INDUCTION TYPES PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM If a labor induction is decided to be in the best interest of the surrogate, there are a few different options that you may consider. It’s also worth noting that some doctors or hospitals will have their own rules on inductions, some not allowing them prior to thirty-nine weeks for any non-emergency situation. While most doctors will have a preferred method, understanding the different types of inductions can help you feel a bit more prepared to make a decision if a choice is offered. MEDICAL METHODS Pitocin Administration Perhaps the most common induction method is to administer a drug called oxytocin. This drug, more commonly referenced by the brand name Pitocin, is administered through IV and acts as a synthetic version of the hormone a woman’s body produces on its own during the onset of spontaneous labor. The amount of the drug can be adjusted until the optimum level is found to jump start contractions and force labor to begin. Membrane Rupture Also referred to as “breaking the water”, this method is generally only performed on women who are already several centimeters dilated. The practitioner will use a plastic hook to rupture the amniotic sack and spill the fluid. This process is done in the labor and delivery unit, as most doctors require a birth within twenty four hours of membrane rupture to lower the risk of infection. If the rupture alone does not jump start labor, the doctor may begin administering Pitocin as well. Foley Catheter In this method the doctor will use a small catheter to insert an uninflated balloon into the cervix. The doctor will then slowly begin to fill the balloon with water over the course of the next several hours. This will put weight and pressure on the top of the cervix, usually forcing it to slowly ripen and open. At this point, the body will begin to produce labor hormones on its own. As the cervix continues to ripen and open, the balloon will fall out, signaling that labor has begun. This method can be generally be completed without the use of synthetic hormones. Membrane Sweep Many doctors will choose to do a membrane sweep in the days leading up to or just past the assigned due date. This process, also called “stripping” the membranes, is completed in the doctor’s office during a normal visit. During the regular cervical check, the doctor will run their finger around the opening of the cervix, separating the amniotic sack from the bottom of the uterus. While not guaranteed to result in labor, the process can cause the body to release prostaglandins and jump start labor within a matter of days. Natural Methods Some surrogates and intended parents choose to try to stimulate labor through more natural home methods before choosing a medical intervention method. Common practices include nipple stimulation, consumption of castor oil, or sexual intercourse. None of these methods have been found to be scientifically effective. Risks Induction of labor is generally a safe practice. In most cases, a doctor will only proceed with an induction if they believe that the risks of remaining pregnant outweigh the risks associated with an induction. Even so, you should always ask your doctor about potential risks before moving forward with any induction process. Who Shouldn’t Induce Understand that there are instances in which no induction should be attempted due to increased risks. A diagnosis of placenta previa, a baby in breech or transverse position, multiples, and presence of genital herpes are occasions in which an induction is not recommended. Your doctor will know your individual medical needs and will be able to make the best recommendation on induction and safe methods.

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.

EGG DONATION PROGRAM STARTING YOUR FAMILY WITH AN EGG DONOR When finding and selecting an egg donor, you don’t want just anyone, you want the right one. Growing Generation is here to make your search and choice easier. We’ll guide you every step of the way to help you find the right egg donor match and tell you what to expect at every phase of this exciting journey. THE 5 STAGES OF YOUR JOUNEY 1. CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT Your search account provides exclusive access to a database of egg donors. You can view and save donor profiles as well as receive new donor notifications. We make it easy to search for specific qualities like hair color, eye color, height, location, and ethnic background. You can search on your own or work with one of our experienced matching specialists to customize your search. 2. REVIEW EGG DONOR PROFILE Each egg donor profile consists of the donor’s education, health and reproductive history, and family and genetic history. Learn more about each donor’s personality through photos, personal essay questions, and short videos 5. CONFIRM YOUR MATCH After you confirm your egg donor selection, our team will send the donor’s records to your IVF clinic for your physician’s review and approval. We’ll also reach out to the donor to confirm her upcoming availability for the donation. If your doctor approves and you’re ready to proceed, we’ll send you an agreement and an estimate of the costs. Once your signed agreement and funds are received, we’ll confirm your donor match and begin the donation process which includes your donor’s medical and psychological screenings, legal contract, and IVF cycle. 