An embryo's developmental stage, usually around 5-6 days after fertilization, ready for implantation into the uterus.
Medical techniques used to assist individuals in achieving a pregnancy when they can't do so naturally. This includes procedures like IVF, ICSI, and surrogacy.
A woman whose egg was used to conceive a child, establishing a genetic link.
A man whose sperm was used for fertilization, having a genetic connection to the child.
Also known as a beta hCG test, it's a blood test used to confirm pregnancy by measuring the amount of the hCG hormone.
The process of freezing biological materials (like eggs, sperm, or embryos) to preserve them for future use.
A type of genetic test that determines if a person is a carrier for specific genetic disorders.
Refers to the number of days that have passed since embryos were transferred into the uterus. This term is often used in the context of IVF treatments to track the progression after embryo transfer, leading up to the anticipated day of pregnancy testing.
A cluster of cells resulting from fertilization, which will develop into a fetus and eventually a baby.
A system used by embryologists to evaluate the quality of embryos, helping in selecting the best ones for transfer.
The process of nurturing and monitoring embryos in the lab after fertilization and before transfer.
A medical procedure where eggs are extracted from a woman's ovaries for fertilization.
The final procedures, often legal, to ensure the child and the intended parents can leave the country where the birth took place and enter their home country with all necessary rights and documentation.
The lining of the uterus that thickens during the preparation for a potential pregnancy.
A woman who donates her eggs to another person or couple for the purpose of assisted reproduction.
A form of the hormone estrogen that’s measured to assess ovarian function and often monitored during fertility treatments.
The projected date when a baby is expected to be born. It's calculated based on the first day of a woman's last menstrual period or the date of conception, and it's used to monitor the progress and stages of the pregnancy.
A medical condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus, called endometrium, starts to grow outside the uterus.
The process where an egg from a woman and sperm from a man merge to form an embryo.
A procedure where a previously frozen embryo is thawed and transferred into the uterus.
The transfer of an embryo to the uterus on the fifth day of embryo cultivation, without freezing.
A woman who carries and delivers a child for someone else. The gestational carrier has no genetic connection to the baby since the embryo implanted was not formed from her egg.
A biological connection between a person and a child, established through genes inherited from the person.
Another term for gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate (or "host") carries a child conceived using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors, meaning she has no genetic link to the child.
Treatment to boost the body's natural hormone levels, often used in surrogacy and IVF procedures to prepare the uterus for implantation.
An ART technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to aid fertilization, commonly used when there are male infertility issues.
Individuals or couples who intend to become parents using surrogacy and will raise the child once born.
A surrogacy arrangement where the intended parents and the surrogate reside in different countries. This type of surrogacy often involves navigating complex legal and logistical challenges.
Third-party professionals who facilitate various aspects of the surrogacy process. This can include surrogacy agencies, lawyers, medical professionals, or counselors.
The stage at which the embryo attaches itself to the wall of the uterus.
A specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is directly injected into an egg to facilitate fertilization.
The latter phase of the menstrual cycle or the earliest phase of pregnancy, which begins with the formation of the corpus luteum and ends in either pregnancy or degradation of the corpus luteum.
The procedure where intended parents are paired with a surrogate or egg/sperm donor, based on compatibility and requirements.
The spontaneous loss of an embryo or fetus before it can survive independently, usually before the 20th week of pregnancy.
Criteria set by agencies or intended parents that potential surrogates must meet. This can include age, health status, previous pregnancy history, and other factors deemed essential for a successful surrogacy.
An advanced method of DNA sequencing that allows for comprehensive screening of embryos for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders.
The medical term for an egg cell.
The use of medications to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in one cycle.
Refers to a woman's fertility potential in the absence of any problems in the reproductive system. It's often determined by the number and quality of her eggs.
The evaluation of potential surrogates or donors to ensure they are medically, psychologically, and legally fit for the surrogacy and egg donation processes.
A legal order which transfers the rights of the surrogate mother to the intended parents, making them the legal parents of the child.
A technique used to detect specific genetic conditions or diseases in embryos before they're implanted in the uterus. This ensures only healthy embryos are used in IVF.
A hormone produced after ovulation that helps prepare the endometrium for a possible implantation of an embryo.
A test used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities prior to implantation.
The continuous assessment and supervision of the health and well-being of both the gestational carrier (or surrogate) and the developing baby. This typically includes routine ultrasounds, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures to ensure the pregnancy progresses safely.
A legally binding agreement defining the rights, roles, and responsibilities of both the surrogate and the intended parents.
A formal contract between the intended parents and the surrogate. It outlines each party's rights, responsibilities, and expectations throughout the surrogacy journey.
Refers to the legal prohibition of surrogacy in certain jurisdictions or under specific circumstances. In places with a surrogacy ban, participating in or facilitating surrogacy can lead to legal consequences.
The ability of sperm to move efficiently. High motility means the sperm are moving well, while low motility can indicate potential fertility issues.
Ensuring that the menstrual cycles of the egg donor and the recipient are in sync, often achieved through hormone therapy.
A procedure done during a multiple pregnancy, where one or more fetuses are terminated to decrease the number of fetuses and increase the likelihood of a healthier pregnancy for the remaining fetus(es). This is usually considered when there's a risk to the health of the mother or the babies.
A procedure to clean and prepare sperm for insemination or IVF by removing impurities.
Sperm obtained from a man who isn't the intended father to assist in conception, often used in IUI or IVF.
A surrogacy arrangement where the surrogate uses her own eggs, meaning she has a genetic connection to the baby.
An injection given to stimulate the ovaries to release mature eggs. It's used in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
A fast-freeze method used in cryopreservation to prevent the formation of ice crystals, thus better preserving the cells or tissues.
