If you are in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, or surrounding areas, you can schedule an appointment at our Cary office.
400 Asheville Ave. Ste. 200, Cary, NC
Call: 984-263-3396
If you are in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, or surrounding areas, you can schedule an appointment at our Greensboro office.
1517 N Church Street, Greensboro, NC
Call: 984-263-3396
We welcome patients from across the U.S. and internationally who travel to NCCRM for our specialized fertility treatments. If you are traveling from outside North Carolina, we offer virtual and in-person consultations.
Call: 800-933-7202
At NCCRM, only gestational surrogacy is offered, supporting individuals who may have medical conditions. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF using the genetic material from the intended parents or donors, so she has no biological relationship with the child. Gestational surrogacy is often chosen for medical, genetic, or social reasons, ensuring the child is genetically related to the intended parents or chosen donors.
Gestational surrogates undergo comprehensive medical and psychological assessments and are required to have successfully raised at least one biological child. A clear contract addresses the number of embryos transferred, pregnancy care standards, and health considerations, ensuring understanding between surrogates and intended parents.
Cycles of both the egg provider and the surrogate are synchronized through medication, and embryos are carefully managed to optimize success rates while minimizing risks, including multiple pregnancies.
To ensure a seamless process, the cycles of the egg provider and the surrogate (or recipient) are carefully synchronized using a combination of birth control pills and Lupron. Once the pills are discontinued, the egg provider begins gonadotropin injections to stimulate the production of multiple eggs.
Follicle growth is closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds. When the eggs are mature, an hCG injection is administered to trigger ovulation. The eggs are then retrieved via a minimally invasive, transvaginal ultrasound-guided procedure performed under conscious sedation for comfort.
While the egg provider undergoes stimulation, the surrogate receives twice-weekly estrogen injections to prepare the uterine lining. Around the time of egg retrieval, progesterone is introduced to replicate a natural cycle, optimizing the uterus for implantation.
The retrieved eggs are fertilized in the laboratory using sperm from the intended father. Typically, a small number of embryos—often two—are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus three days later to reduce the risk of multiple births. Any remaining embryos can be cryopreserved for future use.
Folita Sherman
f.sherman@nccrm.com
984-263-3396 ext. 121
Typically, surrogates should be between 21-40, in good health, with a history of at least one healthy pregnancy. Many agencies also consider mental health, lifestyle, and non-smoker status.
Yes, surrogates generally receive compensation for their commitment. Compensation varies by agency, location, and type of surrogacy (traditional or gestational).
Surrogates undergo medical screenings, fertility treatments, and the embryo transfer procedure. Routine prenatal care is also part of the process.
Surrogates work with attorneys to protect their rights and establish clear agreements with intended parents. This process covers responsibilities, compensation, and parental rights after birth.
Each surrogacy arrangement is unique. Some maintain long-term contact, while others do not. This is often discussed before entering the agreement.
Surrogates should be in good health, have raised at least one biological child, and undergo psychological and medical evaluations. NCCRM emphasizes comprehensive screenings to ensure the well-being of both the surrogate and the intended parents.
Contracts address key issues like the number of embryos transferred, handling multiple pregnancies, and guidelines on health and lifestyle. The agreement ensures clarity and protection for both parties.
Surrogates’ cycles are aligned with the intended mother’s using birth control pills and other hormonal treatments, allowing for timely embryo transfer.
While gestational surrogacy is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the process:
For the Egg Provider
Egg Retrieval Risks: The procedure carries a small risk of infection or internal bleeding. However, the use of prophylactic antibiotics greatly reduces the likelihood of infection.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This rare complication occurs when the ovaries are overstimulated, potentially causing abdominal pain and bloating. In most cases, symptoms resolve naturally after menstruation and can be managed on an outpatient basis.
For the Surrogate
Pregnancy-Related Risks: As with any pregnancy, there is a potential for complications, including those associated with multiple births. To reduce these risks, great care is taken when deciding how many embryos to transfer.
Traditional surrogacy uses the surrogate’s egg, making her the biological mother, whereas gestational surrogacy involves an embryo created from the intended parents or donor’s genetic material, with no biological link to the surrogate.
Surrogates are chosen based on health, lifestyle, and agency criteria. Intended parents can review profiles and meet potential surrogates to ensure compatibility.
Legal agreements are essential. Attorneys help establish parentage, outline financial commitments, and ensure compliance with state laws. The agreement typically secures the intended parents’ parental rights. Other items covered are;
How many embryos can be transferred?
What happens if there is a multiple pregnancy?
Will the surrogate permit a termination if an abnormal fetus is discovered?
Health insurance, life insurance, and clothing allowances are discussed.
Agreements regarding nutrition, smoking, travel, and other behaviors may be covered.
Some surrogacy arrangements allow for ongoing contact, usually discussed and agreed upon in the initial stages.
Surrogacy costs vary widely, factoring in medical, legal, agency, and compensation expenses. Most agencies provide detailed cost breakdowns.
Surrogates undergo psychological and medical assessments. They must also complete their own pregnancies, ensuring they are prepared for the physical and emotional demands.
Situations such as a hysterectomy, uterine malformations, or maternal health risks like severe diabetes can lead individuals to choose surrogacy.
Folita Sherman
s.sherman@nccrm.com
984-263-3396 ext. 121
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