Alpha Surrogacy Agency explains: what's the difference between an in vitro surrogate child and a child from a normal pregnancy?

When a woman known as a surrogate mother carries and gives birth to a child for someone else, this is a surrogate child. When a mother carries and gives birth to her own child in her own womb, this is a regular pregnancy child. Do you want to know the difference between a child born through IVF surrogacy and a child born through a normal pregnancy? Biologically, an IVF surrogate child is genetically identical to the inherited parents, while a regular child has genes from both parents. Legally, paternity may be complicated by different regional regulations. Emotionally, there is no difference in the bond between parent and child, whether the pregnancy is surrogate or natural. Medically, studies have shown that both have similar health conditions, but IVF may be accompanied by a higher risk of pregnancy complications.

How are IVF surrogate children and regular pregnancies created?

biological difference

1. Genetic linkage

In surrogacy, whether the baby is genetically linked to the surrogate mother depends on the specific reproductive technique. If the intended parents' eggs and sperm are used for in vitro fertilization (IVF), then the baby will have a direct genetic link to the intended parents and no genetic link to the surrogate mother. However, if donor eggs or sperm are used, the baby may be genetically linked to only one of the intended parents, or not at all. This complex genetic relationship complicates the determination of paternity in surrogacy, especially when transnational surrogacy is involved, and legal and socio-ethical issues increase.

In contrast, in an ordinary pregnancy, the baby is always genetically linked to the mother who carried it. This is because the egg originates from the mother herself and is naturally fertilized within her body. Thus, the relationship between mother and child is usually clear and undisputed, both on a biological and legal level.

2. Fertilization process

In surrogacy, babies are created through a process called in vitro fertilization (IVF). Specifically, doctors retrieve eggs from the intended mother or egg donor and combine them with sperm from the intended father or sperm donor in a laboratory setting. This process bypasses the physiological conditions required for natural conception and allows scientists to screen for healthy embryos, thereby increasing success rates and reducing the risk of certain genetic diseases. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are cultured for a few days and the best quality embryo or embryos are selected for transfer into the womb of the surrogate mother.

In contrast, in a normal pregnancy, the egg and sperm combine naturally within the mother's body. During ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary and travels into the fallopian tube; if sexual intercourse occurs during this time, the sperm may meet the egg and complete fertilization. This approach relies on the body's natural functions and does not allow for pre-screening or optimization of embryos, as is the case with IVF.

3. Embryo transfer and natural implantation

In surrogacy, a fertilized egg (called an embryo) needs to be transferred to the uterus of the surrogate mother through a small tube. This step is known as embryo transfer and is one of the key aspects of the entire IVF process. After the transfer, the embryo must successfully attach to the uterine wall in order to continue to develop into a fetus. Although modern medicine has significantly improved the success rate of embryo transfer, there is still the possibility of failure, which depends largely on the quality of the embryo and the health of the surrogate mother.

In a normal pregnancy, the embryo is then implanted into the mother's uterus by natural means. As the fertilized egg moves down the fallopian tube, it divides into multiple cells and gradually forms a blastocyst. The blastocyst then reaches the uterine cavity and begins to find a suitable place to attach itself to the lining of the uterus. This process is completely self-regulated by the body and requires no outside intervention. Although natural implantation can fail, the mechanism has evolved over millions of years and is usually more stable than artificial transfer.

To summarize, there are significant differences between surrogacy and ordinary pregnancy in terms of genetic linkage, the fertilization process, and the manner in which embryos are deposited. These differences not only reflect advances in science and technology, but also present unique legal, ethical, and emotional challenges. Whichever way life is conceived, the ultimate goal is to welcome a new life and bring happiness and hope to the family.

Who are the parents?

Legal differences

1. Parental rights in surrogacy

In surrogacy, the intended parents are usually recognized as the legal parents of the baby. This determination is based on a contract that they enter into with the surrogate mother prior to the commencement of the pregnancy, which specifies the rights and obligations of the parties. However, in some countries or regions, surrogacy agreements may not be legally recognized, complicating the recognition of paternity. For example, in the case of cross-border surrogacy, after the birth of a surrogate child, the intended parents may need to go through an adoption process in order to become its legal parents. This legal uncertainty may have an impact on the identification of the child and the protection of his or her rights and interests.

By contrast, in an ordinary pregnancy, the mother who carries the baby is automatically the legal parent, unless she chooses to relinquish the baby for adoption. This principle stems from the traditional legal concept of "motherhood by birth", which means that the biological mother has a natural legal right to the child. This approach is simple and straightforward, but may also give rise to controversy when it comes to unmarried births, abandonment or other special circumstances.

2. The role of surrogate mothers

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother is usually conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), so there may be no genetic link between her and the baby. Under the laws of many countries, the surrogate mother has no legal rights to the baby after the surrogacy is completed. In practice, however, surrogate mothers may attempt to fight for custody due to emotional factors or ethical issues, which further exacerbates the potential for legal disputes.

