Unlocking the ABCs of Surrogacy: Your Guide to Essential Acronyms

Welcome back, Intended parents! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of surrogacy and ivf, with a twist—we're decoding the essential acronyms you need to know. Whether you're just starting your surrogacy journey or you're a seasoned pro, understanding these acronyms will empower you to navigate discussions, social media posts, and interactions with professionals like a true expert.

Let's jump right in!

AI: Artificial Insemination

Definition: Artificial insemination is a fertility technique involving the intentional placement of semen into the female reproductive tract to enhance the chances of conception. While less common in gestational surrogacy, traditional surrogates may opt for at-home insemination methods.

AMH: Anti-Mullerian Hormone

Definition: The AMH test evaluates ovarian reserve levels, offering insights into a woman's fertility potential.

BCP: Birth Control Pills

Definition: Birth control pills are occasionally prescribed in surrogacy to synchronize the menstrual cycles of the surrogate with those of the intended mother or egg donor prior to embryo transfer.

BETA: Blood Test for Pregnancy

Definition: A BETA blood test measures the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to confirm pregnancy. Rising BETA levels indicate pregnancy, while declining levels suggest otherwise.

BFN/BFP: Big Fat Negative/Big Fat Positive

Definition: BFN is a term commonly used to describe a negative result on a pregnancy test, typically used by surrogates. Conversely, a BFP denotes a positive result on a pregnancy test, bringing joy and excitement.

BBT: Basal Body Temperature

Definition: Basal Body Temperature refers to the lowest temperature recorded in the morning before getting out of bed. It's an effective method for tracking ovulation, with a temperature spike indicating the fertile window.

BW: Bloodwork

Definition: Bloodwork involves testing various hormone levels and is a crucial component of fertility assessments.

CD: Cycle Day

Definition: Cycle day refers to the ordinal designation of days within a woman's menstrual cycle, starting from the first day of menstruation.

CM: Cervical Mucus

Definition: Cervical mucus serves as an indicator of a surrogate's fertility, with its consistency and quantity guiding the optimal timing for embryo transfer.

CMV: Cytomegalovirus

Definition: CMV is a common infection, with CMV positive indicating past exposure but no current infection, relevant when selecting donors.

CVS: Chorionic Villus Sampling

Definition: Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal diagnostic procedure to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders in embryos.

DE: Donor Egg

Definition: Donor eggs are used to create embryos for intended parents with various fertility challenges.

DPO/DPR/DPT: Days Past Ovulation/Post-Retrieval/Post-Transfer

Definition: DPO indicates the number of days that have elapsed since ovulation. DPR represents the number of days since an egg retrieval procedure. DPT signifies the number of days after an embryo transfer.

E2: Estradiol

Definition: Estradiol, an estrogen medication, is administered to surrogates to prepare the uterine lining for embryo transfer.

ED: Egg Donor or Egg Donation

Definition: ED relates to the use of egg donors in fertility treatments.

EDD: Estimated Due Date

Definition: The estimated due date signifies the anticipated date of birth for the surrogate, although scheduling considerations may arise later in the pregnancy.

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END: Endometriosis

Definition: Endometriosis is a medical condition impacting fertility, often necessitating surrogacy.

ER: Egg Retrieval

Definition: ER involves collecting eggs from the ovaries for use in IVF.

ET: Embryo Transfer

Definition: Embryo transfer is performed once a surrogate's uterine conditions are optimal for receiving an embryo.

ETOH: Embryo Transfer On Hold

Definition: ETOH signifies a temporary suspension of the embryo transfer process.

EWCM: Egg White Cervical Mucus

Definition: EWCM describes cervical mucus consistency during ovulation, indicating fertility.

FM: Fertility Monitor

Definition: A fertility monitor tracks hormones to predict ovulation.

FET: Frozen Embryo Transfer

Definition: FET involves implanting frozen embryos, typically from previous IVF treatments.

FSH: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Definition: FSH stimulates egg follicle growth each month.

GC: Gestational Carrier

Definition: A gestational carrier carries the child of intended parents without genetic relation.

GD: Gestational Diabetes

Definition: Gestational diabetes requires careful monitoring during pregnancy.

HCG: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

Definition: HCG is detected in blood pregnancy tests and is produced by the placenta during pregnancy.

HPT: Home Pregnancy Test

Definition: HPTs are self-administered tests used by surrogates to monitor pregnancy progression.

ICI/ICSI/IUI: Intra-Cervical Insemination/Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection/Intrauterine Insemination

Definition: ICI involves placing sperm near the cervix, sometimes done at home. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. IUI places sperm directly into the uterus in a medical setting.

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LH/LH-Surge: Luteinizing Hormone/Luteinizing Hormone Surge

Definition: LH plays a critical role in ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation. The LH-surge indicates impending ovulation.

LMP: Last Menstrual Period

Definition: LMP serves as a reference point for fertility specialists.

MOT: Millions of Motile Sperm per ml

Definition: MOT indicates the number of motile sperm in a sample.

OB/OB/GYN: Obstetrician/Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Definition: An OB/GYN oversees prenatal care.

OPT/OPK: Ovulation Predictor Test/Ovulation Predictor Kit

Definition: OPT predicts ovulation by measuring LH levels. OPKs help predict ovulation by measuring LH levels.

PET: Post-Embryo Transfer

Definition: PET designates the period following embryo transfer.

P4/PIO: Progesterone/Progesterone in Oil

Definition: Progesterone maintains pregnancy and regulates the menstrual cycle. PIO is a progesterone supplement used in surrogacy.

POAS: Pee on a Stick

Definition: POAS refers to a home pregnancy test.

RE: Reproductive Endocrinologist

Definition: A reproductive endocrinologist specializes in fertility.

SA: Semen Analysis

Definition: SA evaluates semen samples.

SCH: Subchorionic Hemorrhage

Definition: SCH requires medical attention during pregnancy.

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SMC/SMBC: Single Mother by Choice

Definition: SMC/SMBC refers to single mothers.

SubQ: Subcutaneous Injections

Definition: SubQ injections administer hormones.

TS: Traditional Surrogate

Definition: A traditional surrogate is genetically related to the child.

TTC/TWW: Trying to Conceive/Two Week Wait

Definition: TTC signifies actively trying to become pregnant. TWW is the period between ovulation and the expected period.

US/U/S: Ultrasound

Definition: Ultrasounds monitor fetal development.

VBAC: Vaginal Delivery After C-Section

Definition: VBAC allows vaginal delivery after a C-section.

Phew! You made it. That was quite the alphabet soup, wasn't it? But fear not, armed with this guide, you're ready to tackle any surrogacy conversation like a pro. Stay tuned for more insights, tips, and inspiration on your surrogacy journey.

I'm off to go put some ice on my hands real quick. And by "ice on my hands" i mean crushed ice in a glass. Mixed with juice and tequila. Ok, a margarita, I'm off to relax my hands with a margarita ...Until next time, remember: knowledge is power, and together, we're unstoppable!