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For privacy reasons, the baby's image has been AI-generated. After a smooth and healthy journey, we are thrilled to announce the birth of a beautiful baby boy in Houston, Texas on June 18, 2025. He arrived at exactly 39 weeks, weighing 7 pounds and 10 ounces, through a successful induced vaginal delivery. This joyful milestone was made possible by an extraordinary surrogate, K, whose journey was as remarkable as it was seamless. From the very beginning, everything aligned perfectly—she passed her medical screening on the first attempt, and the embryo transfer was successful on the very first cycle. Throughout the pregnancy, K experienced no complications, and both she and the baby remained healthy and strong. This story is a shining example of how surrogacy, when guided with expertise and care, can bring new life into the world and fulfill the dreams of hopeful parents. Interested in becoming a surrogate or starting your own journey to parenthood?🌱 Become a Surrogate | 👶 Become a Parent Read the full article

On June 16, 2025, a beautiful baby boy entered the world in Temple, Texas — full-term at 39 weeks and 3 days, weighing a healthy 7 pounds and 10 ounces. His delivery was carefully planned and induced, and everything went perfectly. Both the surrogate, K, and the baby are doing wonderfully. This joyful birth represents the culmination of a hopeful and deeply meaningful journey. The intended parents, an international couple, turned to IVF to grow their family with the specific dream of having a baby boy. After egg retrieval and genetic testing (PGT-A), they had multiple embryos — but only one that was both male and chromosomally normal. It was a single precious opportunity. And thanks to the incredible match with surrogate K, that opportunity became a beautiful reality. From the very beginning, K and the intended parents shared strong, heartfelt communication — a connection built on trust, kindness, and mutual respect. Every step of the journey, from medical screening to embryo transfer to delivery, unfolded with exceptional care and cooperation. We are deeply grateful to K for her compassion and dedication. Our case manager, Rebecca, traveled from Los Angeles to Temple today to be there in person — bringing love, support, and warm wishes from our entire Ivy Surrogacy team. To the proud parents: congratulations on your precious baby boy! Your trust and kindness made this a journey to remember. Interested in joining a story like this?If you're considering becoming a surrogate, learn more and apply here:👉 Apply to Be a Surrogate If you're a hopeful intended parent, your journey starts here:👉 Apply to Become a Parent Read the full article

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) has become an increasingly common tool in assisted reproductive technology (ART), especially for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or working with a surrogate. By screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer, PGT-A aims to increase the chances of a successful, healthy pregnancy. But is it right for everyone? In this comprehensive guide, we explain what PGT-A is, how it works, who should consider it, and what the latest research tells us about its effectiveness and limitations. What Is PGT-A? PGT-A stands for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, formerly known as PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening). It is a laboratory procedure performed on embryos before they are transferred into the uterus. The goal is to detect chromosomal aneuploidies—embryos with too few or too many chromosomes—that can lead to failed implantation, miscarriage, or genetic disorders like Down syndrome. PGT-A differs from: - PGT-M, which tests for specific inherited diseases (monogenic disorders), - PGT-SR, which screens for structural chromosomal rearrangements. Why Is PGT-A Performed? The main purposes of PGT-A include: - Selecting chromosomally normal embryos (euploid) for transfer - Reducing the risk of miscarriage - Improving implantation and live birth rates - Avoiding transferring embryos with conditions like trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) A study published in Fertility and Sterility (2019) found that PGT-A increased implantation rates in patients aged 35 and older by over 15% compared to non-screened embryos. Who Should Consider PGT-A? PGT-A Pass Rates by Age Group One of the strongest predictors of whether an embryo will be chromosomally normal is the age of the woman who produced the egg. The older the woman, the more likely her eggs will have chromosomal abnormalities. The chart below shows the