In ordinary pregnancy, on the other hand, the mother not only has full legal rights over her baby, but also establishes a direct biological bond with her. From a legal point of view, this dual bond makes the mother's status virtually indisputable. However, it may also make legal intervention in certain extreme cases (e.g. where the mother is unfit to raise the child) difficult.

In conclusion, whether it is surrogacy or ordinary pregnancy, the determination of paternity involves complex legal and social ethical issues. How to balance the rights and interests of all parties to ensure the best interests of the child remains an important topic for the legal profession to address.

How do people feel about IVF surrogate children versus regular pregnancies?

Emotional and psychological aspects

1. Differences in ties

The surrogate mother knows that she is carrying a child for someone else, and this knowledge may affect her emotional investment in the baby. Although she may feel a connection to the fetus during the pregnancy, she usually adjusts her emotions to avoid overattachment. In contrast, in an ordinary pregnancy, the mother begins to develop a deep emotional bond with her infant from the early stages of pregnancy, a bond that is continually strengthened through bodily changes, fetal movements, and biological interactions between the mother and the fetus.

2. Impact on intended parents

Expectant parents in surrogacy may feel both excitement and concern because they have not experienced the pregnancy process firsthand, which can lead to a lack of intuitive emotional preparation for the arrival of their child. In a normal pregnancy, on the other hand, the parents experience every stage of the pregnancy together, including the growth of the fetus and the physical changes in the mother's body, which helps both of them to more naturally develop an intimate relationship with the baby. This hands-on emotional experience often needs to be compensated for in surrogacy in other ways.

What happens during pregnancy?

Medical Monitoring and Pregnancy Experience

1. Surrogate-specific monitoring

In surrogacy, doctors monitor the pregnancy very closely. This is because the surrogate mother is carrying a child for the intended parents and therefore all parties want to ensure the health and safety of the baby. Surrogate mothers are often required to undergo more frequent prenatal checkups, ultrasound scans, and blood tests to monitor the development of the fetus and the health status of the mother. For example, early in the pregnancy, a doctor may confirm that the embryo is properly implanted through a six-week ultrasound and assess whether there are any potential risks. Additionally, surrogate mothers take specific medications throughout the pregnancy to support pregnancy stability, a heightened level of medical intervention designed to minimize the likelihood of complications.

In contrast, in an ordinary pregnancy, the mother undergoes regular pregnancy checkups, but unless there are unusual circumstances (such as a high-risk pregnancy or multiple pregnancies), monitoring is usually not as rigorous as in a surrogate pregnancy. The medical attention in an ordinary pregnancy is more focused on basic health indicators of both the mother and the fetus, rather than the highly sensitive and complex nature of a surrogacy that involves multiple interests.

2. The natural course of pregnancy

In an ordinary pregnancy, the mother experiences a series of physical changes, including morning sickness, changes in appetite and weight gain. These physical phenomena are not only natural manifestations of pregnancy, but also help the mother to gradually adjust to the growth of the fetus and establish mother-infant bonding. However, while the surrogate mother feels these same physical changes, she is well aware that the baby is not her own. This knowledge may affect her emotional experience of the pregnancy, making her more likely to take on the role of "nurturer" than that of a traditional mother. Nonetheless, the surrogate mother's body will still experience challenges similar to those of a normal pregnancy, such as back pain, fatigue or the appearance of stretch marks, which will require extra attention and support.

In conclusion, the process of pregnancy is accompanied by significant physical changes and medical needs in both surrogate and ordinary pregnancies, but there are marked differences in the intensity of monitoring and emotional experiences between the two, reflecting the unique needs and psychological states of the different contexts.

Useful table comparing surrogacy and ordinary pregnancy

Are there risks associated with IVF surrogate children versus regular pregnancies?

Risks and success rates

1. IVF-related risks in surrogacy

In surrogacy, the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques may lead to multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets) due to the fact that, in order to increase the success rate, doctors may transfer multiple embryos in a single cycle. However, multiple pregnancies significantly increase the risk of complications such as preterm labor, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia, all of which may pose health risks to the babies and the surrogate mother. In addition, IVF itself can cause other medical problems, such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious side effect caused by ovulation-stimulating drugs. Therefore, despite the high success rate of surrogacy, the process is not completely risk-free.

In contrast, in an average pregnancy, the risks depend largely on the health status and age of the mother. For example, older women (over 35 years of age) face a higher risk of miscarriage, fetal chromosomal abnormalities, and pregnancy complications. Young and healthy women, on the other hand, are usually able to go through the pregnancy process more successfully. The risks of the average pregnancy are more the result of natural factors than of technological interventions.