4. CHOOSE AN EGG DONOR When you find the perfect egg donor, simply click the “Reserve this Donor” button on their profile, and your donor will be placed on hold. Our team will be notified of your choice and will contact you to discuss your selection. Egg donors are selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. 3. CONTACT US WITH ANY QUESTIONS As you search for an egg donor, we’re here to help. Our team can assist with how to best adjust the filters in your search. We can also let you know about egg donors that match your preferences who are coming out of cycle or about to be added to the database. When you have a question, simply contact us at findmydonor@growinggenerations.com. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIND AN EGG DONOR Finding the right egg donor is not something that is a personal experience for every family. Among the 1,000+ parents we’ve matched, every family’s journey has been different. Once you select a profile from the database, our team will contact the egg donor to confirm her availability and send your IVF physician her records. At the same time, we’ll begin the steps to confirm your match, including creating a customized cost estimate and retainer agreement for you to review and pay within five business days of receipt. EGG DONATION PROGRAM ONCE YOUR AGREEMENT WITH YOUR EGG DONOR IS FINAL, THE EGG RETRIEVAL CAN HAPPEN WITHIN TWO TO FIVE MONTHS. FIND A DONOR EGG DONOR SELECTION PROCESS Growing Generations makes the process of selecting your egg donor seamless. Your first step will be to sign up for a free account to begin browsing our egg donor profiles online. Once you’ve found an egg donor, leave it to Growing Generations to make sure schedules align and match your timeline to continue with the egg donation cycle. When choosing an egg donor, we recommend you consider: LOCATION While most donors can travel to your clinic, selecting an egg donor who resides closer to your IVF clinic can be economically beneficial. MEDICAL HISTORY Understanding an egg donor’s health history will provide you with insight into the future health of your child. If you select a donor who has previously donated her eggs, her medical records will be sent to your IVF physician for their review and approval. PERSONAL While some intended parents look for egg donors with specific characteristics or physical appearances, others want to feel a connection to the donor. That connection could be shared hobbies or interests. Perhaps the donor has personality traits like yours, or the donor bears a family resemblance. The connection is different for everyone.

ATTY. ELISEO AREBALOS ANSWERS LEGAL QUESTIONS ON SURROGACY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Atty. Eliseo Arebalos, Chief Legal Analyst and the Chief Operating Officer of International Reproductive Law Group, answers some of the most asked legal questions in surrogacy. He also works as a member of the Policy Advisory Committee of Family Equality Council, driving legislative change in the state and federal level on various family-building related topics which includes surrogacy and egg donation. During this conversation, our legal expert answers the following questions. WHAT LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN VETTING A SURROGACY AGENCY? The agency’s depth and experience are factors to consider, as is where the agency is located. Some states require the agency to be licensed in their home state. If that is the case, you may want to ask if the agency is licensed with the appropriate state government agency, compliant with the relevant state’s laws, and whether any complaints were filed. Additionally, you may want to ask whether the other professionals involved in your surrogacy journey (e.g., IVF clinic and law firm) are independent third parties. CAN A SURROGATE DECIDE TO KEEP A BABY? The answer is generally no; however, it’s important for your legal counsel to confirm the surrogate you will potentially be paired with is a legally viable match given the particulars of your journey. Your counsel should also be able to call out any legal risks or oddities. WHAT IS A SURROGATE CONTRACT? The surrogate contract seeks to memorialize the terms previously agreed to between you and the surrogate. Some of these terms will include the number of embryos to be transferred, vaccine requirements, reduction/abortion decisions, compensation, the law of the state that will govern the surrogate contract, etc. WHAT LAWS SHOULD ONE WATCH OUT FOR WHEN PLANNING FOR SURROGACY? There are a number of factors to consider – marital status, whether you are a same-sex couple or a heterosexual couple, citizenships that you may hold that you would like to pass on to your child, where the IVF physician is located, the state (and county in some cases) where the surrogate is located, and genetic connections. This is an individualized process, and the legal component is just as individualized. WHAT ARE SOME LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE STARTING A FAMILY THROUGH SURROGACY? Surrogacy statutes and