What IVF Medications Do Surrogates Take?

While motherhood is a prerequisite for becoming a surrogate, chances are you will not have experienced an IVF pregnancy before. Carrying a baby for someone else is different emotionally and physiologically from a personal pregnancy, especially when it comes to the surrogacy medications you will need to take. Below, we cover what IVF medications surrogates take and what you can expect throughout your journey. 

How Does IVF Surrogacy Work? 

A surrogate must take medications—hormonal supplementations—to prepare her body for a pregnancy since she is not conceiving naturally. Gestational surrogacy involves a process known as in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

First, eggs are retrieved from the intended parent or an egg donor. The eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory with the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm) to create embryos. When the time is right, an embryo will be placed in the uterus of the gestational surrogate. 

As a surrogate, you will meet with your intended parents’ clinic to learn about the medications and protocol prior to the embryo transfer procedure. The clinic staff will educate you on what the medications are, how to administer them, and when to take them. 

What Medications Are Used During IVF by Surrogates? 

Surrogates can expect to take the following hormone supplements and medications to increase their chances of getting pregnant and carrying the baby to term: 

Estrogen 

Estrogen is a hormone naturally produced by the ovary during the natural ovarian cycle. It thickens and builds the uterine lining. Surrogates will generally take an estrogen supplement orally 2 or 3 times a week from the beginning of the cycle until a pregnancy is confirmed. 

Progesterone 

Once the uterine lining reaches its critical thickness, a second hormone is added: progesterone. Progesterone makes the uterus receptive to pregnancy by inducing it to produce the proper nutrients to support the embryo. Progesterone is usually administered vaginally in the form of a vaginal insert or cream. 

Lupron 

An injectable drug is occasionally administered in addition to estrogen and progesterone. Lupron prevents the surrogate's cycle from "kicking in" at the wrong time. The injection is usually self-administered. 

When Do IVF Medications Start and End? 

Before we discuss the timing of medications, it is helpful to understand why they are important. Hormonal supplements help you coordinate your menstrual cycle so that your uterus is primed and ready to accept the embryo(s). 

You will typically begin your medications 3 to 4 weeks prior to your embryo transfer procedure. During this time, you will attend weekly ultrasound examinations and have regular blood tests to ensure that your body is responding properly to the medications. 

Once you are confirmed pregnant (usually 2 weeks after the transfer), you will continue taking progesterone and estrogen until the 8th or 9th week of the pregnancy. Your body will then produce its own hormones, so supplementation is no longer needed.  

At this point, you can celebrate the end of your medications and look forward to the rest of your surrogacy journey! Learn more about the role of hormones during pregnancy in our related blog post. 

Are There Side Effects to IVF Medications? 

The medications used to prepare and support you for pregnancy are easy to take and have few—if any—side effects. Occasionally, surrogates report feeling bloated and having mild cramping, but it’s nothing they can’t handle! 

How Else Can Surrogates Prepare for Pregnancy? 

To provide the growing baby with the best environment, there are a few lifestyle adjustments you may consider adding to your regular routine. These include: 

• Diet and Exercise: A healthy, balanced diet is extremely important. If in doubt, consult the nutritionist at your obstetrician’s office for advice. Mild to moderate exercise is also highly recommended. 

• Prenatal Vitamins: Available over-the-counter, prenatal vitamin preparation packets provide a complete combination of vitamins needed for a healthy pregnancy. These should be started prior to the pregnancy and continued throughout your journey. 

• Massage: Regular prenatal massage from an experienced provider has been shown to have significant benefits for expectant women, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and deliveries that are easier and quicker (3 hours shorter on average!).  

Start Your Surrogacy Journey 

Understanding what the surrogacy process entails is extremely important for a smooth journey. These hormone supplements are easy to take and provide you with the best chance of having a successful pregnancy. 

If you feel called to help an individual or couple grow their family through surrogacy, you can see if you meet the requirements to become a gestational carrier. If you are ready to take the next step, please click here to apply.