The labor and delivery process is the most emotional, nerve wracking, exciting, overwhelming and, more than anything, confusing day of your journey as an intended parent. After all, your entire life is about to change forever! Here’s a look at a few of the labor and deliver terms and abbreviations that you may hear flying around during the hours that lead up to the birth of your child. 

SHOW

Also referred to as the “bloody show” is when the softened cervix begins to open, thus rupturing tiny blood vessels and leading to blood tinged mucus. This is also known as the mucus plug. This is usually indicative on the onset of early labor. 

DILATION

A term used to measure the opening of the cervix. Through the process of labor the cervix will go from 1cm (the size of a Cheerio) to 10cm (The size of a sliced bagel). 

EFFACEMENT

A term used to measure the softness of the cervix. Usually measured in percentage from 10-100% effaced. 

EPIDURAL

A popular form of pain management used in childbirth. A form of regional anesthesia, an epidural is administered through a small tube inserted into the back. The goal is to decrease sensation in the lower half of the body by blocking nerve impulses. More than 50% of laboring women will request this form of pain management. 

STATION

This refers to how far into the birth canal your baby’s head is located. The scale ranges from a -5 to a +5. Generally speaking, a -5 station is a baby that is not engaged at all, and a +5 station very engaged and preparing for delivery. 

MECONIUM

The fetal waste that accumulates in a baby’s intestine during gestation. It is expelled during or shortly after birth and is greenish in color. If it is present at the time of birth members from the NICU may be called in for observation. 

NICU

Short for neonatal intensive care unit. This is a hospital inside of the hospital for babies born either very premature or with serious health conditions. You can learn more about what to expect if your baby needs to stay in the NICU in our related blog post. 

BREECH

The term given to the position of the baby when the buttocks or the feet are positioned to exit the vagina before the head. 

EPISIOTOMY

The procedure of cutting the thin skin (the perineum) between the vagina and the anus. The doctor may perform this procedure in the final stages of labor in order to enlarge the vaginal opening in preparation for delivery. This can help prevent excessive tearing. 

Learn more about Growing Generations and building your family with surrogacy on our Surrogacy Program page. If you're ready to get started, complete your intended parent application.

If you're entering surrogacy, you will typically be placed on a regimen of hormone IVF surrogacy therapies to prepare the uterus for the embryo transfer and aid in maintaining the pregnancy. Some of the surrogacy medications you can expect to be on during your medical cycle may include:

• Estrogen- You are likely to be on at least one form of estrogen supplement. This is to build the uterine lining. Common forms include Estrace (pill) and/or Delestrogen (intramuscular injection).

• Lupron- This medication (subcutaneous injection) is given primarily to women who are planning on transferring a fresh embryo as opposed to a frozen one. It is used to help suppress the ovaries while waiting for the transfer.

• Progesterone- Most surrogates will be on progesterone for many weeks. Progesterone is used to mimic pregnancy in the body and sustain a viable early pregnancy. Common forms are vaginal suppositories (Endometrin), patches, and intramuscular injections compounded with oil (Ethyl Oleate, Sesame Oil, or Olive Oil are common.)

• Medrol- This is a short term steroid administered orally prior to transfer. It is given to suppress the surrogate’s immune system in hopes of encouraging embryo implantation and potential pregnancy.

• Prednisone- This is another steroid form, administered (pill) for the same purpose of immune system suppression, but given over a prolonged period of time.

• Baby Aspirin- Given as a blood thinner as a precautionary measure due to the high levels of hormones the surrogate is taking.

• Doxycycline- Some surrogates are given this antibiotic (pill) before their embryo transfer to help fight infection in the body, including possible low-grade pelvic infections.

• Prenatal Vitamins, Folate & DHA- Just as with all pregnant women, most surrogates are asked to take daily supplements to aid in their overall health and the development of the fetus.

The list above is purely a sample of frequently used medications in IVF. Your medical cycle may vary. Just as with all medications, an individual’s response to each medication can vary widely from one patient to the next. What works well for one patient may not work at all for another. 

Ensuring you're a good fit for the surrogacy process is one of the reasons for our in-depth medical screening during the initial surrogacy process.

MONITORING MEDICATIONS

Your hormone medications will be monitored closely through the entire process. Your doctor may order changes to the drugs you take as well as the dosage of your medications many times in order to ensure continued success of your journey. This is normal and is not a cause for concern.