case law generally address traditional family structures (i.e., a man and woman using their own genetics). The suggested approach is that you consult with your legal counsel at the beginning of your surrogacy journey so that you understand how the particulars of your case may impact the states that are viable for you from a legal perspective. HOW DO I PROTECT MY PARENTAL RIGHTS AND HAVE MY NAME PLACED ON THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE? The suggested approach is that you consult with your legal counsel regarding a potential surrogate match so that you understand how the particulars of your case may impact the states that are viable for you from a legal perspective. WHAT LAWS PROTECT FAMILIES BUILT ON SURROGACY? Approximately twenty states have statutes governing surrogacy arrangements, including determination of parentage. Twenty-six states have case law holding that surrogacy contracts are enforceable (i.e., determining parentage is based on the discretion of the court where the surrogate delivers). DOES THE SURROGACY AGENCY PROVIDE LEGAL RESOURCES OR CAN INTENDED PARENTS CHOOSE THEIR OWN LEGAL SERVICES? WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING YOUR OWN LEGAL SERVICE FOR SURROGACY? It is more common for legal resources to be provided by a third party. It is quite common for agencies to suggest intended parents work with a particular law firm, as that firm is familiar with the surrogacy agency’s program. That said, intended parents are free to choose their own legal service provider. Should intended parents choose another legal service provider, that legal service provider should be well-versed in this area of law. HOW ARE FUTURE CONTACTS WITH EGG DONORS OR SURROGATES NEGOTIATED? From a donor perspective, the contract will generally specify what, if any, future contact will be had. The contact may continue to be via a third-party intermediary, such as Donor Sibling Registry, or it may be direct contact. From a surrogate perspective, the contract will generally contemplate that you and the surrogate will have direct contact until such time as one side or the other decides otherwise. In any event, the surrogate will generally not be allowed to have direct contact with the child without your consent. WHAT ARE SOME LEGAL LOOPHOLES INTENDED PARENTS, ESPECIALLY SAME SEX PARENTS, HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR? Your marital status could be impactful, as could be where you reside, where the embryo transfer will take place, if there is potential to move to another state, and the genetic connections (if any) exist. The surrogacy journey will be customized to the specifics of your case. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all all approach in surrogacy. This is your journey, and it will be customized to meet all your needs. ARE THERE QUESTIONS YOU GET ASKED THAT WE HAVE NOT DISCUSSED? The most frequent question is whether a surrogate wants to keep the baby, and the answer is no; surrogates have their own families and lives. Surrogates want to assist you in creating your family, not to add to their own. Your surrogacy journey will be based on trust and the more you trust the process, surrogate, and the agency, the easier your journey will be.

LABOR & DELIVERY TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM 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 .

D&C VS NATURAL MISCARRIAGE PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM From time to time, a transferred embryo will implant but fail to lead to a viable pregnancy. Generally, only 10-20% of pregnancies confirmed by either blood test or ultrasound are statistically likely to end in miscarriage. This is likely a very emotional time for both you and your intended parents , but you will need to make the decision on how you will clear your uterus of the placenta and tissue formed during early pregnancy. In most cases of an early miscarriage or blighted ovum, you will be presented with a few options. The most common options include either a natural miscarriage or a medical dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure. Weighing the benefits of a D&C vs a natural miscarriage is important. Here’s a look at how they differ. NATURAL MISCARRIAGE Choosing a natural miscarriage will allow your body to dispel the tissue on its own and without medical intervention. This process will begin naturally, usually within a week of stopping your medications. A natural miscarriage is completed at home and generally includes period-like cramping, some of which may be severe, and bleeding. Once you pass the tissue, you will see a doctor to monitor your hormone levels as they naturally lower to a non-pregnancy level. The doctor will also monitor your bleeding levels to ensure that your body dispelled all of the internal tissue appropriately. In the instance that this does not happen or you experience excessive bleeding, you may need to undergo a D&C procedure to complete the clearing of the uterus. Many women choose this natural method as a way to have closure of the end of an intended pregnancy. D&C PROCEDURE FOR MISCARRIAGE Occasionally, depending on how many weeks into the pregnancy you were when the fetus stopped growing, you will not have the