Surrogacy is a remarkable journey that brings together intended parents and surrogates in the shared goal of building a family. However, it is essential to acknowledge that this process can be accompanied by emotional complexities, particularly when a miscarriage occurs. This blog provides a comprehensive look at the risks, causes, and support systems related to miscarriage in surrogacy, offering guidance for both intended parents and surrogates.
Understanding the Risk of Miscarriage in Surrogacy
A deeper look at what can happen during this difficult moment in any pregnancy, including surrogate pregnancy.
What is Miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable. In the context of surrogacy, a miscarriage can be especially challenging, as it affects both the intended parents’ dreams and the surrogate’s physical and emotional well-being.
How Common is Miscarriage in Surrogacy?
While miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy, surrogacy pregnancies often benefit from rigorous medical screening and monitoring. However, even with these measures, the risk of miscarriage remains present. Some studies indicate that miscarriage rates in surrogacy are comparable to those in natural pregnancies, though individual circumstances and medical histories can lead to different outcomes.
Surrogacy Miscarriage Rates
Miscarriage rates in surrogacy typically range from 10-15%, which is similar to the miscarriage rate in natural pregnancies. However, surrogacy pregnancies are the result of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which introduces unique variables that can impact the likelihood of miscarriage. While IVF allows for careful embryo selection and genetic screening, the process itself does not eliminate all risks. Even the highest-quality embryos may not implant or develop as expected, leading to pregnancy loss.
Despite the possibility of miscarriage, surrogacy remains a highly successful option for intended parents looking to grow their families. With advancements in reproductive technology and improved embryo selection methods, many surrogates go on to have healthy, full-term pregnancies even after experiencing an initial loss. Intended parents and surrogates should be prepared for this possibility, but also reassured that a miscarriage does not necessarily mean the end of their surrogacy journey.
Why Miscarriages Can Happen in Surrogacy
Reasons to understand why a pregnancy loss can happen:
Age of Intended Parents’ Embryos
The age of the intended parents, particularly the egg provider, plays a significant role in embryo viability and the risk of miscarriage. As women age, the quality of their eggs naturally declines, increasing the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities that can lead to implantation failure or early pregnancy loss. Intended mothers over the age of 35, or those using their own eggs later in life, may experience higher miscarriage rates due to these genetic factors.
This is why many intended parents opt for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to screen for chromosomal abnormalities before embryo transfer. Additionally, some choose to use donor eggs from younger individuals to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. While medical advancements have made it possible for older intended parents to conceive through surrogacy, the age of the eggs used in embryo creation remains a critical factor in overall pregnancy success.
Quality of the Embryo
Embryo quality is one of the most important predictors of a successful surrogacy pregnancy. High-quality embryos, often graded by fertility specialists based on factors such as cell development, symmetry, and chromosomal normality, have a greater chance of implanting and developing into a healthy pregnancy.
In contrast, lower-quality embryos may struggle to implant or may not develop properly, increasing the risk of early miscarriage. Even when an embryo appears healthy under a microscope, underlying genetic issues that are not visible can still contribute to pregnancy loss. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) is commonly used to assess embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, which helps improve implantation success rates and reduce the likelihood of miscarriage. However, even with thorough screening, embryo quality can never guarantee a full-term pregnancy, as other biological factors also come into play.
Surrogate’s Health and Medical History
A surrogate’s health is a crucial component of a successful pregnancy. Before being approved for surrogacy, candidates undergo extensive medical evaluations to ensure they are in excellent physical condition for carrying a pregnancy. Their reproductive history is closely reviewed, including previous pregnancies, deliveries, and any history of complications such as preterm labor or miscarriage.
While surrogates are carefully selected based on their ability to carry a healthy pregnancy, no screening process can completely eliminate the risk of miscarriage. Pre-existing medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, clotting disorders, or hormonal imbalances, can sometimes contribute to pregnancy loss even if they have not caused issues in previous pregnancies. Additionally, factors like uterine health and overall physical well-being can influence pregnancy outcomes, making ongoing medical monitoring an essential part of the surrogacy process.
