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4. How Much Does a Surrogate’s Health Influence Success Rates with a Genetically Normal Embryo?

How Much Does a Surrogate’s Health Influence Success Rates with a Genetically Normal Embryo?

Authored and medically reviewed by Dr. Eli Reshef

Dr. Eli Reshef is a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist who sees patients in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area.

For individuals and couples pursuing gestational surrogacy, embryo testing with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can offer reassurance. By confirming that an embryo is genetically normal, intended parents can significantly increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. However, many still wonder: If the embryo is genetically normal, does the health of the surrogate still matter?

The short answer is yes. While embryo quality is one of the strongest predictors of success, the surrogate’s health plays an equally critical role in implantation, pregnancy, and delivery outcomes. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Embryo Quality Matters—But Isn’t the Whole Story

Embryos that are tested and confirmed as chromosomally normal (euploid) through PGT-A have a higher likelihood of pregnancy compared to untested embryos. These embryos are less likely to miscarry due to genetic abnormalities and more likely to develop into healthy babies.

However, embryo quality is only one piece of the puzzle. Even the healthiest embryo needs the right environment to implant and thrive. This is where the surrogate’s health becomes essential.

The Role of the Surrogate’s Uterine Environment

A genetically normal embryo still depends on a receptive uterine lining to implant successfully. Key factors include:

• Uterine lining thickness and structure: A well-prepared endometrium is key for implantation.

• Presence of fibroids and adenomyosis: Conditions in the uterine muscle that may reduce the chance of implantation and live birth and increase the risk of miscarriages.

• Blood flow to the uterus: Adequate circulation supports early embryo development.

• Hormonal balance: Proper estrogen and progesterone levels help the uterine lining remain stable and supportive.

At AFCC, surrogates will undergo thorough medical screening to ensure their uterus can provide an optimal environment for embryo transfer and pregnancy.

General Health and Lifestyle Factors

Beyond the uterus, the surrogate’s overall health plays a critical role in sustaining pregnancy. Even with a genetically normal embryo, risks increase if the surrogate has uncontrolled health conditions. Important factors include:

• Weight and BMI – Obesity can increase risks for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during pregnancy, including miscarriages.

• Blood pressure – Pre-existing hypertension in the surrogate may affect placental development and fetal growth.

• Blood sugar control – Surrogates are screened for diabetes risk since elevated glucose can affect both implantation and pregnancy outcomes.

• Nutrition – A balanced diet provides essential nutrients for embryo development and maternal health.

• Lifestyle choices – Smoking, alcohol use, or drug use can dramatically reduce success rates and endanger pregnancy.

This is why surrogates should be carefully evaluated and supported to maintain healthy habits throughout the surrogacy journey.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

Pregnancy is not only physical—it’s also an emotional journey. A surrogate’s mental health impacts her ability to manage stress, maintain consistent self-care, and follow medical recommendations. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics provide counseling and support to ensure surrogates feel prepared, supported, and cared for during the process.

Matching a Healthy Surrogate with a Healthy Embryo

The surrogacy process involves rigorous screening to ensure that surrogates are physically and emotionally healthy before being matched with intended parents. This includes:

• Complete medical history review

• Physical examination, ultrasound, and lab work

• Reproductive health assessments

• Psychological evaluations

• Lifestyle and social history reviews

By carefully pairing a healthy surrogate with a genetically normal embryo, the chances of a successful pregnancy and delivery are maximized.

What This Means for Intended Parents

For intended parents pursuing surrogacy, the health of the surrogate is just as important as the health of the embryo. Even if you have a genetically normal embryo, ensuring that your surrogate is medically, physically, and emotionally prepared is crucial for success.

At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (AFCC), we partner closely with intended parents throughout the process. If you don’t already have a surrogate match, we can help connect you with trusted, reputable surrogacy agencies that prioritize health screenings, support, and care for gestational carriers. In addition, we can refer you to experienced attorneys who specialize in reproductive law, ensuring that the legal and financial aspects of surrogacy are clear, secure, and supportive of your journey.

By working with reliable partners and a well-prepared medical team, intended parents can move forward with confidence, knowing that both embryo quality and surrogate health are being given the highest level of care and attention.

Key Takeaway

Even when an embryo has been tested and confirmed to be genetically normal, the surrogate’s health remains a vital factor in achieving a healthy pregnancy. Both embryo quality and the surrogate’s health work hand in hand to maximize success rates.

If you are considering surrogacy or want to learn more about embryo testing and implantation success, schedule a consultation with AFCC today. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

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