You’ve been through pregnancy and delivery before, so you know what to expect, right? Well, yes and no. The surrogacy medical process in Illinois has many similarities to your previous pregnancies, but there are also some key differences that are important to understand. As an experienced mom considering surrogacy, you’re probably wondering: What will be different this time? How will my medical care compare to my own pregnancies?
Want to talk to someone about surrogacy? Talk to a specialist today.
Medical Care: What’s Different and What’s the Same
Let’s start with what you already know—pregnancy is pregnancy in many ways. You’ll still experience the same physical changes, the same prenatal appointments, and the same anticipation of meeting a new baby. But surrogate medical care in Illinois includes some additional layers of support and monitoring that you might not have experienced before.
What’s the Stays the Same:
- Regular prenatal appointments and standard pregnancy monitoring
- The same physical pregnancy symptoms and changes you remember
- Standard prenatal testing and screenings
- Normal delivery and recovery process
What’s Different:
- More frequent monitoring, especially in early pregnancy
- Additional medical team members (fertility specialists alongside your OB-GYN)
- Pre-pregnancy medical preparation and medications
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for all pregnancy-related expenses
- Potential involvement of intended parents in medical appointments
The biggest difference? You’ll have more medical support, not less. Many surrogates are surprised by how closely they’re monitored and how comprehensive their care is. Understanding the complete surrogacy medical process helps you prepare for what’s ahead.
Medical Care Before and During Pregnancy
Pre-Transfer Medical Preparation
Before you even become pregnant, there’s a medical preparation phase that’s unique to surrogacy. This isn’t something you experienced with your own pregnancies, but it’s designed to optimize your chances of a successful pregnancy and healthy baby.
Medical Protocols before Transfer:
- Comprehensive health screening and physical exam
- Infectious disease testing and updated vaccinations
- Psychological evaluation (required in Illinois)
- Cycle synchronization with the intended mother or egg donor
- Understanding surrogacy medications that prepare your body for embryo transfer
The fertility medications might feel overwhelming at first—there are injections, pills, and careful timing involved. But don’t worry! The medical team will provide detailed instructions, and many surrogates find the process more manageable than they initially expected. Most medications are similar to what’s used in IVF, designed to prepare your uterus for successful implantation.
Monitoring During Medical Preparation:
- Regular blood work to monitor hormone levels
- Ultrasounds to track your uterine lining
- Frequent communication with your medical team
- Coordination between fertility clinic and your chosen OB-GYN
During Pregnancy
Once you’re pregnant, your medical care will feel more familiar, but with some enhancements. You’ll still see your OB-GYN regularly, but you’ll also have continued monitoring from the fertility clinic, especially in the first trimester.
Enhanced Prenatal Care:
- More frequent appointments in early pregnancy
- Additional ultrasounds to monitor development
- Continued hormone support if needed
- Regular communication with both medical teams
Many surrogates appreciate the extra attention—it can feel reassuring to know that multiple medical professionals are invested in your health and the baby’s development. Maintaining a healthy surrogate pregnancy becomes a team effort with excellent professional support.
Delivery and Hospital Care in Illinois
When it comes to delivery, you’ll have many of the same choices you had with your own pregnancies, but with some additional considerations unique to surrogacy.
Birth Planning in Illinois:
- You’ll typically choose your preferred hospital and delivery doctor
- Birth plans can be customized to your preferences and the intended parents’ wishes
- Most hospitals in Illinois are experienced with surrogate deliveries
- Legal documentation ensures smooth hospital processes
What’s Different About Surrogate Deliveries:
- Hospital staff will be aware of the surrogacy arrangement from admission
- Intended parents may be present during labor and delivery (if you’re comfortable with this)
- Legal paperwork is handled by professionals, not you
- Baby goes home with intended parents, not you
Illinois hospitals are well-versed in surrogacy procedures, so you don’t need to worry about explaining the situation or dealing with confused staff. The legal framework is clear, and hospital protocols are well-established.
Hospital Policies and Support:
- Private rooms are typically provided and covered by intended parents
- Visitors can be managed according to your preferences
- Medical decisions remain yours to make
- Support staff understand the unique aspects of surrogate deliveries
Postpartum Care: After Delivery Support in Illinois
Your recovery after delivery will be similar to your previous experiences, but with continued comprehensive support that many surrogates find reassuring.
Recovery Care:
- Standard postpartum medical care and monitoring
- All follow-up appointments covered by intended parents
- Access to lactation support if needed
- Mental health resources and counseling support
Follow-Up Appointments:
- Regular postpartum check-ups with your OB-GYN
- Final appointments with the fertility clinic
- Any necessary specialist care fully covered
- Continued communication with your support team
Medical Support during Transition:
- Understanding that your body needs time to recover
- Hormonal changes are normal and expected
- Professional support for any physical or emotional challenges
- Clear communication about what’s normal versus concerning
The postpartum period can bring mixed emotions—relief, pride, and sometimes unexpected feelings about ending the surrogacy relationship. Having continued medical and emotional support during this transition is invaluable.
Medical and Insurance Costs for Surrogates
Here’s one of the biggest differences from your own pregnancies: you won’t pay for anything medical related to your surrogate pregnancy. Everything is covered by the intended parents’ insurance or through insurance they provide for you.
What’s Covered:
- All prenatal appointments and testing
- Medications and medical supplies
- Delivery and hospital costs
- Postpartum care and follow-up
- Any pregnancy complications or unexpected medical needs
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
How Insurance Works:
- Intended parents typically provide comprehensive health insurance
- All pregnancy-related expenses are covered, not just basic care
- Prescription medications and medical supplies included
- No deductibles or co-pays for surrogate-related medical care
Working with an experienced agency like American Surrogacy means you don’t have to navigate insurance complexities alone. Good agencies handle insurance coordination, ensuring that all medical expenses are covered properly and that you’re never left dealing with billing issues or coverage gaps.
Want to Talk to Someone About the Medical Process?
Many women find that once they understand the medical process, they feel much more confident about their decision to become a surrogate. The comprehensive care, professional support, and complete financial coverage often exceed what they experienced with their own pregnancies.
We are here for you! Whether you’re just beginning to consider surrogacy or you’re ready to learn more about the medical process specifically, connecting with knowledgeable professionals can help you feel confident and prepared for this meaningful journey.
Have more questions about the surrogacy medical process in Illinois? We can connect you to a specialist.