As the Surrogate Mother is confirmed to be pregnant, additional testing including invasive procedures can be requested by the Intended Parents and/or the doctor.
Will I Encounter any Invasive Procedures?
High Resolution Ultrasounds
Performed during weeks 14-20 weeks and may be recurrent throughout the pregnancy dependent on the doctor and potential risk influences.
Fetal Monitoring
Performed at the physician’s office or hospital; at home in some circumstances. Monitoring is a normal protocol and is administered during premature contractions.
Amniocentesis
Procedure implemented during pregnancy to which amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the uterus to test for certain fetus complications or genetic defects, fetal infections, fetal lung immaturity, or Rh sensitization. The word "amniocentesis" literally means "puncture of the amnion" because a needle is interleaved through an area of the belly into the sac of amniotic fluid for fluid removal.
The fluid produced by the fetal lungs, kidneys, and umbilical cord contains skin cavities that the fetus has shed. The cells are transferred to the lab and isolated for testing. There are risks attached with amniocentesis and less invasive options are offered. Amniocentesis must be discoursed and agreed prior to the pregnancy amongst the Intended Parent and the Surrogate Mother.
Chorionic Villus Sampling
Ultrasound guided procedure used to remove placental tissue from the uterus to tests for early genetic defects. Depending on where the placenta is located, CVS can be accomplished through the cervix (transcervical) or the abdomen (transabdominal).
Transcervical is implemented by introducing a thin plastic tube into the vagina and cervix for purpose of reaching the placenta. Transabdominal is performed by introducing a needle through the abdomen and uterus reaching the placenta.
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