Will I have side effects from the medications?

Most surrogates experience mild symptoms, such as bloating, cramping, or breast tenderness. These usually resolve quickly and are not harmful.

Will the medications affect my mood?

Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings similar to those you may experience before your period. This is a normal and temporary part of the process.

Do I have to give myself shots?

Depending on your clinic’s protocol, some medications may be administered by injection. You can self-administer or have a partner or friend help. Most surrogates adjust quickly.

How long will I need to take these medications?

Medications usually start before the embryo transfer and continue until 8–9 weeks into pregnancy, when your body produces its own pregnancy hormones.

Medical and Emotional Expectations for Surrogacy

Becoming a surrogate is a profound physical, mental, and emotional commitment. Our team will spend time speaking with you to ensure that you understand all that is expected of you so that you can prepare yourself for the medical and emotional expectations of the surrogacy journey.

Medication Protocols for Surrogates

Part of your surrogacy journey includes preparing your body for a pregnancy through medical protocols designed for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). While the pregnancy itself will feel similar to your own, the path to conception involves specific medications and monitoring to ensure the best chance for a healthy outcome.

Because your surrogate pregnancy is not naturally conceived, your body needs hormonal support to prepare the uterine lining and maintain an environment where an embryo can implant and grow. Your exact protocol will be determined by your fertility clinic, but most surrogates can expect:

Estrogen – Taken orally or through other methods, estrogen helps build and thicken the uterine lining.

Progesterone – Usually administered vaginally or by injection, progesterone prepares the uterus to support the embryo.

Lupron (in some protocols) – An injectable that temporarily pauses your natural cycle so it can be synchronized with the embryo transfer.

Medications are typically started in the weeks leading up to embryo transfer and continue until about 8–9 weeks of pregnancy, when your body naturally produces the necessary hormones. During this time, you’ll have regular blood work and ultrasounds to confirm your body’s response.

Physical Considerations

Physical Side Effects
Most surrogates experience minimal side effects. You may notice mild bloating, cramping, or breast tenderness. If injections are part of your protocol, some temporary soreness at the injection site is normal.

Injections and Self-Administration
Depending on your protocol, you may need to self-administer injections or have a partner or friend assist you. While this can feel intimidating at first, most surrogates find the process to become routine—and they are proud of the role they play in helping a family grow.

Emotional Considerations for Surrogates
Becoming a surrogate is a monumental act – your act of kindness can change a family’s life. As a surrogate, you will experience many emotions – anticipation, excitement, happiness, and maybe even a little bit of fear for the unknown. All of these emotions are 100% normal!

Both the process and the medications can have an emotional impact. With medications, hormonal changes can bring mood fluctuations similar to premenstrual symptoms—this is a natural part of the process.

It’s also normal to feel a mix of anticipation, responsibility, and emotional connection to the journey. At Giving Tree Surrogacy, we provide ongoing emotional support, connecting you with resources, counseling, and a community of experienced surrogates who understand what you’re experiencing.