Gestational carriers play an important role in the fertility journeys of many couples.
Some women may be unable to successfully carry a pregnancy due to problems with the uterus, or a significant medical illness which makes pregnancy risky. A gestational carrier, combined with an egg donor, is also used to create families for gay couples.
A gestational carrier has no genetic link to the baby.
She is simply carrying the embryo for the infertile woman or couple. Nonetheless, she plays a critical role in the development of the baby she’s carrying, so her candidacy should be evaluated closely.
Evaluating the gestational carrier
An ideal gestational carrier:
Under the age of 38
Unremarkable medical history
Non-smoker
Previously delivered a term baby
Average body weight
No history of prior pregnancy complications
Tests to determine a gestational carrier’s suitability
To further determine a gestational carrier’s suitability, CARE Fertility will perform a physical exam and three additional tests focused on her uterus:
Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive test that gives us information regarding the size and shape of the uterus; however, it does not provide detailed information about the inside of the uterus where the baby grows or about the fallopian tubes.
Hysteroscopy is used to thoroughly evaluate the interior of the uterus where the baby will grow.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) provides information about the configuration of the inside of the uterus and about the fallopian tubes.
