BECOME AN EGG DONOR AND EARN UP TO $15,000+ SEE IF YOU QUALIFY The biggest reason egg donors do what they do is because they believe in helping others grow a family. By becoming an egg donor, you can help people become parents who otherwise cannot do so on their own. Plus, Growing Generations egg donors are some of the highest-paid donors in the industry, so you’ll be well compensated for your generosity. WHAT IS AN EGG DONOR An egg donor plays a key role for people starting to grow their family through assisted reproduction. As a donor, you make the decision to provide your eggs for the purpose of helping others become parents—an individual or couple who, for personal or medical reasons, need someone else’s egg to begin the process of having a baby. Growing Generations egg donors are among the top 1% of our applicants, and come from all over the world. BECOME AN EGG DONOR WHY BECOME AN EGG DONOR WITH GROWING GENERATIONS By choosing to donate eggs, you make it possible for others to pursue their goal of becoming parents. Even beyond that, you are doing something with the potential to have far-reaching effects that span generations past your own. ​ Becoming an egg donor also offers the advantage of a deeper understanding of your own fertility. As you go through the physical and genetic pre-screenings, you will learn all about your reproductive health and your risks for hereditary diseases, giving you invaluable information to plan for yourself and your future. WE MAKE YOUR WELLBEING A TOP PRIORITY. BECOME AN EGG DONOR OUR EGG DONOR REQUIREMENTS If you are considering becoming an egg donor, you will need to meet our minimum requirements. At Growing Generations, our prospective egg donors must meet certain criteria when it comes to their health, lifestyle and family history. Our requirements and qualifications include: HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Between the ages of 21-29 years old. Body mass index (BMI) is below 27.5. At least 5 feet tall. Have both ovaries. Free of genetic disorder diagnosis. General clean bill of health. 1/4 Do not use tobacco. No history of substance abuse LIFESTYLE REQUIREMENTS 2/4 Able to obtain up-to-date family history and health status. No history of multigenerational familial diagnoses such as inheritable cancer, various genetic disorders, etc. FAMILY HISTORY REQUIREMENTS 3/4 Some education beyond high school or success in a chosen career path. Willingness to complete medical and psychological screening. Willingness to use injectable medications. Flexible schedule for appointments and travel as needed. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 4/4 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Between the ages of 21-29 years old. Body mass index (BMI) is below 27.5. At least 5 feet tall. Have both ovaries. Free of genetic disorder diagnosis. General clean bill of health. 1/4 Do not use tobacco. No history of substance abuse LIFESTYLE REQUIREMENTS 2/4 Able to obtain up-to-date family history and health status. No history of multigenerational familial diagnoses such as inheritable cancer, various genetic disorders, etc. FAMILY HISTORY REQUIREMENTS 3/4 Some education beyond high school or success in a chosen career path. Willingness to complete medical and psychological screening. Willingness to use injectable medications. Flexible schedule for appointments and travel as needed. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 4/4 We screen our donors and take health and mental well-being into consideration to be sure egg donation is in your best interest. This thorough screening also ensures you have a high likelihood of being selected by intended parents. EGG DONOR COMPENSATION Becoming an egg donor is doubly rewarding, you help intended parents build their family and receive financial compensation. Egg donor compensation looks like this: $10,000 $12,000 $15,000 or more First time egg donor compensation. Repeat egg donor compensation. Premier egg donor compensation. Egg donors are eligible for many benefits and expenses related to the egg donation cycle. LEARN MORE $10,000 First time egg donor compensation. $12,000 Repeat egg donor compensation. $15,000 or more Premier egg donor compensation. HOW TO BECOME AN EGG DONOR WITH US The first step to becoming an egg donor is to complete a quick survey to see if you qualify. Once qualified, you will complete our full egg donor application. After you submit your donor application, it will be reviewed by our team. If your donor application is approved, you will be invited to schedule a consultation. This process includes a video call with your Specialist. You will review what you can expect before, during and after a donation. During this time, you will work directly with your Specialist to obtain items for your profile, that we need before we publish you to our database for parents to review. Some of the items include, but not limited to paperwork, GPA verification, photos, and a video about yourself. You will also complete fertility testing during this time. Once reserved by intended parents, your specialist will reach out to you with next steps in your journey. Once you are reserved by intended parents, the donation process, on average, takes about 3-5 months to complete. STEP 1 SEE IF YOU QUALIFY STEP 2 REVIEW OF DONOR APPLICATION STEP 3 NEW DONOR CONSULTATION STEP 4 PREPARE FOR YOUR DONOR MATCH STEP 5 TIME FRAME ONCE MATCHED WITH INTENDED PARENTS IF YOU’RE READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON SOMEONE’S LIFE, WE INVITE YOU TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY BY FILLING OUT OUR SURVEY. APPLY NOW

