Surrogacy terms & acronyms
• Intended Parents, Surrogates

Understanding the correct terms in surrogacy

Navigating the world of gestational surrogacy can be complex, especially with the specific terminology involved. Using the correct terms not only ensures clear communication but also helps in building a supportive environment for everyone involved. In this blog post, we’ll explore key terms related to gestational surrogacy and clarify their meanings to empower intended parents, surrogates, and anyone interested in the process.

Gestational Surrogate (GS)

A gestational surrogate is a woman who carries and delivers a baby for the intended parents but has no genetic connection to the baby. In this arrangement, the embryo is created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Gestational Carrier  (GC)

Gestational carrier is term used interchangeably with gestational surrogate. It emphasizes the role of the woman who is carrying the pregnancy for the intended parents. The term is often preferred in legal and medical settings.

Traditional Surrogate (TS)

This is a different type of surrogacy arrangement in which the surrogate’s own egg is used in conception. Traditional surrogacy arrangements are increasingly rare and not facilitated by NewGen Families.

Surrogate

At NewGen Families, and commonly in the surrogacy space, when the term surrogate is used it is always in reference to a gestational carrier.

Surrogate Mother 

This is considered an outdated term and no longer used by most in the surrogacy space. The intended mother is the mother and the woman carrying the baby is referred to as the surrogate, gestational surrogate or gestational carrier for legal and ethical reasons. Those terms also provide clarity and comfort to everyone involved.

Intended Parents

Intended parents are the individuals or couples who seek to have a child through surrogacy. They may use their own genetic material or rely on donors. This term emphasizes the parents’ role in the surrogacy process and their legal rights regarding their child.

Future Parent

At NewGen Families we will sometimes use the term future parents to refer to intended parents.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer is the medical procedure in which the embryo is placed into the surrogate’s uterus after it has been created through IVF.

Donor Eggs & Sperm

Donor eggs or donor sperm refer to eggs or sperm provided by a third party when the intended parents are unable to use their own.

Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA)

The GCA is a legal contract between the intended parents and the surrogate, outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party throughout the surrogacy journey. This agreement typically covers compensation, medical care, parental rights, and other crucial details, making it a foundational document in the process.

Pre-Birth Order

A pre-birth order is a legal document obtained before the child’s birth that establishes the intended parents’ legal rights and parentage.

Post-Birth Order

A post-birth order is a legal document obtained after the child’s birth that establishes the intended parents’ legal rights and parentage.

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Understanding the acronyms in surrogacy

You will often see acronyms used that relate to IVF and surrogacy so we put together a guide to the most common ones.

IP: Intended parent(s)

IF: Intended father

IM: Intended mother

GC: Gestational carrier

GS: Gestational surrogate (another term for gestational carrier)

TS: Traditional surrogate

ED: Egg donor

RE: Reproductive endocrinologist

ET: Embryo transfer

FET: Frozen embryo transfer

SET: Single embryo transfer

DET: Double embryo transfer

BCP: Birth control pills

BFP: Big fat positive

BFN: Big fat negative

PUPO: Pregnant until proven otherwise (refers to the period after embryo transfer and before Beta-HCG test)

DPT: Days post transfer

EDD: Estimated due or delivery date

IVF: In vitro fertilization

IUI: Intrauterine insemination

U/S: Ultrasound

EPT: Early pregnancy test

FHR: Fetal heart rate

BMI: Body mass index

POAS: Pee on a stick

OBGYN: Obstetrician Gynecologist

BETA-HCG Test : A blood test that measures hCG to confirm pregnancy

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