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 .

WHAT ARE MOSAIC EMBRYOS? PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM As science continues to advance and doctors learn more about embryos and IVF technology, we continue to see new terminology and practices in the field. Recent studies conducted by the world’s largest genetic laboratory, Reprogenetics, have introduced the IVF community to a new term and potential game changer in the assisted reproductive technologies world: mosaic embryos. Mosaic is the term now assigned to embryos found to possess both normal and abnormal cells during preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) testing. The testing, typically completed on day five of embryo development, is completed by taking a tiny biopsy of the embryo and examining the genetic makeup of the cell. During the examination, embryologists are able to detect, and often diagnose, potential chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities, including things like the presence of Downs Syndrome, have traditionally been used to help determine which embryos are chosen as the most likely to implant once transferred. Until very recently, any cell with noted abnormalities was discarded and not considered for transfer. However, recent developments have led doctors to suspect that these abnormal cells may be viable for transfer after all. Doctors have noted some level of success in transfer of the mixed quality embryos, and many of the births have gone on to produce healthy babies. The belief is that the abnormal cells will be segregated to a part of the pregnancy tissue that is non-vital to chromosomal development. However, if the abnormal cells are not rendered harmless, the embryo will either fail to implant or force early miscarriage as the pregnancy progresses. Clearly, the evidence is far from conclusive and the use of a mosaic embryo could still result in the birth of a child with abnormalities or life-altering conditions. As such, the use of mosaic embryos should be very carefully considered with full consideration given to each potential outcome. Despite the risks, some IVF doctors and their clients are beginning to consider the use of these mosaic embryos; especially in instances where the gender of the fetus is especially important to the parents. In the instance that an IVF cycle results in a small number of a specific gender, and of the small sample, there are few suitable embryos for transfer, the use of mosaic embryos allows parents to hold out hope for a successful pregnancy in the desired sex. While research remains inconclusive about the long-term impacts of babies born of mosaic embryos, the initial implication could provide additional hope to couples struggling with infertility.

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.

WHY EGG DONORS SHOULD TAKE THEIR TIME ON THEIR PROFILES PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR EGG DONOR PROFILE During your admissions process, you’ll be asked to complete your donor profile and video. This is the information that is posted on our database for prospective parents to review and select their perfect donor. Your profile consists of your educational history, medical history (mental health, reproductive health, etc.), family/genetic history, and most importantly, photos, and personal essay questions. Some parents are looking for specific qualities in an egg donor, like a higher education level or certain ethnicity, but most parents are hoping to find a donor they can relate to, whether it’s through appearances, personalities, or similar interests. Your profile and video give parents an opportunity to get to know the “real” you. It’s important to take your time creating your profile and not rush through it. Parents are also looking for an egg donor they can trust. Using proper grammar and providing well thought-out responses gives parents confidence that you are serious about this process. KEY ELEMENTS OF YOUR PROFILE Medical Most of your profile consists of listing your medical history. It’s helpful to consult with trusted family members about your family health history, so you can give honest and precise answers. The more details you can provide the better. Parents are looking at this information to ensure they have a compatible health history (i.e., not having a history of diabetes in both families). This is also information the parents will use in the future when providing their child’s health history. Personal The more fun aspect of your profile are the personal essay questions and photos/video. Are you adventurous and love to travel? Do you love animals and volunteer work? Are you a great cook? These questions are designed to really let your personality shine. When parents read your answers, they are hoping to find a connection with you, so it’s important to be honest and true to yourself. MATCHING WITH INTENDED PARENTS Once your profile is published on our database, intended parents will begin reviewing your information. There is no set time frame on when you’ll be selected, but we find that donors who take the time to create a great profile are usually selected sooner. After you’re selected by intended parents, you’ll begin the egg donation process, which consists of medical/psychological screenings, a legal contract, and the IVF cycle for the egg retrieval.

TELLING YOUR BOSS ABOUT SURROGACY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM 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

SURROGATE REQUIREMENTS: 4 THINGS THAT CAN DELAY YOUR SURROGACY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Making the choice to become a surrogate can take a lot of time and thought. We know that by the time you make that choice you’re probably ready to move forward quickly. You should note that there are several surrogate requirements that can cause us to have to press pause on your journey. Here are a few of the most common circumstances. BREASTFEEDING AND SURROGACY We encourage you to take your time nursing your child, and enjoy those very special moments. However, potential surrogates are not able to progress through screening while currently breastfeeding. We will be here for you when you’re done breastfeeding. MEDICATIONS AND SCREENING From time to time, certain medications can cause a delay in your screening . Most commonly we see women who are on implanted birth control methods having to delay their screening process. In some cases we need to wait for a set amount of time once you’re off the medications before we can proceed. SURROGATE HAS PENDING COURT PROCEEDINGS In some instances, we are unable to move forward with screening a potential surrogate due to open court proceedings. We will need all proceedings to be closed and final before moving forward. This is to ensure that you are in a stable legal position before you begin to carry a child for someone else. Surrogacy can have legal implications of its own. FRESH TATTOOS It’s OK to have tattoos and be a surrogate. but fresh ink can cause a delay in your journey. If you’ve had a tattoo within the past 3 months, we’ll need you to wait until that ink is at least 90 days old before we can move forward. This is for your health , as well as the health of the child you’ll be carrying. Occasionally there are other circumstances that may cause a delay in your journey as well. It is important to us that you are in a stable place in all areas of your life before we get started. Following these guidelines will allow you to have the best overall experience. If you're considering becoming a surrogate, we're happy to guide you through this process. Contact us online or complete an application to get started.