option of a natural miscarriage. If you choose to have a D&C procedure or it is medically recommended, you will generally be scheduled very quickly after stopping your medications. The procedure is done by a medical professional either in their office, or in some cases, in the outpatient surgery center of your local hospital. While the procedure is medically coded as minor surgery, it is very common and routine for most OB-GYNs. Patients are usually put under general anesthesia so that they will comfortably sleep through the procedure. PROCEDURE DETAILS The procedure consists of your doctor using a device to dilate your cervical opening, and then using a sharp instrument, such as a scalpel, or suction to clean out the tissue inside your uterus. The entire process takes under a half-hour, and you will be discharged roughly 2 hours following the procedure. RECOVERY Typical recovery can include light cramping and bleeding, and you’ll generally follow up with your doctor 2 weeks after the procedure. Learn what to expect with your first menstrual cycle after a D&C procedure in our related blog post . RISKS You should note that this procedure does carry potential risks , including scarring of the uterus that may make future pregnancies more difficult. Even so, many women elect to complete a D&C to provide quicker closure and swifter recovery. You will be compensated if you choose to have this invasive procedure. Choosing the best method for you involves many variables. While this is a personal choice, your case specialist, medical nurse, and physician are always ready and willing to help you sort through the decision-making process. Feel free to contact Growing Generations .

9 REASONS TO BECOME A SURROGATE PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM The reasons a woman chooses to become a surrogate can be endless. Chances are, if you’re considering making this life changing choice, you’ve already compiled a list of reasons and benefits. Even so, here are nine more benefits to consider; one for each month you’ll be carrying a child. 1. Giving Life. Surrogates are given the chance to give a gift that no one else can. Intended parents turn to surrogacy because they need help conceiving a child. You’ll be chosen to help that couple become a family. You’re the one person who can turn an only child into a brother or a sister. It’s a selfless gift unlike any other, and the sense of accomplishment is a benefit all its own. 2. Financial. Yes, you get paid. While our surrogates agree that financial compensation is not the only reason they choose to become a surrogate, it is indeed a benefit worthy of consideration. Many women use the compensation to put a down payment on a new house, buy a new car, send themselves back to school, or pay off college loans. Others use the funds as the nest egg that allows them to open their own business or even stop working in order to stay at home with their own children. 3. One More Time. Our surrogates tell us they love being pregnant. If you’re like them, you had uncomplicated pregnancies and loved every minute. Even so, your own family might be complete. Becoming a surrogate gives you the benefit of being pregnant one more time. 4. Be a Role Model. Choosing to be a surrogate makes you a stand out figure, not only in your home but also in your community. Earning the respect of your own children and of your peers is indeed a benefit. 5. Global Perspective. Becoming a surrogate will open eyes, both your own and those of people around you. Choosing to walk this road will give you the benefit of perspective. The ability to see life from walks of life very different to your own can be humbling and empowering at the same time. 6. Self Confidence. On delivery day, in the 12th hour, when you hurt and when you just want to go to sleep, something amazing happens. You give birth to a child with no relation to you. You make a family. You change the world. In this moment, your self-confidence soars to heights you never knew possible. You swell with pride and receive a benefit you cannot comprehend until you’ve lived it. 7. A Different Kind of Family. Many intended parents seek to have an emotional bond with their surrogate. Quite a few surrogates report having long lasting bonds with the families they help create. Think of it as an extended family that you get to choose. 8. Health Care. During our surrogate application process and beyond, you receive access to valuable healthcare screenings at no cost to you. In addition, all of your pregnancy care will be covered either through a surrogacy-specific plan or by your own current health care plan. 9. Community. Becoming a Growing Generations surrogate gives you a VIP pass to join the ranks of many other like-minded women. You’ll be given the opportunity to connect with other past and present surrogates through your journey. It starts as a support group, and quickly turns into a group of sisters you’ve never met. Whatever reasons you have that have brought you to consider becoming a surrogate, know that you’re already an extraordinary woman. We look forward to having you complete our online initial application and speaking with you about the many tangible and intangible benefits of choosing to become a surrogate.

