After Nonviable Pregnancy, There's Hope Through Surrogacy

If you have experienced the loss of a nonviable pregnancy, then you know how daunting the thought of starting over can feel. The grief and uncertainty that come with each loss can make the idea of pregnancy again seem overwhelming. Surrogacy offers a way to build the family you’ve dreamed of without facing further physical strain. Surrogacy after a nonviable pregnancy is a lifeline, providing hope and the opportunity to experience the joys of parenthood without the fear of repeated loss.

What Is a Nonviable Pregnancy?

A nonviable pregnancy is a pregnancy that cannot result in a live birth. Experts in the field have designed explicit diagnostic criteria to help medical providers and their patients know when the termination of a nonviable pregnancy is warranted. Knowing the uniform standards ensures parents that they have made the right decision regarding the choice of treatment, including termination of the pregnancy. 

Nonviable Pregnancy Meaning

Nonviable pregnancies mean the fetus has no chance of surviving outside of the uterus. Some of the most common causes of nonviable pregnancies include:

• A pregnancy in which the fetus no longer has a heartbeat

• A pregnancy that stops advancing after the gestational sac forms, which is called a blighted ovum

• A molar pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg incapable of survival implants in the uterus

• A congenital issue that makes the survival of the fetus outside the uterus impossible

• An ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus

While this is not a comprehensive list, these are common instances in which the pregnancy is deemed nonviable, or unable to result in a live birth. Hearing this diagnosis when trying to grow your family can be devastating.

Treatment for Nonviable Pregnancies

When a pregnancy is determined to be nonviable, it can be an emotionally and physically difficult experience for you and your partner. In some cases, your body may naturally expel the pregnancy, leading to a miscarriage. However, in situations where the pregnancy does not resolve on its own, you will need the help of medical intervention to ensure your uterus is cleared of any remaining fetal tissue to prevent potential complications. 

One common treatment is a dilation and curettage procedure, commonly referred to as a D&C, in which a doctor gently removes tissue from the uterus. This is often performed in a clinical setting under local or general anesthesia. Some women may be prescribed medications to help the body expel the remaining tissue.

Can I Get Pregnant After a Non Viable Pregnancy?

Oftentimes, a nonviable pregnancy does not adversely impact future fertility. Rather, it typically occurs because of chromosomal or other abnormalities in the formation of the embryo that do not necessarily indicate underlying fertility issues.

Can I Have More Than One Nonviable Pregnancy?

Yes, although many people have healthy pregnancies after a nonviable pregnancy, you can experience more than one nonviable pregnancy. 

This is, of course, dependent on your individual circumstances. Only you and your healthcare provider can determine how a nonviable pregnancy may or may not affect your chances of having a healthy pregnancy in the future. Many times, nonviable pregnancies are chalked up to unexplained infertility, and there might be no rhyme or reason as to why you have more than one. 

Finding Hope Through Surrogacy

You might endure the heartache of one nonviable pregnancy. You might experience two or several before you decide to grow your family in a different way. After giving yourself time to grieve and process the pregnancy loss, surrogacy can often be the next best choice for you and your family. If that time comes, we will be here for you–for that first call and each step of the surrogacy process.

If you are unsure whether surrogacy is the right choice for you and your family, trust yourself above all else. Some people find comfort and hope in listening to our podcast, The Family Circle, where others who have experienced pregnancy loss share their stories of how, when, and why they eventually pursued surrogacy. Others may find promise in support groups or in thoroughly researching their options online. Whenever you are ready to explore your surrogacy options, get in touch.