THE SURROGACY PROCESS A CARING AND CHERISHED EXPERIENCE With over 25 years of experience, Growing Generations has worked—and continues to work—with surrogates who reside all over the United States as well as intended parents who reside on six different continents. Surrogates are a vital key to helping individuals and couples grow families of their own. Our team is dedicated to making this a life-changing, fulfilling journey for surrogates and the intended parents. We want our surrogates to feel supported and taken care of during their surrogacy journey from the moment they apply. HOW TO BECOME A SURROGATE The first step to becoming a surrogate is to complete a quick survey to see if you qualify. Once qualified, you will complete our full surrogate application. After you submit your surrogate application, it will be reviewed by our team. If your surrogate application is approved, you will be invited to schedule a consultation. Your admissions specialist will guide you through your surrogacy admissions process during your consultation. This process includes a review of your pregnancy-related medical records, income documentation, surrogacy preferences, and general paperwork. You will also complete psychological screening with a mental health professional. During this time our matching team works hard to identify the right intended parent match for you. We have a unique, customized surrogate matching process, and will hand pick an intended parent profile just for you. Once you approve an intended parent profile, your profile will be sent to the intended parents for review. If everyone accepts the match, you will have a video match meeting facilitated by a member of our case management team. STEP 1 SEE IF YOU QUALIFY STEP 2 REVIEW OF SURROGATE APPLICATION STEP 3 NEW SURROGATE CONSULTATION STEP 4 PREPARE FOR YOUR SURROGATE MATCH STEP 5 MATCH WITH INTENDED PARENTS BECOME A SURROGATE If you have any questions before beginning your surrogacy, please contact us at family@growinggenerations.com , and a member of our surrogate admissions team will contact you directly. Growing Generations is always here to help and support you through your surrogacy experience from the very first step to the last stage of your journey. TIMELINE AND OVERVIEW Your surrogacy journey begins with an in-depth screening process which includes a pre-qualification process, application, consultation, and medical screening. IT TYPICALLY TAKES AN AVERAGE OF 14 TO 18 MONTHS FROM THE MOMENT YOU APPLY TO BE A SURROGATE TO THE TIME OF DELIVERY. Every surrogate and surrogacy journey are unique, so the timing and process may vary. This general overview provides a more in-depth explanation of what to expect when you decide to become a surrogate with Growing Generations. 1. PRE-QUALIFICATION Before completing the surrogate application in its entirety, you will need to take a few minutes to complete a quick survey. If you meet the minimum surrogacy requirements, you will be asked to complete the full application. 2. APPLICATION PROCESS Your surrogate application will be reviewed by our team. If your application is approved, you will be invited to schedule your surrogacy consultation. Your case specialist will guide you through our admissions process, which includes a review of your pregnancy-related medical records, income verification, surrogacy preferences, and general paperwork. You will also complete psychological screening with a mental health professional. 3.NEW SURROGATE CONSULTATION The consultation is an hour-long phone conversation between you and an admissions specialist with Growing Generations. During the consultation, a summary of the entire surrogacy process will be provided, from application to birth. If you have any questions and concerns, there will also be plenty of time to address them. 4. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION SUBMISSION After the surrogacy consultation is complete, you’ll move on to the document submission phase. Some of the documents we will need are: ​ Your driver’s license and social security card Your partner’s or spouse’s driver's license and social security card Pay stubs Past pregnancy and delivery records Medical records Medical insurance card ​ The documents submitted will be used to complete the criminal background check, insurance verification to review your insurance options, as well as a review of your pregnancy and delivery records by a maternal fetal specialist. Any paperwork items that require a signature can be signed virtually. This phase of your surrogate application process tends to be the most time intensive and will move at your speed. 