INTENDED PARENTS: WHAT TO PACK FOR DELIVERY PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Packing your bag for the hospital can be just as stressful for intended parents as it can be for surrogates. In many cases, this is the intended parent’s first trip to the hospital for childbirth. It is important to feel comfortable and prepared on your big day, but packing your hospital bag can leave you feeling a bit perplexed over what items are most important to take. It may make things easier if you break your packing down into two subgroups: labor & delivery, and recovery. Labor & Delivery: Paperwork: While it is generally the surrogate’s responsibility to bring all of her medical and legal paperwork with her to the hospital, she may be incredibly distracted during labor and forget to grab it. For this reason, it is often a good idea to have copies of your birth plan, parentage order, and surrogacy agreement (contract) packed in your bag. While most hospitals will not ask to see these documents, knowing that you have them at your fingertips can provide you a great deal of peace. Entertainment: This part of the process can be very quick, or incredibly slow. It is impossible to predict how much time you will spend waiting for delivery. For this reason, you may want to pack items that will help you pass the time. Many intended parents pack a book, a laptop for movie viewing or work, a small craft project, or crossword puzzle. Also, if your surrogate is OK with being photographed or filmed, make sure to pack a camera as well. Snacks: Because the labor & delivery timeframe is so uncertain, it might be a good idea to pack snacks in your bag so that you don’t have to step away. However, if you’re in the laboring room with your surrogate, do consider asking her permission before enjoying a snack. Laboring women can be extremely sensitive to smells, and they are not permitted to eat during the labor process. Asking permission is a courtesy that will be very appreciated. Attire: Skin-to-skin contact is becoming a more regularly encouraged practice in the moments to hours following delivery of your child. Science shows that it can help the child regulate both temperature and breathing patterns while also allowing you some immediate bonding. For this reason, we encourage you to wear, or pack, a front-buttoning shirt and perhaps a blanket for modesty. This allows you to expose your chest for those first cuddles as quickly as possible. Recovery: Most hospitals require at least a 24-hour stay for your child following the birth. Do note that, because this is a surrogacy arrangement, your surrogate may be discharged before or after your child. This is completely normal and is no cause for concern. Comfort Items: Growing Generations will work with your delivering hospital as closely as possible to try and secure separate recovery rooms for your surrogate and yourself. This not only allows you the ability to bond with the baby more closely, it allows her peace and quiet so she can rest. However, in the event that the hospital is crowded or this is not possible, you should plan on bringing items with you that could make you more comfortable with sharing a recovery room with your surrogate. Slippers, pillows, socks, and comfortable clothing will help. Toiletries: In most cases, you will need to stay at least one additional night in the hospital. For this reason, it is important to pack your overnight toiletries. Items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens solution, and glasses will help make your stay a comfortable one. Camera: Finally, don’t forget to pack your camera! You’ve waited a long time for this moment, and it’s one you’re going to want to remember! Enjoy your first few days with your new baby and don’t forget to take a lot of pictures!