approximate PGT-A (formerly PGS) pass rates by age group, based on large-scale data from a genetic testing laboratory: - Egg Donors (typically under 30): 64% - Under 35 years old: 57% - 35–37 years old: 49% - 38–40 years old: 37% - 41–42 years old: 24% - Over 42 years old: 16% This data illustrates why PGT-A is often recommended for women over 35 and why donor eggs—especially from younger donors—tend to produce higher-quality embryos with better chances of success. While PGT-A can be considered by any IVF patient, it is especially recommended for: - Women over 35 years old - Couples with recurrent pregnancy loss - Patients with repeated failed IVF cycles - Intended parents using donor eggs and wishing to minimize risk - Parents undergoing surrogacy, especially with only one or two embryos to transfer - Families who wish to select the sex of their baby for family balancing or personal reasons PGT-A may also be considered in cases where intended parents want to electively transfer a single embryo (eSET) to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. In a 2021 meta-analysis published in Human Reproduction Update, researchers found that live birth rates were significantly higher in the PGT-A group among women aged 35 and older, but the difference was not significant in women under 35. The PGT-A Process: Step-by-Step - Egg retrieval and fertilization via IVF - Embryo development to blastocyst stage (Day 5-7) - Trophectoderm biopsy: 5–10 cells are carefully removed from the outer layer of the embryo (not the part that becomes the fetus) - Embryo vitrification (freezing) - Genetic analysis using NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) - Embryo transfer based on results, selecting a euploid embryo The results typically take 7–10 days, and embryos remain frozen until transfer. Understanding PGT-A Results: What Your Report Means When you receive your PGT-A report, the results typically categorize each embryo into one of several classifications: - Euploid: This embryo has the correct number of chromosomes (46 total). These embryos are considered the most likely to result in a successful pregnancy and are usually prioritized for transfer. - Aneuploid: This embryo has an abnormal number of chromosomes (e.g., 45 or 47), indicating a full chromosomal gain or loss. These are usually not recommended for transfer due to a high risk of miscarriage or birth defects. - Mosaic: This embryo contains both normal (euploid) and abnormal (aneuploid) cells. The degree of mosaicism may be classified as low-level (20–40%) or high-level (40–80%). Some clinics may consider transferring low-level mosaic embryos under close monitoring, though success rates may be lower and risks higher. - Segmental Aneuploidy: This means a portion of a chromosome (rather than an entire chromosome) is duplicated or deleted. The significance depends on the size and location of the affected segment. Interpretation is more complex and often requires genetic counseling. - No Result / Inconclusive: Sometimes, the biopsy sample is insufficient or fails during testing. In such cases, clinics may offer to re-biopsy or consider the embryo as untested. Understanding your PGT-A report requires guidance from a reproductive endocrinologist or genetic counselor who can assess the clinical implications and help you decide which embryos are most suitable for transfer. How Accurate Is PGT-A? PGT-A is generally over 95% accurate in detecting full chromosomal aneuploidies, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). However, it's not infallible. Limitations include: - False positives/negatives: For example, we once worked with a pair of intended parents who transferred a PGT-A normal embryo into a surrogate. The pregnancy began normally, but during the second-trimester anatomy scan, the fetus was found to have a severe congenital heart defect. Amniocentesis later confirmed Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). This case highlights that PGT-A, while highly accurate, is not 100% foolproof. - Mosaicism: when the embryo contains both normal and abnormal cells. Some mosaic embryos may still result in healthy live births - Potential discarding of viable embryos due to uncertain results Risks and Limitations - Embryo damage risk during biopsy (minimal with modern techniques) - Cost, as PGT-A is not always covered by insurance - Emotional impact: discarding embryos due to abnormal results - PGT-A does not test for all diseases—it only looks at chromosome numbers, not gene-level mutations (unlike PGT-M) Cost of PGT-A in the U.S. PGT-A is an out-of-pocket expense for many families. Here’s what to expect: - Testing for up to 6 embryos: $3,000 – $6,000 - Each additional embryo: ~$250–$400 - Some fertility clinics bundle PGT-A into their IVF packages Surrogacy journeys that include PGT-A may incur higher upfront costs but potentially reduce the cost of failed transfers or miscarriage later. Ethical and Emotional Considerations PGT-A raises questions that intended parents should consider carefully: - What happens to embryos labeled as abnormal or mosaic? - Do we transfer lower-quality embryos if no euploid ones are available? - Are we comfortable with the idea of embryo selection? Some religious or ethical frameworks may discourage or prohibit embryo testing. However, for many, PGT-A provides peace of mind. PGT-A in Surrogacy and Egg Donation While egg donors do not undergo PGT-A themselves, embryos created from donor eggs are often tested via PGT-A. This is especially common when: - Intended parents are transferring embryos to a surrogate - There are multiple embryos, and selecting the “best” one increases chances of success - Parents want to reduce uncertainty, especially when using a high-cost donor cycle In short: PGT-A enhances the efficiency of egg donation and surrogacy, even if it doesn’t involve the donor directly. Conclusion: Is PGT-A Right for You? PGT-A is a powerful tool in the IVF and surrogacy journey—but it’s not a guarantee, and it’s not for everyone. For older patients, those with failed IVF cycles, or families using donor eggs or a surrogate, PGT-A may improve outcomes and reduce risk. Always speak with a fertility specialist and genetic counselor before deciding whether PGT-A is a good fit for your family-building plan. 📚 References - Forman EJ et al. Fertility and Sterility, 2019. - Greco E et al. New England Journal of Medicine, 2015. - Mastenbroek S et al. Human Reproduction Update, 2021. - ASRM Practice Committee Guidelines, 2023. - Capalbo A et al. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 2020. 💬 Have Questions About PGT-A? We’re Here to Help. At Ivy Surrogacy, we understand how complex and emotional the IVF journey can be—especially when it comes to making decisions about genetic testing. If you’re wondering whether PGT-A is right for you, or how it fits into your surrogacy or donor egg plan, our experienced team is happy to guide you. Reach out today for a personalized consultation, and let’s talk about the best path forward for your family. 👉 Contact Us or Start Your Application Read the full article

On June 6, 2025, a beautiful baby girl was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, weighing 6 lb 12 oz after a smooth vaginal delivery at 39 weeks and 6 days. This joyful moment marks the beginning of motherhood for a courageous single mom from Australia, who chose surrogacy as her path to building a family. Her journey was filled with hope and determination—and today, it all paid off. We’re especially grateful to Surrogate N, who made this miracle possible. From medical screening to embryo transfer, everything went smoothly. The very first transfer was a success, and she carried the pregnancy with strength and grace. We couldn’t be more thankful for her heart, commitment, and care throughout this journey. 🙏 Congratulations to the new mom on this life-changing milestone—and welcome to the world, little one! 🎉 Thinking about building your family through surrogacy?Let’s talk. At Ivy Surrogacy, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 👉 Contact Us Today Read the full article

On June 6, 2025, Ivy Surrogacy had the joy of welcoming two beautiful babies into the world—a 5 lb 3 oz baby girl and a 5 lb 5 oz baby boy—born in Moreno Valley, California, at 37 weeks. Both babies and our amazing surrogate, N, are healthy and doing wonderfully. But this beautiful moment didn’t come easily. Surrogate N’s first surrogacy journey was full of challenges. She helped a single intended father and underwent two embryo transfers—one that didn’t implant, and another that ended in a biochemical pregnancy. It was heartbreaking. But instead of giving up, N stayed committed to her dream of helping others become parents. We matched her with another hopeful couple, and that’s when everything changed. Two embryos transferred—and they became twins. To carry twins to 37 weeks is a remarkable feat, and not something that happens often. It speaks volumes about N’s strength, care, and perseverance. We are beyond grateful for her unwavering dedication. Thank you, N, for showing us what true compassion and commitment look like. ❤️ Thinking About Becoming a Surrogate? Join the many women who are changing lives through surrogacy.Contact Ivy Surrogacy today to learn how you can help build families—one miracle at a time. Read the full article