The Hidden Risks of Surrogacy: Physical and Emotional Health Consequences You May Not Expect
Surrogacy may be physically and emotionally beneficial to some, but the practice comes with its own risks that are often overlooked. Whether you’re considering surrogacy as an option to have children or as a way to make money, be sure to consider these physical and emotional risks of surrogacy before making your decision. You might want to think twice about whether you really want to take on all of these issues!
What is surrogacy?
During surrogacy, a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another person or couple. The surrogate mother is not the child’s biological mother. In some cases, the surrogate is genetically related to her new born through either the father’s sperm or eggs from other relatives, but she does not carry her own genetic material in this case. A surrogate pregnancy can be achieved through artificial insemination (AI) with donor sperm, intrauterine insemination (IUI) with partner sperm, in vitro fertilization (IVF) with partner eggs or donor eggs, and gestational surrogacy using donated eggs and/or uterus. Surrogates are not biologically related to their children. They may have very little, if any contact with the intended parents until after delivery.
It is important to note that many women who agree to be surrogates become pregnant through IVF or IUI methods which involve much more invasive procedures than what would normally happen during a natural conception cycle, such as injections and egg retrievals that may carry risks of injury, infection and complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Surrogate mothers also face risks such as early labor and delivery because they’re carrying two people’s babies inside them instead of one. In addition, vaginal births can increase risk for severe tearing of tissues in the pelvic area which could lead to lasting damage. Mothers who give birth naturally are able to push out the baby, which limits pressure on the vagina; however, during a cesarean delivery it takes longer for the pressure to subside. During an attempted VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), there is a greater chance of uterine rupture, bladder and bowel incontinence, infection and bleeding. If something goes wrong in an emergency C-section procedure there will be significant blood loss; and surgery increases risks for anesthesia complications.
Typical problems with surrogate mothers
While the media might have you believe that surrogacy is nothing but a feel-good story, the reality is that it can come with a lot of risks for both the surrogate mother and the child. From physical health problems like preeclampsia to emotional challenges like attachment issues, there are potential risks involved in surrogacy that you may not be aware of. Here are seven of the most common problems associated with surrogacy.
Blood pressure that is dangerously high (preeclampsia)
Psychological difficulties (such as fear of bonding or traumatic memories)
Incompatibility between the surrogate and intended parents
Attachment disorders from surrogates raising unrelated children
Consequences from IVF treatments including multiple births, selective reduction surgeries, or high risk pregnancies
Physical dangers including gestational diabetes or infections.
Sexual assault against pregnant women in vulnerable situations such as being a pregnant woman who has just given birth. The stress and trauma of surrogacy could also lead to pregnancy complications like miscarriages or premature deliveries. While these are all very real risks, they don’t mean that every single surrogate experience will result in these consequences. It’s important to make sure you do your research before deciding on any type of medical procedure. That way, you know what to expect and can prepare accordingly. Even though surrogacy comes with some risks, many people still choose this option because it’s an ethical alternative when compared to adoption by two men or using anonymous donor eggs.
Possible health consequences of surrogacy
Women who become surrogates may face a number of physical risks, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting; uterine rupture, which is a tear in the wall of the uterus that can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage; and pre-eclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure that can lead to organ damage. In addition, surrogates may suffer from emotional consequences such as postpartum depression or anxiety. They may also feel a sense of loss or grief after giving birth and may struggle with attachment issues if they have a history of infertility. The decision to terminate a pregnancy or not has been shown to be an important factor in reducing these feelings. A study published by UC San Francisco found that women who terminated their pregnancies experienced less regret and negative feelings about their decision than those who carried their pregnancies full term. Another study found that women who chose to carry their pregnancies, but had difficulty bonding with the baby, were more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression later on. These findings underscore the importance of counseling for prospective surrogates so they are aware of all possible physical and emotional risks before making this life-changing decision.
Alternative approaches to having a baby
If you’re considering surrogacy as a way to have a baby, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. These include physical risks such as premature birth, as well as emotional risks such as attachment disorders. Other possible complications include post-traumatic stress disorder and legal issues. Before making a decision, be sure to speak with your doctor and a mental health professional to learn more about the risks involved. There are many alternatives for those seeking parenthood, so please consider all options before pursuing surrogacy.
After reading this blog post on The Hidden Risks of Surrogacy: Physical and Emotional Health Consequences You May Not Expect, do you think surrogacy is an acceptable choice? I personally would not choose surrogacy because I know there are other ways to have children. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree that surrogacy is an acceptable choice? It is difficult to come up with one answer because it really depends on what the person’s goals are in having a child. It may seem unfair to people who cannot have children naturally, but others may find surrogacy unacceptable due to its hidden risks. Some people might feel like they can never live up to their expectations of being a parent if they use a surrogate and others might believe they are neglecting their parental responsibilities by delegating them to someone else.
