Using a Surrogate Mother: What You Need to Know

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Surrogate motherhood is a complex and multifaceted process that involves the use of a surrogate mother to carry and deliver a child for another individual or couple. This practice has gained significant attention in both human and animal reproductive research. Understanding the various aspects of surrogate motherhood, including the methods used, the physiological impacts, and the outcomes, is crucial for anyone considering this option.

Surgical Techniques in Embryo Transfer

Embryo transfer (ET) is a critical component of surrogate motherhood, especially in laboratory settings. Two primary surgical techniques are used: the Cold Surgical Technique (CST) and the Electrosurgery Technique (EST).

Cold Surgical Technique (CST)

CST is the most commonly used method for ET. However, it has several drawbacks, including uncontrolled bleeding and increased mortality rates among surrogate mothers. These complications can make repeated use of surrogate mothers challenging and reduce the overall efficiency of the ET process1 2.

Electrosurgery Technique (EST)

EST has been introduced as an alternative to CST to mitigate these issues. Studies have shown that EST significantly reduces bleeding and mortality rates, making it a more viable option for repeated ET procedures. For instance, the survival rate of surrogate mothers remained high in the EST group even after multiple ETs, whereas it declined significantly in the CST group1 2.

Physiological Impacts on Surrogate Mothers

The choice of surgical technique can have profound effects on the physiological well-being of surrogate mothers. Research indicates that EST is less invasive and results in fewer behavioral changes post-surgery compared to CST. This is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of surrogate mothers, especially when they are used repeatedly for ET1 2.

Effects on Newborns

Surrogate mothering also has significant implications for the physiological stabilization of newborns. An experimental study demonstrated that newborns who received surrogate mothering, including rocking, cuddling, and visual and verbal interaction, showed better physiological stabilization compared to those who received routine nursing care. These newborns had higher axillary temperatures, more stable heart rates, and stronger sucking strength, which are critical for their early development3.

Conclusion

Using a surrogate mother involves various considerations, from the choice of surgical technique for ET to the physiological impacts on both the surrogate mother and the newborn. Electrosurgery (EST) appears to offer significant advantages over the Cold Surgical Technique (CST) in terms of reducing complications and improving outcomes. Additionally, the role of surrogate mothering in the early physiological stabilization of newborns cannot be overstated. These insights are essential for making informed decisions about surrogate motherhood, whether in a research setting or in human reproductive medicine.

Disclaimer

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