5. MATCHING WITH INTENDED PARENTS During your admissions process, our matching team works to identify the right intended parent match for you. We begin by asking several questions. Our goal is to understand your hopes and expectations for the surrogacy, so we can match you with like-minded parents. Our unique, highly customized matching process means we hand pick an intended parent profile for you. Once you approve a parent profile, your profile will be sent for their review. If everyone accepts the match, you will have a video match meeting facilitated by a member of the case management team. Matching can happen within a few days or several weeks. We will work diligently to find a match you’re excited about! 6. MEDICAL SCREENING You will complete medical screening with the doctor overseeing your IVF cycle. In most cases, this will involve travel. The travel expenses for you and your partner will be covered. During your trip, you will have a physical examination and blood draw. Your surrogacy medical screening results are typically received within two weeks of your appointment. 7. LEGAL PROCESS After you are medically cleared and your intended parent match is confirmed, the legal phase begins. You will complete a legal contract between you and the intended parents to establish the terms of the surrogacy. The legal process takes a few weeks on average and can vary. You will not be able to begin injectable medications until your legal clearance is issued. Once the contract is in place, your case specialist will work with you and the IVF clinic to create a calendar with your medication protocol and tentative embryo transfer date. 8. EMBRYO TRANSFER PREPARATION You will receive a copy of the cycle calendar from your IVF clinic. The cycle medications will be shipped to you, and the clinic will provide detailed instructions on how to administer the medication and what dosages to take. You will also have a few local monitoring appointments at a facility near your hometown to track your progress. Once your body is ready for the transfer, you will travel to the IVF clinic for the procedure. The first pregnancy test will occur 10 to 12 days after the transfer. 9. PREGNANCY Once a pregnancy is confirmed, you will continue some of your IVF medications until 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. At that time, you will be released to the care of your local obstetrician. Once the IVF process is complete, your pregnancy care becomes more routine. Your OB appointments will occur approximately every four weeks and will increase in frequency near the end of the pregnancy. Your case specialist will be with you the entire time to help navigate the practical and emotional sides of this process. You will have milestone calls with your case specialist and intended parents to help prepare for delivery. You will also have access to our online resource center as well as a private social media group to connect with other wonderful surrogates and to share your feelings and experience. 10. PREPARING FOR DELIVERY Once a pregnancy is confirmed, you will continue some of your IVF medications until 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. At that time, you will be released to the care of your local obstetrician. Once the IVF process is complete, your pregnancy care becomes more routine. Your OB appointments will occur approximately every four weeks and will increase in frequency near the end of the pregnancy. Your case specialist will be with you the entire time to help navigate the practical and emotional sides of this process. You will have milestone calls with your case specialist and intended parents to help prepare for delivery. You will also have access to our online resource center as well as a private social media group to connect with other wonderful surrogates and to share your feelings and experience. 11. DELIVERY AND RECOVERY The day you’ve all been working toward! Surrogates often describe delivery day as life altering. After delivery, the baby will be discharged from the hospital with the parents, and you will be discharged as well. We’ll be here to support you in the postpartum period to ensure you’re recovering and have everything you need. BECOME A SURROGATE WE ARE HERE FOR YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. As a surrogate, what you do is not only meaningful, but also essential. Surrogates play a crucial role in building families and creating legacies for those who dream about parenthood. At Growing Generations, we meet your incredible generosity with our commitment to you and your well-being. If you have any questions before beginning your surrogacy, please contact us at family@ growinggenerations.com, and a member of our surrogate admissions team will contact you directly. Growing Generations is always here to help and support you through your surrogacy experience from the very first step to the last stage of your journey.

