In 2017, the popular social media feed Humans of New York featured a gay couple and their son, born through a surrogate. The parents spoke of their love for their child and also shared their feelings about the experience of becoming fathers through gestational surrogacy. Because these fathers had never met their surrogate, they acknowledged that they didn’t have the same kind of emotional preparation for parenthood that each stage of pregnancy can provide.
If you partner with Growing Generations, you will have the option to visit your surrogate throughout the surrogacy process. However, you likely won’t be with her for every doctor’s appointment to watch the development of your baby throughout the trimesters, and among the highlights are:
4 Weeks
While the embryo is tiny−only about the size of a poppy seed−development at this stage is rapid. Thousands of cells are multiplying and forming every minute. Growing Generations will check in with your surrogate to make sure she is going to her appointments and providing updates related to the baby’s growth and health.
10 Weeks
Your baby graduates this week: from embryo to fetus. Tiny fingers and toes are evident, and organs start to develop.
12 Weeks
At the end of the first trimester, the fetus is about the size of a lime. The baby has a face and functioning limbs and can even make a fist.
18 Weeks
Many pregnant women can detect the baby’s first movements at this time. While the fetus’s skin is still incredibly thin and translucent, muscles and bones have formed. An ultrasound can be done to determine the baby’s sex. This is also around the time Growing Generations will begin arranging plans for your arrival at your surrogate’s hospital upon the birth of your child.
22 Weeks
You’re halfway there! You’ll be meeting your baby soon. A heartbeat can be seen on an ultrasound. Features such as nails, eyebrows and eyelashes are beginning to grow.
27 Weeks
The development of the central nervous system accelerates. Your baby will start breathing, brainwave development can be detected, and will soon be able to open and shut their eyelids. Most babies are about 14 to 15 inches long at this stage.
30 Weeks
It’s the final stretch. At this stage, neurological activity is increasing. Your child’s eyes can react to light, and your surrogate may also feel the baby “jump” in response to loud noises.
35 Weeks
Your baby’s bones are soft but fully developed and functioning. The baby might enjoy listening to music as well. During this time intended parents may want to consider sending their surrogate recordings of their voices or a list of favorite songs.
40 Weeks
Your baby’s birth is just around the corner, if it hasn’t happened already. After so many weeks of waiting, you’ll meet your baby!