SURROGACY MEDICATION TIMELINE 

You'll likely begin IVF medications a month or two before the embryo transfer. Some surrogates undergo a mock cycle beforehand so the doctor can see how your endometrium lining responds to the medication. 

Typically, you'll be released from medication between 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. That time estimate is just a guideline and actual release may come earlier or later. When you're released from medication, it is a weaning process that generally takes several days.

Any questions or concerns you experience during your medical cycle can and should be discussed with your case specialist and/or nurse right away.

BECOMING A SURROGATE

If you're considering becoming a surrogate, we're happy to walk you through the process and answer all your questions about surrogacy and its medical protocol. Growing Generations is a premier surrogacy agency known for its attentive team. You can reach us online or call us at 323.965.7500.

*Revised 2/29/24

Telling your boss that you’re pregnant can be stressful. When the baby you’ll be carrying isn't your own, telling the boss your big news can seem overwhelming. Depending on your relationship with your boss and the workplace atmosphere, you’ll first need to decide if you’re an early sharer or a late sharer.

If you have an open relationship with your boss and you don’t feel as though the news would be ill received or put you in jeopardy, then sharing news of your surrogacy hopes early may be beneficial. Early sharing inspires open communications and trust while allowing you to be honest with your boss over the upcoming absences you’ll be taking for the transfer and monitoring appointments. Your boss will also be clued in to any tiredness or moodiness that tends to come with early pregnancy.

Many women do not feel comfortable sharing their goals until much later in the process. Some wait until a positive pregnancy test, and others wait until the end of the first trimester. Delayed sharing allows you to keep their secret a bit longer in the sad possibility of an early miscarriage. Some women also feel as though their bosses would not authorize time away from work for these important medical procedures. If this is your situation, feel confident knowing you are not required to tell your boss why you’re missing work for medically related absences.

Whenever you choose to tell your boss about your surrogate pregnancy, it is probably best to schedule a time for the conversation in advance. A good call would be a time when this can be a one-on-one discussion without many distractions. A lunch break or other time when you’re off the clock is probably best. Be sure to ensure your boss of any intentions you have for time off following the birth, and if you intend to return to work following the birth, ensuring your boss of this intention can help create calm. Finally, ask if he/she has any questions. Giving your boss the opportunity to ask questions about the process and what it means to your job performance is important.  

Revised on 4/17/18

Bleeding during pregnancy can be incredibly scary. Bleeding while in a surrogate IVF pregnancy can be doubly worrisome as so much care has already been taken to attain the pregnancy. 

IS BLEEDING NORMAL DURING IVF PREGNANCY?

Pregnancies achieved through IVF often have a higher rate of bleeding than a conventional pregnancy. Roughly 40% of women carrying an IVF pregnancy will experience bleeding. The elevated instance of bleeding could be attributed to a number of factors, including more vaginal exams and the medications being taken to increase blood flow. This type of bleeding can range from light pink to dark brown and everything from light spotting to menstrual-like flow. 

IVF PREGNANCY AND BLEEDING: POTENTIAL CAUSES

The first thing to realize is that many women experience bleeding in pregnancy and continue to have perfectly healthy pregnancies. Women often assume that the appearance of blood means an inevitable miscarriage is looming. Contrary to that misconception, there are several reasons a woman might experience bleeding during pregnancy, and not all of them are bad. Common causes for bleeding in pregnancy include: 

Implantation Bleeding 

Implantation bleeding or spotting after an IVF cycle is common. Light bleeding or spotting is often the first sign of pregnancy, or may be a side effect of hormone medications.

Sub-chorionic Hemorrhage/Hematoma

Most hematomas heal on their own and are not a reason for concern because they are small or cause light bleeding. Your doctor likely will perform an ultrasound to assess the size and location of the hematoma and determine if any treatment is necessary. Heavier bleeding should be monitored.

Vaginal Infection

Very common in early pregnancy, vaginal infections are treatable. Common diagnoses include both yeast and urinary tract infections.

Irritation From Intercourse

Other times, bleeding may be present that is unexplained by any obvious cause. Sometimes, the bleeding is indeed a sign of a troubled pregnancy.

WHAT IF I EXPERIENCE BLEEDING AT 4, 6, OR 8 WEEKS? 