WHAT IS A SURROGATE A surrogate is someone who agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or couple, giving birth to a baby who has no genetic connection and will be raised by the intended parent(s) . Taking on such a vital role means merging your best interests with those of the family you are going on this journey for. Rising to the top in our highly selective application process, Growing Generations surrogates are the best possible partners for the intended parents we serve. Your journey is a serious commitment —to make you and your well-being a top priority, with the most personalized attention and the utmost respect. BECOME A SURROGATE WHY BECOME A SURROGATE Who Are Our Surrogates? Growing Generations surrogates are mothers themselves who are raising their own children. Pregnancy is an experience they enjoy, and family is incredibly important to them. The compensation they receive is a way to pursue their dreams and provide for themselves and their family, all while being an essential partner on someone else’s path to parenthood. The biggest reason surrogates do what they do is because they believe in helping others grow a family. By becoming a surrogate, you can help people become parents despite obstacles that make it difficult or impossible for them to create their own family using traditional means. Some of the types of parents you’ll help include: ​ ​Couples who struggle with infertility Women with health concerns that make it dangerous to carry a baby to term Same-sex male couples Surrogates make parenthood possible where it would not be otherwise.​ ​ BECOME A SURROGATE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ARE THERE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A SURROGATE? Women interested in becoming surrogates must meet a number of requirements. Although these may vary a bit depending on the agency, common criteria include being between the ages of 21 and 42, having had at least one successful, uncomplicated pregnancy, being in good physical and mental health, and not using certain medications. Additionally, surrogacy agencies require potential surrogates to have a secure living situation and financial stability. HOW DO YOU SELECT YOUR SURROGATES? Growing Generations uses a thorough screening process to select surrogates. This process includes several steps, such as medical and psychological evaluations, background checks, interviews, and reviews of the surrogate’s medical history and lifestyle. IS BECOMING A SURROGATE WORTH IT? The decision to become a surrogate is deeply personal and can be incredibly rewarding emotionally. Helping others build a family is a selfless, generous choice. It’s important, however, to consider the potential physical and emotional challenges, time commitment, and impact on your own family. Compensation is another factor to weigh when determining if surrogacy is worth it for you. WILL I REALLY BE HELPING PEOPLE? Surrogate mothers offer an incredible gift to individuals or couples who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. For many intended parents, surrogacy is their only option to have a biological child, making your role as a surrogate invaluable in helping them fulfill their dreams of parenthood. HOW LONG IS THE SURROGACY PROCESS? The surrogacy process can vary, but it typically takes around 24 to 36 months from the initial application to the birth of the child. Factors that can influence the timeline include the time it takes to match with intended parents, medical and legal processes, and the success of the assisted reproductive technologies used. HOW MUCH WILL I MAKE AS A SURROGATE? Compensation for surrogacy varies. Growing Generations is one of the most generous agencies, with our surrogates among some of the highest paid in the U.S. For example, we offer up to $63,500 to first-time surrogates in California. It’s crucial to thoroughly discuss and understand the financial aspects before committing to the surrogacy process.

THE EGG DONOR PROCESS HOW TO BECOME AN EGG DONOR At Growing Generations, we make it as simple as possible to become an egg donor. Each step of the way our specialists will support you and ensure you have a safe, comfortable experience. 5 STEPS TO BECOME AN EGG DONOR You will begin by completing an online application that will ask you to share basic information about yourself as well as ensure you meet all the basic requirements to be an egg donor. Once your application is approved, one of our donor specialists will schedule a video consultation with you. The entire conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes. In that time, we’ll give you an overview of the entire process, and you’ll have time to ask us any questions you may have. Upon completion of your egg donation consultation, we will provide you with a few documents to sign electronically and ask you to provide photos, GPA and test score verification, and photo ID verification. We will also set you up with instructions to complete fertility testing. These tests will measure hormone levels to ensure your body will produce an ideal number of good-quality eggs. There will be no cost to you. The test is a great way to learn about your own fertility and assures prospective intended parents looking for an egg donor that they are selecting the best egg donor for their family. After receiving the requested items, we’ll be able to make your egg donor profile available for intended parents to view online. The most unpredictable aspect of egg donation is the time it takes to be selected by intended parents. Every intended parent is looking for a unique set of characteristics in their egg donor, and it may take time for them to find the right one. This phase could take a few days or months, but your admissions specialist will be with you the whole time. When you’re selected by intended parents, you’ll know they have spent all that time looking for the perfect donor, which happens to be you! You will complete a screening process designed to make sure that the egg donation will be a safe and healthy process for you. Some IVF physicians will require testing on day three of your menstrual cycle. You will also complete a psychological and medical screening. At the same time, you’ll complete a legal agreement with the intended parents to outline the terms of the egg donation. We will connect you with an attorney who specializes in this area of law, and they will walk you through the contract. After we receive your screening clearance and signed contract, you’ll begin the IVF