ARE YOU BORN WITH ALL YOUR EGGS? PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM If you're considering becoming an egg donor , you may be wondering about the number of eggs needed for donation. Are you born with all your eggs, or does your body make more eggs over your lifetime? HOW MANY EGGS ARE IN YOUR OVARIES? Conventional science has taught us for years that women are born with all of the ovary eggs they will ever have. The theory has been that a woman is born with one to two million immature eggs at birth, and will slowly begin losing them over the course of her lifetime. Many of those eggs will be lost before puberty sets in through a natural process called ovarian follicle atresia, leaving a woman with around 300,000 eggs at the time of puberty. Of those eggs left at puberty, it is estimated that a woman may lose as many as a thousand eggs per month over her fertile years. Of the roughly 400 follicles that will reach ovulation over the course of a woman’s fertility, a woman can expect 20 follicles to mature each month with just one egg being released. DOES THE QUALITY OF EGGS IN YOUR OVARIES DECREASE OVER TIME? Science goes on to tell us that only the best quality eggs will be released and that, over time, the overall quality of these eggs begins to diminish as menopause approaches. This is commonly believed to be the reason women of an advanced maternal age may have difficulty achieving pregnancy with their own eggs. DO OVARIES PRODUCE EGGS AS YOU AGE? New studies are beginning to suggest that a woman may, in fact, be able to produce new eggs in her lifetime. The theory is based around the existence of stem cells found within the ovaries. This theory stems from a finding back in 2004, when researchers encountered germ cells called oogonial stem cells in the ovaries of female mice. In 2012, a study conducted by scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Edinburgh and published in PLOS Genetics found the same stem cells inside of a human female’s ovaries. These cells are capable of dividing and generating new oocytes which then become new eggs. Advanced medical tools allow scientists to see how many times a cell has divided over its lifetime, and if conventional science stands true, all human eggs would have the same number of divisions, as all eggs should be present at birth. However, scientists have found that some of these cells have many more divisions which suggests that new eggs were forming over a woman’s lifetime. While the research is still in its infancy and has only been conducted on mice at this point, it suggests that fertility and egg development may continue long after birth. Whether or not your body produces more eggs, only 10 to 20 eggs are donated during egg retrieval . Donors usually have ample eggs to donate and use for their own family building. Learn more about what to expect during your egg donation journey on our Egg Donation Process page. GET STARTED If you're considering becoming an egg donor, but you haven't taken that next step, we're here to help. To learn more about becoming an egg donor with Growing Generations contact us online or apply today .

PREPARING FOR EMBRYO TRANSFER: CAN AN EMBRYO FALL OUT AFTER TRANSFER? PREVIOUS ITEM NEXT ITEM Embryos are tiny, delicate things. Preparing for the embryo transfer process is often treated with great caution. These two things, when considered together, often cause surrogates to be quite concerned about how to best protect the embryo they’ve just been entrusted with carrying. Many surrogates, and occasionally their intended parents, may raise questions: How secure is the embryo once placed in the uterus? Is it possible for the embryo to “fall out” after it has been transferred? IF I'M ON BED REST AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER, DOES THAT MEAN THE EMBRYO CAN FALL OUT? The overwhelming fear is that walking, jumping, or even urinating could cause the embryo to simply slip out of the uterus. Doctors often prescribe bed rest following the transfer to allow the embryo time to “get settled” and implant, so it makes sense that undue movement could cause the embryo to become dislodged and slip out, right? Rest assured that this is highly unlikely. The idea has merit, in theory, but it is not plausible in reality. The uterus is a muscular organ. This means that it stays contracted and tight in its natural state. While the area inside of the uterus is called a “cavity,” it is not a literal empty space. The transferred embryo does not have open space in which to move freely or roll around. WHY EMBRYOS DON'T FALL OUT Your body is prepared well for the embryo transfer with IVF medications. Nearly all IVF doctors will require your uterine lining to be thick enough for the walls to touch in the middle before proceeding with a transfer. This creates an environment in which the thick, sticky endometrial lining leaves no empty space. When the embryo is placed between the uterine walls and the muscle contracts, it will create a secure place for the embryo to bury itself deep within that thick lining and begin to grow. Visualize placing a poppy seed in the crease of your elbow and then folding your arm shut tightly by using your muscle. Now wiggle that arm as hard as you can. No matter how hard you try, that poppy seed will not fly out. An implanted embryo inside of a flexed uterus is much the same. No reasonable external physical activity—be it jumping, rolling over in bed, walking, or running—can cause a healthy receptive embryo to become dislodged once it has implanted into the endometrial lining. The bed rest period is meant to help you relax and encourage the embryo to implant and bury itself within the endometrial lining. While you should always follow doctor’s orders regarding bed rest, do not be afraid to get out of bed to use the restroom or stretch your legs. If you have questions about what activities are approved, both during bed rest and once you’re cleared to return to daily life, do not be afraid to ask your nurse or doctor. Please contact Growing Generations for more information about being a surrogate in our program.