When I entered the surrogacy world in 2017 as an Intended Parent, I felt completely lost with all of the different acronyms and terms. It seemed as though I was learning a whole new language!

Here are the most commonly used terms and acronyms that we recommend familiarizing yourself with:

1. IP/IM/IF - Intended Parent(s) / Intended Mother / Intended Father 

The individual(s) on the path to parenthood.

2. GC - Gestational Carrier

The individual who will undergo an embryo transfer and carry the baby for the Intended Parents. The term GC is used when the embryo is created by the IPs (or donor embryo, donor egg and/or sperm) and the baby has no biological connection to the person who is pregnant.

3. Surrogate or TS (Traditional Surrogate)

The individual who will carry the baby for the Intended Parent(s). Most people will use this term as an umbrella to include “GCs” but technically, a traditional surrogate has a biologic connection to the baby whereas a GC does not.

4. IVF - In vitro fertilization 

IVF is the process where the egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory to create an embryo.

5. FET - Frozen Embryo Transfer

The process where the embryo is thawed and transferred.

6. RE - Reproductive Endocrinologist

The physician that treats infertility through surgery, medicine, or procedures. This is the physician who would assist with IVF, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), and other surgeries to help with reproduction.

7. DPT - Days Post Transfer

The number of subsequent days post embryo transfer. This is often a very exciting yet nerve-racking time as families are eagerly counting down the days until they can confirm whether the transfer was successful, resulting in a positive pregnancy confirmation.

8. BETA

This is the blood test, typically conducted 10-14 days post embryo transfer, to determine if the surrogate is pregnant.

9. PBO - Pre-Birth Order

A legal document that protects the Intended Parents and establishes parentage prior to the baby being born. Depending on the state where the baby is born, a PBO will dictate what is legally required to assign legal parentage of the baby.

10. Legal Clearance

A letter written from the IP's attorney to the fertility clinic after the IPs and GC/Surrogate have signed the legal contract. This letter indicates that both parties have come to an agreement and clears everyone from a legal standpoint for an embryo transfer.

Our goal at Surrogacy Simplified is to help you feel confident as you navigate each phase of your journey to parenthood. We offer comprehensive education to increase your confidence and understanding about the rewarding yet complicated process of surrogacy.

Ready to take the first step? Click the image below to schedule your complimentary consultation.