cycle for your egg retrieval. The IVF clinic will put together a calendar with the dates of your appointments and a list of your medications. This usually depends on the start of your next period, and you may first need to begin a round of birth control pills. If you have any questions before applying to become an egg donor, please contact us at family@growinggenerations.com , and a member of our donor team will contact you directly. Growing Generations is always here to help and support you through your egg donation experience from the very first step to the last stage of your journey. STEP 1 APPLY STEP 2 ATTEND A VIDEO CONSULTATION STEP 3 INTENDED PARENTS VIEW YOUR PROFILE STEP 4 COMPLETE YOUR SCREENING AND CONTRACT STEP 5 BEGIN EGG RETRIEVAL BECOME A DONOR TIMELINE AND OVERVIEW The egg donation process is a little different for every donor. The two most significant factors are how long it takes an intended parent to choose you and your menstrual cycle. But overall, the entire process takes an average of THE EGG DONOR PROCESS TWO TO FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE AN EGG RETRIEVAL AFTER BEING SELECTED BY INTENDED PARENTS. This general overview provides a more in-depth explanation of what to expect when you decide to become an egg donor with Growing Generations. 1. PRE-QUALIFICATION You will first fill out a simple online questionnaire before completing the egg donor application in its entirety. This form allows us to screen for various preliminary qualifications including questions we are required to ask you by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 2. APPLICATION PROCESS After you submit your egg donor application, a member of our admissions team will review your information within one business day, and your next step is a video consultation. 3.NEW EGG DONOR CONSULTATION The video consultation will last approximately 30 minutes. You’ll be able to utilize our easy online calendaring system through your online account to schedule your consultation. During your consultation, we’ll discuss how the egg donation process works, answer your questions, and address your concerns. 4. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION SUBMISSION Once your egg donation consult is complete, we will provide you with a small to do list which includes reading over and electronically signing some documents. You will also receive instructions to complete fertility testing that will measure your hormone levels. Some of the items we need are: ​ A copy of your photo ID. Pictures and a video for your online profile. GPA and test score verification. 5. PUBLISHING YOUR EGG DONOR PROFILE We’ll be able to make your egg donor profile available for intended parents to view in our online database after receiving all requested items. Once matched with intended parents, a case specialist will be assigned to you who will support and guide you throughout your egg donation cycle. 6. SCREENING PROCESS Prior to beginning your egg donation cycle, you will need to meet with a mental health specialist who will evaluate your psychological understanding of egg donation. You will also meet with an IVF physician to complete your medical screening where you will undergo blood tests and an ultrasound. The purpose of these tests is to look for anything unusual and make the best medical plan for you. It will take about two weeks to receive your medical screening results. 7. LEGAL PROCESS While waiting for your medical screening results, you’ll complete your legal contracts with the intended parents that outline the terms of the egg donation. You’ll have an attorney assigned to you, and they’ll help walk you through the egg donation contract. The legal contracts may take four to six weeks to complete. Your case specialist will notify your IVF physician once legal clearance has been issued. Legal clearance must be in place before you can begin injectable medications. 8. EGG RETRIEVAL PREPARATION You will be issued an egg donation cycle calendar after completion of your screening process and legal contracts. The cycle calendar will include information on taking your fertility medications, which increase the number of eggs that will be released at the time of the retrieval, and the estimated date the egg retrieval will take place. The IVF clinic will review the medications and appointments with you to make sure you understand the instructions they provide. Cycle medications will be shipped to you. 9. EGG RETRIEVAL At the beginning of the egg donation cycle you’ll go in for cycle monitoring appointments. Your monitoring appointments will take place at a clinic near you. These appointments will confirm your body is ready to begin the cycle and track your progress on the medications. As we are near the time of the egg retrieval, you’ll be required to attend appointments at the IVF clinic directly until your procedure takes place, which may be up to 5-12 days. From the time you start the injectable medications to the time of your egg retrieval, the IVF cycle is about 2 weeks long. The IVF clinic and your case specialist will be there for you every step of the way. The egg retrieval itself takes about 15-20 minutes. You’ll be required to stay in town for 24-48 hours after the egg retrieval procedure to give your body time to rest. You’ll usually have one final monitoring appointment after the retrieval. Once your egg retrieval is complete, your specialist will follow up with you, obtain your egg donation records, and see if you’d be interested in donating again. Our goal is to make sure the donation process is enjoyable for you, and we love when egg donors return to our program. You’ll be able to take pride in knowing you have helped someone continue their dream of becoming a parent, which could not have been done without you. BECOME A DONOR DISCLAIMER Egg donation involves a screening process. Not all potential egg donors are selected. Not all selected egg donors receive the monetary amounts or compensation advertised. As with any medical procedure, there may be risks associated with human egg donation. Before an egg donor agrees to begin the egg donation process, and signs a legally binding contract, she is required to receive specific information on the known risks of egg donation. Consultation with your doctor prior to entering into a donor contract is advised.

THE POST BIRTH RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SURROGATE PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM 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.