ASK AN EXPERT: DR. KATHY SALARI ANSWERS MEDICAL QUESTIONS ON SURROGACY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM In 2021, Growing Generations announced its partnership with Mitera, a group of California-based maternal-fetal subspecialist and reproductive health counselors operating via telehealth. Dr. Kathy Salari, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Mitera, kindly answered some commonly asked questions on surrogacy. She is a maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist, specializing in caring for high-risk pregnancies. Reproductive genetics and fetal imaging are the primary focus of her clinical work. WHAT IS MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE (MFM)? HOW DOES IT HELP WITH THE SURROGACY PROCESS? Maternal-Fetal Medicine is a subspecialty of Obstetrics & Gynecology that focuses on the complications of pregnancy. As the expert in conditions that can negatively affect the fetus and the pregnant individual, an MFM physician is uniquely qualified to assess the medical profile of a surrogacy candidate. Furthermore, involvement of an MFM in the surrogacy process allows for a more robust dialogue and an educational opportunity for all those involved in third party reproduction. AS A FIRST-TIME INTENDED PARENT, WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A SURROGACY AGENCY? WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN TALKING TO EACH AGENCY? First-time intended parents are likely to feel overwhelmed when searching for a surrogacy agency. An agency that is transparent and forthcoming about their surrogacy selection and matching process is more likely to exercise prudence in ensuring appropriate candidates are selected to serve as surrogates. Intended parents should inquire about specifics regarding the medical and psychological clearance process and what type of healthcare professionals are involved in determining a candidate’s health profile. Furthermore, intended parents should inquire as to the nature of medical oversight provided for their pregnancy and to what medical experts, they will have access should complications arise. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SURROGACY? When starting their surrogacy journey, many intended parents assume that surrogates have undergone extensive medical and obstetrical screening and are considered good candidates with a low risk for pregnancy complications. WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS CAN YOU SHARE WITH FIRST TIME SURROGATES? As advocates of women’s health, we generally encourage surrogates to ask questions about pregnancy, the IVF process, and to have any concerns about their own medical history addressed. We also encourage surrogates to have open discussions with their intended family regarding their expectation for the surrogacy journey. WHAT ARE FACTORS THAT CAN DISQUALIFY YOU FROM BEING A SURROGATE? Factors that can disqualify an individual from surrogacy are varied but may include current or past health conditions that may impact the health of the pregnancy as well as a prior history of obstetrical complications. HOW DOES EARLY GENETIC SCREENING HELP IN THE SURROGACY PROCESS? Early genetic screening, either at the time of embryo formation or early in the pregnancy provides early information regarding the health of the fetus. Genetic screening of embryos (also known as preimplantation genetic testing) allows for identification of chromosomally normal embryos; therefore, ensures that the healthiest embryos are transferred to the surrogate. However, genetic screening of embryos is not universally recommended, and it is best for intended parents to discuss pros/cons with their fertility specialist. It is recommended that intended parents have a discussion regarding genetic screening and testing early in their pregnancy. Genetic testing modalities have significantly evolved over the last decade and intended parents should consider what information they value knowing early in their pregnancy. WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES SURROGATES AND INTENDED PARENTS FACE DURING THE SURROGACY PROCESS? Meeting expectations of both parties in third party reproduction can be challenging. A transparent matching process that promotes open dialogue and discussion among surrogate candidates, intended parents, and healthcare providers helps ensure that a relationship based on mutual trust and respect continues to build as the pregnancy progresses. Unforeseen challenges including medical complications and changes to delivery planning may cause frustration or anxiety for either or both parties involved. In such circumstances, it is best for both surrogates and intended parents to turn to their medical experts for guidance.. WHAT SUCCESSES HAVE YOU SEEN? The most successful surrogacy journeys we have seen are among well-screened and prepared surrogates who are matched with well-informed intended parents where the mutual goal is to achieve a healthy singleton pregnancy. Agencies with dedicated case workers that are available and attendant to the concerns of both parties usually ensure that the surrogacy journey meets the medical and emotional expectations of all those involved. WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT EGG DONATION? Many intended parents believe that because egg donors are young, there is no risk for a genetic abnormality in the fetus and that egg donors have all undergone extensive medical and genetic screening. Prior to an egg retrieval cycle, egg donors undergo intensive medical screening. WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED IN BECOMING AN EGG DONOR? Egg donation is generally considered very safe. However, it does have small procedure-related risks for the egg donor including a small risk of infection, bleeding, and ovarian hyperstimulation. Risks of using an egg donor are largely related to inheriting the genetic health burden of another individual. HOW DOES A SURROGACY AGENCY GET CERTIFIED BY MITERA? WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? Certification by Mitera is a commitment to medical transparency and responsibility in third-party reproduction. Becoming a Mitera certified agency provides intended parents with the assurance that their surrogate has undergone a comprehensive medical evaluation by a Mitera Maternal-Fetal Medicine subspecialist and that the pregnancy will continue to be under Mitera’s obstetrical surveillance as it progresses. Mitera certification requires that an agency commit to pre-match medical screening of all surrogate candidates with Mitera and that Mitera’s determination of suitability for surrogacy or stipulations for surrogacy be acknowledged and upheld by the agency.

