrest after the transfer is generally 1-3 days, if it is used at all. And this is a modified bedrest; you can get up to use the restroom, answer the door, fix a sandwich.

As to whether you would have additional bedrest, that would depend on any complications (especially with multiples) that might occur with your pregnancy. It is unlikely that you would be on bedrest for 9 months; but if you were to say, carry quintuplets, you might be on bedrest for half the pregnancy. It would totally depend on your situation.

Is it time consuming? Yes. Much, much more than a regular pregnancy. You have many more people to deal with, additional doctors, clinics, agencies, lawyers, intended parents. You have daily injections (this requires me to have 1.5 hours a day available because I use the EMLA cream) you have additional tests and especially if you have multiples, additional appointments.

You'll still have time to do the regular things in your life, but you may have to alter or give up several, depending on your situation. Things like travel, promotions (that would require you to move), are just two examples.

Surrogacy is not a quick and easy process, and is not for the faint hearted. It is extremely invasive, takes a lot of effort and compromise, and is worth every minute of it.