2. Success rate

Surrogacy usually has a high success rate because surrogate mothers are usually healthy women who have been carefully selected for their fertility and physical condition. This screening process ensures that surrogate mothers are better able to cope with the challenges of pregnancy, thereby increasing the probability of successful embryo implantation and pregnancy.

In ordinary pregnancies, on the other hand, success depends largely on the fertility and overall health of the mother. For example, natural pregnancy success is higher in younger women and decreases significantly with age, especially in women over 40 years of age. In addition, lifestyle, genetic factors, and past medical history can also have a significant impact on the outcome of a regular pregnancy. In conclusion, the risks and success rates of both surrogate and ordinary pregnancies are influenced by a combination of factors that need to be carefully assessed and managed on a case-by-case basis.

Ethical and social considerations

1. Ethical debate

Some view surrogacy as a positive technological advancement because it helps couples who, for biological reasons, are unable to have children on their own realize their dream of parenthood. For example, surrogacy provides an alternative for women who are unable to conceive due to uterine problems or health conditions. However, others have expressed concerns about the cost and fairness of surrogacy. High costs may make surrogacy a privilege for the wealthy, and surrogate mothers may risk being "objectified" and viewed as a reproductive tool. In addition, the question of whether surrogacy truly respects the dignity and rights of all participants remains at the heart of the controversy.

2. Social views

Children born through surrogacy are as loved and healthy as those born through ordinary pregnancies, as has been proven in many families. However, there are still questions in society about how surrogacy works, especially regarding the definition of paternity and legal safeguards. Some fear that surrogacy may disrupt the traditional family structure and even lead to ethical and legal disputes. Nevertheless, as technology advances and social attitudes evolve, more and more people are beginning to accept surrogacy as a legitimate reproductive option, but its future development still requires finding a balance between ethics and law.

common problems

1: Is there a genetic difference between a surrogate child and a normal pregnant child?
Answer : The genetics of a surrogate child depend on the reproductive technique used. If the sperm and eggs of the intended parents are used through in vitro fertilization (IVF), the child will have a direct genetic link to the intended parents and no genetic link to the surrogate mother. However, if donor eggs or sperm are used, the child may be genetically linked to only one intended parent. In contrast, a child from a normal pregnancy will always be genetically linked to the mother who conceived them because the egg originated from the mother and was naturally fertilized in the body. Either way, the child's genetic identity is fully determined at the time the embryo is formed, independent of the method of conception.

2: How is paternity determined in surrogacy?
Answer : In surrogacy, the parent-child relationship is usually established through a legal agreement. The intended parents enter into a contract with the surrogate mother that specifies the rights and obligations of both parties, but in some countries or regions, surrogacy agreements may not be legally recognized, complicating the parent-child relationship. For example, in cross-border surrogacy, intended parents may have to go through an adoption process to become legal parents. In an ordinary pregnancy, the person who gives birth is automatically considered the legal mother of the child, unless she relinquishes custody. This principle of "motherhood by birth" is simple and straightforward, but surrogacy involves multiple interests and is more challenging to legally recognize.

3: How does medical monitoring of a surrogate pregnancy differ from that of a regular pregnancy?
Answer : Surrogacy involves stricter medical monitoring because the surrogate mother is pregnant by someone else and all parties want to ensure the health and safety of the baby. Surrogate mothers undergo frequent prenatal checkups, ultrasound scans, and medication support to minimize the risk of complications. In contrast, the monitoring of a regular pregnancy is usually more routine, unless there are unusual circumstances such as a high-risk pregnancy or multiple pregnancies. While both experience similar physical changes, such as morning sickness and weight gain, the emotional experience of a surrogate mother may be different, as she is aware that she is carrying a child for someone else.

4: Are there higher health risks associated with surrogacy?
Answer : In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques used in surrogacy may lead to multiple pregnancies, which increases the risk of complications such as preterm labor and gestational hypertension. In addition, ovulation stimulating drugs may trigger ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Although surrogate mothers are usually screened for health and have a high success rate, there are still some risks. In contrast, the risks of a normal pregnancy depend more on the age and health of the mother, for example, older women face a higher risk of miscarriage and fetal abnormalities. Overall, there are potential risks associated with both methods, but surrogacy may be accompanied by more medical complications due to technological interventions.

reach a verdict

A surrogate child is as healthy and loved as a child conceived in a normal pregnancy, the main differences being the method of birth, the determination of paternity and the process of managing the pregnancy. Surrogacy involves a complex legal and technical process, while a normal pregnancy follows the laws of nature. Both are uniquely important: surrogacy offers hope to couples who are unable to have children, while ordinary pregnancy is the traditional way of human reproduction. Either way, the key is to ensure the well-being and rights of the child. To learn more, it is recommended to consult a fertility specialist or join a support group for professional advice and emotional support to help you better understand and make the right choice.