Understanding Surrogacy Acronyms: Key Terms Explained

Source: Reproductive Possibilities

From IVF to PBO, the world of assisted reproduction can seem like it speaks its own language. Whether you’re an intended parent beginning your journey or a surrogate preparing to help another family grow, understanding these terms can make the process feel more familiar and less overwhelming.

This blog will help guide you through the most common surrogacy acronyms and what they mean.

Fertility and Reproductive Technology Acronyms

Much of surrogacy involves assisted reproductive technology (ART) which are medical processes that help create or support pregnancy. Let’s go over some the the most common Fertility and Reproductive Technology Acronyms: 

• ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): This is any medical procedure used to help achieve pregnancy, such as IVF or IUI.

• IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): During this medical process, eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and embryos are later transferred into the uterus. Remember that this is not the same as in vivo fertilization. 

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the chance of fertilization.

• FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer): Transfer of previously frozen embryos into the surrogate’s uterus.

• PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening): Screening embryos for chromosomal or inherited conditions before transfer.

• IP(s) (Intended Parent(s)): This refers to the person or couple who will become the baby’s legal parent(s).

• GC or GS (Gestational Carrier/Gestational Surrogate): This is the person who carries and delivers the baby for the intended parents.

  
  

These technologies form the foundation of many surrogacy journeys, helping intended parents achieve pregnancy while supporting the healthiest start for the baby.

Understanding the Key Roles in Surrogacy

Each surrogacy journey involves a team of people working together with shared trust and purpose. Let’s go over some of the terms you may here during the process.

While the following acronyms are not common, they are important to know and to be familiar with.

• Traditional Surrogate: This is a surrogate who uses her own egg, making her biologically related to the baby.

• Egg Donor: This is the person who donates eggs for fertilization.

• Sperm Donor: This is the person who donates sperm for fertilization.

Legal and Administrative Terms

Legal clarity is one of the cornerstones of surrogacy. These acronyms often appear in contracts and legal discussions.

• PBO (Pre-Birth Order): This is the court order that establishes the intended parents as the legal parents before the baby is born.

• POA (Power of Attorney): This is a legal document allowing someone to act on another’s behalf in specific circumstances.

• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): HIPAA refers to the U.S. law protecting personal medical information shared during the surrogacy process.

• Agency Agreement: A contract outlining services, expectations, compensation, and confidentiality between the surrogate and agency.

• Attorney Review: Legal review of the surrogacy contract to ensure all parties are protected.

Having an agency like Babymoon Surrogacy ensures all legal steps are managed professionally, with guidance every step of the way so you can focus on your journey, not the paperwork.

Medical and Screening Terms

Understanding your body and the medical process is essential, especially during fertility treatments and pregnancy care. 

• OB/GYN (Obstetrician/Gynecologist): Is a doctor specializing in pregnancy and women’s reproductive health.

• REI (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist) : This is a fertility expert who manages treatments like IVF.

• HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): The hormone used to confirm pregnancy after embryo transfer.

• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Hormones used to evaluate egg health and ovarian function.

• BMI (Body Mass Index): A measurement that helps determine eligibility for surrogacy or egg donation, calculated by height and weight.

• Ultrasound/Doppler: Imaging and monitoring tools for fetal development and heartbeat.

• Embryo Transfer (ET): Placement of embryos into the gestational carrier’s uterus.

These terms may sound technical, but your care team and Babymoon’s coordinators are here to help you understand every step clearly.

Support and Communication

Every surrogacy journey is a partnership built on empathy, communication, and support.

• IP Journey: This is the process intended parents go through, from matching to parenthood.

• GC Journey: The surrogate’s experience during her pregnancy and partnership with the intended family.

• Matching Process: Pairing intended parents with the right surrogate.

  
  

Surrogacy is a blend of science, compassion, and connection. The many acronyms you’ll encounter reflect the complexity of the process, but also the collaboration and care behind every surrogacy journey. 

At Babymoon Surrogacy, our goal is to make sure you understand not just what is happening, but why helping every intended parent and surrogate feel informed, confident, and supported from start to finish.

Babymoon believes that clear communication is just as important as medical success. That’s why our team provides ongoing guidance, ensuring every acronym  and every step  makes sense along the way.

Important Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical, legal, or psychological advice. Always consult your qualified professionals for personalized guidance related to your unique situation.