WHY VITAMIN D MATTERS FOR SURROGACY & PREGNANCY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM One of the tests that you’ll have completed during your journey is a Vitamin D screening. This screening, completed by a simple blood test, is something that you’ll do in your own hometown (or at least close by) prior to being flown to California for your in-person screenings. If your results come back low, you may be asked to add a supplement to your diet. Vitamin D, more commonly known as the sunshine vitamin, is essential in pregnancy and critical to IVF success. Studies show a link between proper Vitamin D levels and IVF success. Not only will egg donors with proper Vitamin D levels produce better quality embryos, but surrogates who have ideal Vitamin D levels are more likely to have a transfer result in an implanted embryo (positive pregnancy result) than those with a Vitamin D deficiency. In fact, studies have shown that women attempting to become pregnant through IVF who maintain ideal Vitamin D levels are twice as likely to become pregnant than women who are Vitamin D deficient. Once pregnant, having adequate levels of vitamin D will benefit the developing fetus and help you maintain your bone density during the pregnancy. It also helps ensure that your immune system is performing at top notch to keep you feeling as good as possible throughout the pregnancy. Studies have shown several scary potential side effects of pregnancies completed when Vitamin D levels are not adequate. Infants can be born with low birth weights, occasionally leading to poor skeletal development and immune system problems throughout their lives. For you, a pregnancy completed without proper Vitamin D levels could mean poor calcium absorption and a greater stress on your own bone reserves. You could be more prone to break a bone both during and after the pregnancy. Some women are more prone to low vitamin D levels than others. Women with darker skin tones and those who are more likely to have their skin covered while outside (due either to style choices or inclement weather) tend to have lower Vitamin D levels. In general, most doctors consider a Vitamin D level of 20 ng/ml to be sufficient for daily life but recommend a level no lower than 30 ng/ml for optimal IVF and pregnancy benefits. If your levels fall below the minimum requirement of 30 ng/ml, you will likely be asked to introduce a supplement to your diet, wait a period of time, and then complete a second Vitamin D screening before moving forward towards an embryo transfer. If your levels are significantly too low, you may be asked to follow-up with your family doctor to try and pinpoint the low levels and correct any underlying issues. Occasionally this comes with an injection of Vitamin D. Once a repeat blood test indicates that you’ve hit the minimum barrier for IVF success, we can prepare your in-person screening.

PGD & PGS: WHAT ARE THEY? PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM During your initial consultations you will be asked to consider and decide on any potential tests you’d like to have completed on your developing embryos. Most tests are performed after creation of the embryo and prior to their transfer into your surrogate’s uterus. These tests can highlight a number of things from sex of the fetus to presence of any potential genetic disorders. Understanding the different types of tests available is a bit like eating a bowl of alphabet soup; they’re all abbreviated and occasionally medical professionals can forget that this may be your first experience to these tests. Perhaps the most often confused tests are the Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS). Both tests require a biopsy be completed on your embryo on day 5 or 6. Here’s a look at how these two very similar tests differ. PGD This test represents the more exhaustive screening option as it screens for specific diseases. This test is often recommended for couples with a family history of genetic diseases or the knowledge that at least one contributor is a carrier for specific diseases. The test is able to identify a battery of genetic diseases including: Cystic Fibrosis Huntington’s Disease Tay Sachs Hemophilia Muscular Dystrophy Sickle Cell Anemia Spinal Muscular Atrophy Muscular Dystrophy Marfan’s Syndrome PGS PGS looks specifically at chromosomal numbers. A typical, healthy embryo should have 46 pairs of chromosomes. This test will identify if there are fewer or greater chromosomes that what is considered ideal. Abnormalities in chromosomal numbers can lead to failure to implant, increased odds of miscarriage, and genetic disorders including Downs Syndrome. This test is recommended for those wanting to attempt only single embryo transfers as a way to aid in the selection of the best embryo for transfer. Can We Do Both? A commonly asked question is if your embryo is able to have both tests completed. The general answer is yes. In patients who carry a single gene mutation, it is not only possible but recommended. Remember that if anyone you encounter during your experience begins to use jargon that is unfamiliar to you, it is perfectly acceptable to stop them and ask for clarification on terminology. These terms are foreign to most and you should not feel any hesitation to ask for explanation. Understanding your options will help you make the best choices possible for your growing family.

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.