SURROGATE GLUCOSE TEST DURING PREGNANCY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM All pregnant women are tested for gestational diabetes during their pregnancy, and it is no cause for alarm. Even if they’ve had no prior issues with blood sugar levels in their day-to-day life or in previous pregnancies, they will still have a glucose test during pregnancy as a surrogate. While being a surrogate does not raise the odds of developing gestational diabetes, factors such as excessive weight, age, and carrying multiples may contribute to a more significant insulin resistance and the development of this condition. GESTATIONAL DIABETES TEST Glucose tolerance tests monitor the body’s ability to turn sugar into energy. During pregnancy, the additional hormones can confuse the pancreas, rendering it unable to break down glucose properly. When this happens, blood glucose rises and, on occasion, the woman will develop gestational diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is purely hormonal. If a diagnosis of gestational diabetes is given, it is not the result of your surrogate’s food and exercise choices. This is not a diagnosis that could have been avoided with different behaviors. GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST RESULTS Learning that your surrogate’s initial glucose tolerance test came back elevated is a conversation that no intended parent hopes to have during their journey. Your initial reaction will likely be surprise, which then ignites questions and concerns: “ She’s never had THAT in her history ! What does this mean for the pregnancy? What did she do to ‘fail’ this test when she’s never failed it before?” Let’s start by establishing a baseline. Having an elevated one-hour glucose test result is not a “failure.” If the test result is elevated (a “fail”), then there is nothing that could have been done differently by your surrogate to “pass.”. Also, many women will have elevated levels in a one-hour standard test and go on to pass a three-hour screening and have no problems. However, an elevated result on a one-hour glucose screening can also be the first indicator that your surrogate has developed gestational diabetes. In either event, it’s important to note that this test result is not the result of any action or inaction on the part of your surrogate. Understand that your surrogate is likely having an emotional reaction to these results as well. Despite not being able to control the results, she likely feels guilty and perhaps even a bit scared. The kindest thing that you can do for her is to reassure her that she hasn’t lost your trust and that you’re in this together . WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE BABY? If left unidentified or untreated, gestational diabetes can affect the baby. Here's how: With a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream, a pancreas will work harder than it should, often to no avail. This means that the glucose buildup can, and often will, cross the placenta and work its way into the developing baby’s blood. That will cause the newborn’s pancreas to work overtime and create more energy than it needs. As a result, that fetus will store the extra energy as fat. This can lead to a variety of complications, including high birth weight, damage to the shoulders as they exit the birth canal, and an increased risk of obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life. GESTATIONAL DIABETES TREATMENT In most cases, gestational diabetes can be managed by closely monitoring diet and adding a bit of additional exercise. Your surrogate will be asked to monitor her glucose levels with a home testing kit and keep a strict log of her food intake and sugar levels, but she may not need to change much about her lifestyle. Women who are unable to control their blood sugar levels, even with strict adherence to diet and exercise, may be asked to begin taking oral medication or injected insulin. For most women, gestational diabetes will go away once the child is born. The American Diabetes Association advises women who develop gestational diabetes to have a 2-hour glucose tolerance test at 6 weeks postpartum in order to ensure that the diabetes has cleared up. UNDERSTANDING GESTATIONAL DIABETES DURING SURROGACY It’s important to understand what gestational diabetes is (a hormone-driven resistance to insulin) and what it is not (poor dietary choices or the inability to follow a diet). Your surrogate will likely feel some level of guilt in the case of a gestational diabetes diagnosis, even though it was induced by pregnancy. This is a great time to show her that you support her and will stand by her side moving forward. Growing Generations is always here to answer your questions as intended parents and support you throughout your family-building journey.

GROWING A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SURROGATE PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM The types of relationships that can come out of a surrogacy relationship are as varied as the people who turn to surrogacy in the first place. While some parties desire an intimate relationship that will last well beyond the birth of your child, others prefer a more subtle relationship with clear boundaries. Most relationships tend to fall somewhere in the middle of this ongoing spectrum. Growing Generations works hard to match parties based on a variety of factors including the type of relationship each party desires. What is key to remember is that, just as with your real life relationships, surrogate relationships grow best when they’re given room to grow organically. A good rule of thumb for the first several weeks is to proceed slowly. Sending a quick Email asking how your surrogate is feeling goes a long way in establishing the foundation of a strong relationship. Remembering to send timely replies to her Emails or messages sends a strong message of support as well. What may seem fleeting and inconsequential in the moment is always warmer than silence. As time moves forward and the relationship begins to strengthen you can start to explore other areas of conversation as well. If you’re comfortable doing so, ask her open ended questions that invite conversation without feeling too personal. You can also share parts of your life with her. Sharing a funny story about something that may have happened to you during the previous month begins to create trust. When she sees that you trust her with parts of your life and that you care about her life in return, a real relationship can begin to grow. Again, precede with only what feels natural. It is always easier to slowly let your walls down than it is to build them back up later. You’re embarking on a lengthy journey with this woman and her family, it’s important to make sure you’re all comfortable within the confines of your relationship. No matter how close you do or do not become with your surrogate, there will likely always be moments where you may feel a bit confused. That is completely normal and chances are your surrogate has experienced similar emotions. When you have questions about contact or building relationships, call your case specialist. She deals with all sorts of relationships and probably knows how best to proceed forward.

