Epigenetics plays a unique role in surrogacy, as the surrogate’s health and environment may impact the baby’s in-utero development.
For this reason, thorough surrogate screening is essential.
Our screening process reduces the likelihood of unexpected complications or delays, meaning you can fulfill your parenthood dreams sooner.
Take your first steps toward parenthood by filling out our quick form or view qualified surrogates now.
In this article, we’ll explore epigenetics, the role your surrogate plays and how proper screening can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for both your surrogate and your baby.
Epigenetics and Surrogacy
Your baby will not share DNA with the surrogate, but through epigenetics, the surrogate’s diet, health, stress levels, lifestyle and environment can affect your baby’s development and how certain genes are turned on or off.
For instance, a high level of maternal stress could impact the baby’s immune system development or stress response mechanisms.
The embryo’s DNA remains the same — it’s the environment in which your baby develops that can play a role in shaping which genes are expressed.
While more research is needed to fully understand all the nuances of epigenetics, it’s clear that the surrogate plays an essential role in providing the best possible environment for your developing baby.
Learn more about our surrogate screening process.
Genes vs. Gene Expression
To understand epigenetics, it’s important to distinguish between genes and gene expression:
- Genes are like a blueprint or a set of instructions that define biological traits such as eye color or potential for certain health conditions.
- Gene expression, on the other hand, is how those instructions are carried out. Think of it like the materials used to build a house according to the blueprint — the quality and availability of those materials affect the final product.
Epigenetics and Donor Eggs for Surrogacy: Your Role as a Parent
While you may not have the genetic or gestational connection you initially envisioned, you influence your child’s development as a parent. Epigenetics shows us that a child’s development isn’t just about the genes they inherit, but also how they are nurtured, cared for and supported in their early years.
Here’s how you can promote your child’s healthy development:
- Fostering a Stable and Loving Environment: Research shows that children who experience secure attachments with their parents are more likely to have better emotional regulation, cognitive abilities, and overall resilience.
- Prioritizing Nutrition and Health: A nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep are crucial for brain development and overall health, especially during the early years when a child’s epigenetic development is most sensitive.
- Managing Stress: By managing your stress and creating a calm, supportive environment, you can help buffer your child from the negative impacts of stress.
- Creating a Stimulating Environment: Talking, playing, reading and engaging in nurturing activities stimulate cognitive development and promote the creation of neural pathways.
How Surrogacy Agencies Protect Your Future Family
Given the growing understanding of epigenetics, surrogacy agencies take extensive steps to ensure the health and well-being of the surrogate and by extension, your baby.
Agency Requirements and Prescreening
All of ours surrogates must meet preliminary requirements such as:
- Age 21-40
- BMI of 19-32
- Have had at least one successful pregnancy
- No major complications in previous pregnancies or deliveries
- No smoking or illicit drug use
- No anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications in the last 12 months
Once they’ve met these preliminary requirements, they then must undergo a preliminary screening process before they can be matched with intended parents. This screening consists of:
- Completing social and medical history forms
- Review medical records:
- An in-home visit:
- Psychological evaluation:
Fertility Clinic Approval and Physical Screening
Once you find a surrogate you’re interested in, we will send her medical records to your clinic for approval and she will be required to undergo a final medical screening at that clinic before the match is finalized.
Connection Beyond Genetics
Parenting is far more than genetics; it’s about the love, care and effort put into raising a child.
The bond between parent and child is built through shared experiences, such as comforting a child when they’re upset, celebrating milestones and offering guidance as they navigate life. This emotional bond often becomes the foundation of a child’s identity, far outweighing any genetic link.
Take the quickest path to parenthood and contact us today. You’ve waited long enough to become a parent. Don’t wait any longer.