Bleeding farther along in your pregnancy can be unsettling. Call or email your case specialist and nurse representative right away. If you begin bleeding at 4 weeks, it's important to remain calm and monitor the amount and duration of bleeding. As the pregnancy progresses, bleeding can trigger concern. At 6 weeks, bleeding accompanied by severe pain requires immediate attention. If you notice any bleeding at 8 weeks, you should contact your doctor and avoid any strenuous activities.

We're here with you every step of the way. Contact Growing Generations to learn more about surrogacy.

As the birth of your baby draws near you may begin to wonder how the relationship you’ve built with your surrogate will change after delivery. The first thing you should know is that the relationship will change. That’s normal. You should also know that no matter how it changes, those changes are okay.

It’s entirely up to you how much access you allow the surrogate and her family to have to you and your baby from now on. Some parents will develop deep friendships with their surrogate and stay in contact with her for years to come. Other parents prefer a blunt separation at the time of birth. Both options are acceptable. In either case, perhaps the best way to say ‘thank you’ is to consider allowing your surrogate the chance to have proper closure.

Understand that just as your entire world changes the instant the baby is born, your surrogate’s world makes a dramatic change as well. In the blink of an eye she goes from being a key player in your family creating world, to an often over looked spectator. Compound this sudden change with the hormone surge that accompanies child birth and you may begin to understand why she is crying and feeling a lot of big emotions all at once. Big emotions and big tears are typical.

Surrogates are not adoptive mothers. They have no biological or maternal emotional link to your child. Your surrogate is not grieving the loss of a child, in fact she’s likely on an emotional high, just like you. Despite this, nearly all surrogates crave a sense of closure and the opportunity to say goodbye to the baby, to her surrogate experience and, potentially, to you.

Take some time aside from the excitement and joy of that precious bundle to ask your surrogate how she’s feeling. Tell her how appreciative you are of the gift she has just given you. Also, allowing her to be a part of the process while in the hospital will go a long way in helping her get that much needed and desired closure.

Small things like sitting with her for lunch, allowing her to give the baby a bottle, talking with her about how the baby is sleeping; these things may seem small and inconsequential to you but when it comes to your surrogate, these small inclusions can mean more than you’ll ever know.

If you’re comfortable, consider allowing your surrogate some access to the new baby. Many surrogates will want to snap a quick photo of themselves with the baby, or maybe with you and the baby, even of their own children with the baby. They may also want to hold the baby.

Even so, many surrogates will not ask for these closure giving photos or cuddles out of fear that you may think she’s changing her mind, or feels attached to your baby. Keep in mind that any access or time you allow your surrogate to spend with your baby will always be in your presence. Your offering to take the picture or to let her hold the baby takes the stress of asking for access away from her, and can feel like the biggest relief in the world. Again, small gestures that show big appreciation.

A healthy dose of empathy and you will navigate the closure of your surrogacy and transition to parenthood with ease. If you ever need help relating or communicating with your surrogate during these coming weeks, don’t be afraid to reach out to your case specialist.

Since most of our egg donors come to us on some form of birth control, we're often asked whether you can donate eggs with an IUD or other form of birth control. Having prospective egg donors on birth control is normal and expected and, most times, has no impact on your egg donation journey. However, certain methods of birth control can cause your donation journey to slow down. 

Here’s a look at what those birth control methods include and why they’ll cause us to hit “pause” on your journey.

DEPO-PROVERA

More commonly referred to as “the shot,” Depo-Provera delays the egg donation process for a period of six months. If you are on the shot, we will ask you to discontinue use and contact us again in six months. The first six months following discontinuation have been shown to lead to a lower fertility return. We want to make sure there is ample time for all of the medication to exit your system before attempting to stimulate your body to produce a large number of eggs. You will need to have regular and normal menstrual cycles before we’re able to move forward.

NORPLANT/IMPLANON

Commonly called implants, this form of birth control slowly releases progestin into your bloodstream to prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs. It's effective for about 3 years. Some clinics may require you to have the implant removed and have one or two normal periods prior to starting the donation process.

HORMONAL IUD

There are two types of intrauterine devices used to prevent pregnancy. The first, Paraguard or other copper based products, may be left in place during the entire donation process. The second option is a hormone based IUD, commonly the Mirena. Some clinics may require the hormonal IUD to be removed prior to starting the donation process. 

Timing your egg donation journey and planning to stop birth control takes some forethought. You can read our egg donation timeline post for a summary of the process. If you have additional questions about your method of birth control and how it will impact your donation, talk about your concerns with your admissions specialist.

If you are interested in becoming an egg donor with Growing Generations apply online.