BECOMING A SURROGATE: SURROGACY ADVICE FROM SURROGATES PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Becoming a surrogate can seem overwhelming and a bit lonely at times. While surrogates are not as rare as you might think, it is true that you’re unlikely to ever meet another surrogate in your everyday life without seeking out the shared connection. Growing Generations’ surrogates share a deep bond. Many of them meet through a private Facebook group where they can offer surrogacy advice and support, sharing their experiences with one another. We recently asked this group of ladies, “What advice would you give to a new surrogate?” Here is a compilation of the wisdom they’d share with a brand new “surro-sister.” 1. USE YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM Surrogates expressed this one simple bit of advice over and over. In fact, it was the most common reply we saw. Growing Generations prides ourselves on offering total support throughout your entire surrogacy experience, including your postpartum recovery. Your case specialist and Dr. Kim Bergman are experts in this field and want to help you. Many of our surrogates even reach out to talk about life issues that may not even be directly linked to their journey. From the monthly Surro-Support phone conferences and internet surveys to direct phone time with your Growing Generations support network, never be afraid to reach out and ask for support. It’s a benefit we provide during your journey, and your team is always more than happy to help you. 2. SEEK COMMUNITY Apart from our network of professionals, you can also seek out support from a community of other surrogates. Surrogacy is a special journey that not many have experienced. Many of your closest friends, despite their best intentions, do not understand what you are going through the way that another surrogate would. In addition to our monthly “Surro-Support” phone conferences, you can seek out other surrogates through social media. A variety of groups are available, giving you a place where you can bond with like-minded women who share your experiences and understand what you’re going through. 3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP It is important that surrogates act, in part, as their own advocates. Because women who choose surrogacy often have a desire to please others, we often find that they don’t speak up when something is amiss or bothering them. However, problems often fester if they are not addressed directly. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Asking questions is a great way to take control of your journey and make it a special experience you’ll look back upon fondly for years to come. 4. PREPARE TO TAKE TIME OFF OF WORK It’s true. Becoming a surrogate does assume that you’ll be missing a bit of work as part of the surrogacy process . Generally you will be required to miss work for the screening process, the match meeting (if meeting in person), the transfer, and the birth. Of course you may miss more hours at work for doctor appointments and other necessities relating to pregnancy as well. 5. HAVE PATIENCE We ask all of our surrogates to remember that while a pregnancy lasts 9 months, a complete surrogacy journey is more like a 12-18 month commitment—sometimes even longer than that. Setbacks, holdups, delays, and miscommunication can happen. You'll wonder how soon is too soon to announce your surrogate pregnancy . Successful surrogates are ones who realize that this is a marathon not a sprint and are able to be patient with the process and enjoy the ride. 6. FOLLOW YOUR HEART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO PROFILES Surrogacy is an incredible journey that you’re likely to do just once, or at most, only a handful of times. It is so important to listen to your heart and your gut when choosing the intended parents that you will help. This advice also holds true as you think about your preferences for communication, relationship building, and the birth experience. 7. THE BEST IS YET TO COME We’re talking specifically about the look on the parents’ faces when their baby arrives. Surrogacy can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and at times pretty stressful. But at the end of the day, nearly every single one of our surrogates tell us that it is an overwhelmingly positive, life-affirming process. In other words, it’s totally worth it. If you're considering becoming a surrogate, Growing Generations is here to offer unparalleled support. Reach out to us online to learn more and become part of the Growing Generations family.