Uncontrollable Biological Factors
Despite the best medical care, embryo selection, and surrogate screening, some causes of miscarriage remain completely unpredictable. Even in the most carefully planned surrogacy journeys, uncontrollable biological factors can lead to pregnancy loss. Some miscarriages occur due to random chromosomal abnormalities that were not detected during genetic screening.
Others may result from hormonal imbalances, immune system responses, or even issues with the embryo’s implantation in the uterine lining. In some cases, the cause of miscarriage remains unknown despite thorough medical evaluation. While doctors and fertility specialists work to minimize risks, pregnancy—whether through natural conception or surrogacy—always carries a degree of unpredictability. Acknowledging this reality can help both intended parents and surrogates navigate the surrogacy process with realistic expectations and emotional preparedness.
Emotional Impact of Miscarriage in Surrogacy
A look at the turmoil and support that can come with this difficult time:
Emotional Impact on Intended Parents
Intended parents may experience deep sorrow and a sense of loss, as the miscarriage represents not just a medical setback but also the loss of a long-awaited dream.
Emotional Impact on surrogates
Surrogates can also feel profound emotional distress. The loss may affect their sense of fulfillment and emotional connection to the process, even though they understand the role they play.
Grief and Disappointment for Both Intended Parents and Surrogate
Both parties share in the grief and disappointment that accompanies a miscarriage, highlighting the need for mutual compassion and understanding throughout the journey.
Emotional Support Resources and Strategies
Access to counseling services, support groups, and open communication with the surrogacy team can provide critical emotional support during these challenging times.
Financial Aspects of Miscarriage in Surrogacy
For many, the financial considerations surrounding miscarriage are as significant as the emotional ones.
Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry?
Compensation for surrogates in the event of a miscarriage varies depending on the terms outlined in the surrogacy contract. In most cases, surrogates receive payment for milestones reached during the pregnancy, including compensation for medical procedures, time, and effort leading up to the miscarriage. Many agencies and intended parents also provide additional financial support for medical recovery and emotional counseling if needed.
For detailed information on how surrogate compensation works in the case of a miscarriage, please visit the article: Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry?
How Surrogate Compensation Works if Miscarriage Occurs
In many surrogacy agreements, the compensation is structured to support the surrogate through her journey, including scenarios where a miscarriage occurs. The specific details and policies can vary depending on the agency and contract terms.
How Agencies and Clinics Support Surrogates After Miscarriage
At Surrogacy By Faith, our team places great emphasis on nurturing close, supportive relationships with both surrogates and intended parents. This personalized care ensures that everyone receives the attention and emotional support they need.
- Emotional counseling services: Regular check-ins, counseling sessions, and peer support opportunities help both surrogates and intended parents cope with their loss.
- Medical recovery plans: Customized medical care and recovery strategies are provided to ensure the surrogate’s well-being and a safe return to health.
- Steps for restarting the surrogacy process: If both parties choose to continue the journey, we guide them through every step of restarting the surrogacy process, ensuring that decisions are made with full support and understanding.
Preventing Miscarriage in Surrogacy
While not all miscarriages are preventable, certain measures can help reduce the risk:
- Medical screening for surrogates: Comprehensive health assessments help ensure that surrogates are well-suited for the journey.
- IVF protocol and embryo quality assessment: Advanced IVF protocols and rigorous embryo quality assessments are vital in optimizing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
- Lifestyle and health recommendations for surrogates: Guidance on nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness supports the surrogate’s health and pregnancy outcomes.
Choose Surrogacy By Faith
Facing the possibility of a miscarriage can be daunting, but you are not alone. At Surrogacy By Faith, we encourage both intended parents and surrogates to be prepared and proactive, knowing that expert, compassionate support is available every step of the way.
Choose Surrogacy By Faith for compassionate guidance, experienced professionals, and dedicated support every step of the way. Whether navigating the emotional complexities of loss or planning for a successful surrogacy journey, our team is here to provide the care and expertise you need. If you’re interested, fill out a surrogate form or an intended parent form today!