You’ve carried a baby before, so you know what those prenatal appointments are like and how childbirth feels. But as you’re considering becoming a surrogate in Texas, you’re probably wondering: What’s going to be different this time around?
The surrogacy medical process in Texas includes some unique elements that set it apart from your previous pregnancy experiences. For instance, the medical team supporting you will be larger than you might expect. Additionally, you’ll be sharing the experience with the intended parents, not just your own family.
Below, we’ll walk through what the medical process looks like for surrogates in Texas. We’ll cover how medical care differs from your own pregnancies, what kind of support you can expect and how medical costs are handled. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the journey ahead.
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What Medical Care Do Surrogates Get in Texas? How Is It Different?
You might be wondering if surrogate medical care will be different from your own pregnancy. Surrogacy includes additional layers of medical oversight, specialized protocols and coordinated communication between multiple healthcare providers.
You’ll also find that communication flows differently. Your medical team will coordinate with the intended parents and your surrogacy agency to ensure everyone stays informed about important developments.
Here’s what you can expect throughout the process:
Pre-Transfer Screening and Medical Preparation
Before you even become pregnant, you’ll go through comprehensive medical screening that’s more comprehensive than standard preconception care. Gestational carrier medical care in Texas begins with blood work, imaging studies and a complete physical examination. Your fertility clinic may also perform a mock cycle to see how your body responds to the medications used in the medical surrogacy process.
During this preparation phase, you’ll start taking medications to synchronize your cycle with the embryo transfer timeline. This usually means estrogen supplements to build your uterine lining and progesterone to maintain the optimal environment for implantation. Your medical team will monitor your hormone levels and uterine lining thickness through regular blood draws and ultrasounds.
Routine Prenatal Care Throughout Pregnancy
Once you’re pregnant, your surrogacy medical care in Texas will transition to routine prenatal monitoring. During the first trimester, you’ll have more frequent monitoring than typical pregnancies. The fertility clinic will follow you through the first eight to 12 weeks before transitioning surrogate pregnancy medical care to your OB-GYN.
Throughout pregnancy, you’ll follow standard prenatal care guidelines — monthly appointments until 28 weeks, then bi-weekly visits until 36 weeks, followed by weekly appointments until delivery. Your healthcare providers will monitor typical pregnancy markers like blood pressure, weight gain, fetal growth and overall health. The intended parents may attend some appointments with you.
Delivering a Baby as a Surrogate
When it comes time for delivery, you’ll follow the birth plan that was outlined in your surrogacy contract. This plan respects your preferences while accommodating the unique aspects of surrogacy.
Most hospitals in Texas are familiar with surrogacy arrangements and have established protocols for deliveries and Texas surrogate medical support. Your medical team will ensure you receive appropriate pain management, monitoring and support throughout labor and delivery, just as you would in any other pregnancy.
Surrogates often describe feeling a tremendous sense of accomplishment and joy watching the intended parents meet their baby for the first time.
Healing and Emotional Support After Delivery
Your postpartum recovery will receive the same medical attention as any other delivery, with additional considerations for the unique emotional aspects of surrogacy. Your healthcare providers will monitor your physical healing and help establish any necessary follow-up care.
Your surrogacy agency may provide additional emotional support resources during this transition period. Some surrogates maintain contact with the intended parents and their baby, while others take a step back — both approaches are perfectly normal.
Building Your Surrogate Medical Team in Texas
Throughout your surrogacy journey in Texas, you’ll work with various providers that will support you at every stage. Your surrogacy medical team will typically include:
- Reproductive Endocrinologist (Fertility Specialist): This doctor typically works at Texas fertility clinics for surrogacy. They will manage your pre-transfer preparation, medications, embryo transfer procedure and early pregnancy monitoring.
- Obstetrician-Gynecologist: Your OB-GYN provides primary prenatal care throughout most of your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Your agency can help connect you with OB-GYNs experienced in surrogacy.
- Nurses: These team members provide clinical support during appointments and procedures
- Anesthesiologist: This doctor provides pain management options during labor and delivery based on your birth plan preferences.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist: This specialist may be involved if any pregnancy complications arise or if you’re carrying multiples, providing specialized high-risk pregnancy care.
Surrogate Medical Insurance in Texas: Coverage and Costs Explained
One of the biggest advantages of working with an experienced surrogacy agency is their expertise in navigating medical insurance and costs. The intended parents are responsible for all medical expenses related to your surrogate pregnancy, but figuring out insurance coverage can be complex.
Your agency will help review your existing health insurance policy to determine what parts of the surrogacy medical process in Texas might be covered. In cases where your insurance doesn’t cover surrogate pregnancies, the intended parents will arrange alternative coverage or pay medical expenses directly. This might mean securing a supplemental insurance policy specifically designed for surrogacy situations.
Ready for the Next Steps?
The surrogacy medical process in Texas is comprehensive, well-supported and designed to ensure both you and the baby receive excellent care.
If you’re feeling confident about the medical aspects of surrogacy, we’d love to help you take the next step. Explore our complete guide to becoming a surrogate in Texas or contact us online for personalized guidance.