YEAST INFECTIONS IN SURROGATE PREGNANCY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Yeast infections are common and impact millions of women every year. Even so, many women will experience their first yeast infection, or potentially her first outbreak of several yeast infections, in her surrogate pregnancy . WHY ARE YEAST INFECTIONS MORE COMMON IN SURROGATE PREGNANCY? According to the American Pregnancy Association , the second trimester of pregnancy represents the time in a woman’s life where she is most likely to experience a yeast infection. So why is there an increased likelihood of a yeast infection in surrogacy if you never experienced one during your own pregnancies? The link could be because several potential causes of a yeast infection occur all at once as a woman prepares to become a surrogate. For example, some common causes of yeast infections include: Hormonal changes related to pregnancy Starting hormone therapy treatments (including birth control pills, estrogen, or progesterone treatments) Taking antibiotics or steroids (a common component of your pre-transfer medical protocol ) An increase of sugar in the diet (sweets are a common craving for pregnant women) An influx of vaginal intercourse (potentially before or after doctor ordered pelvic rest) Blood or semen in the vagina Often characterized by an increase and change in appearance of your normal vaginal discharge and a persistent, insatiable itch, yeast infections are caused when the levels of yeast and acid in the vagina are out of balance. Both elements are present in your body normally, so the presence of bacteria is not the problem; it is the unbalance that presents the issue. YEAST INFECTION TREATMENT DURING SURROGATE PREGNANCY While yeast infections have no major risks or implications to the pregnancy, they can still be uncomfortable and problematic for you, especially if left untreated. Yeast infections during pregnancy can be difficult to control, so it’s best to get early treatment. Additionally, and unlike traditional pregnancies, yeast infections in IVF pregnancies and surrogacy may require a different form of treatment than your standard over the counter creams. This is because many IVF doctors do not want the creams or their plastic applicators introduced to your vagina in the early stages of your pregnancy. While some doctors may be OK with the creams with hand application only, other doctors may choose to call in a prescription to treat the infection orally. We understand that it can feel embarrassing and invasive to tell your nurse about a potential yeast infection before simply self-treating with over the counter medications, but in the case of surrogacy, you should absolutely mention symptoms to your nurse, even if this is a multi-occurrence infection. Treatment is key, because if it is left untreated, the yeast infection can be transferred to the child you are carrying during birth, leading to a condition of the mouth called thrush. Once you begin treatment you can expect to experience relief from the symptoms within 10 to 14 days, although most treatments will begin to offer relief from many of the symptoms within 48 hours. STEPS TO PREVENTING YEAST INFECTIONS DURING PREGNANCY If you find that you are experiencing repeated yeast infections during your journey, you may opt to introduce the following natural prevention measures in order to try and stave off any future infections. Wear loose clothing Wear cotton underwear Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom Limit sugar intake, as vaginal yeast feeds on sugar If you have additional questions or concerns, try to focus on feeling comfortable mentioning this to your nurse or case specialist. Sending an email to approach the subject may offer you a bit more comfort than mentioning it in a call, but understand that both your case specialist and your nurse manage these sorts of issues every day, and they’re nothing to be embarrassed by. Growing Generations is a premier surrogacy agency that provides intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors with exceptionaly attentive service. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, contact us online or complete our surrogate application .

DETERMINING THE AGE OF THE EMBRYO AFTER IVF PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Human pregnancies are counted in weeks, with 40 weeks being considered a full term. Many people don’t realize that when using IVF, you don’t begin counting those 40 weeks on the day you transfer the embryo into your uterus. Gestation is determined by the age of the egg as opposed to the time spent carrying it. In this way, you are transferring an embryo into your uterus that already has an age assigned to it. In a traditional pregnancy, gestational age begins accumulating on the last day of your menstrual period. By the time conception occurs, the gestational age is already somewhere around two weeks. Therefore, gestational age in IVF, and by virtue in surrogacy, begins accumulating well before transfer. HOW OLD IS AN EMBRYO WHEN IMPLANTED WITH IVF? The nature of IVF allows for more specific date stamping. In these instances, the exact date of ovulation, fertilization, and conception are known. This adds up to a clearer picture of gestational age. Here are 2 examples: Transferring a 3-day embryo will leave you 2 weeks and 3 days pregnant as you leave the office. A 5-day embryo is equivalent to a gestational age of 2 weeks and 5 days. At the close of the 2-week wait between transfer and beta pregnancy test, you could be up to 5 weeks pregnant, depending on the age of your embryo at transfer. (You can learn more about an embryo's development before and after transfer in our related blog post .) Determining IVF Gestational Age & Due Date An exact gestational age and estimated due date will be determined at the first ultrasound based on the size of the gestational sac and the fetus inside. Multiple pregnancies are more common in IVF. These pregnancies are often delivered before 40 weeks gestation. Calculating gestational age in IVF can be confusing. There are a great number of online calculators to help you get an accurate age and due date. More reliably, your case specialist or nurse should also be able to help you nail down a specific date and gestational age. Contact Growing Generations for more information.