How to start a surrogacy process in times of Covid?

As events unfold around covid-19, many couples wonder how to start a surrogacy process in times of Covid without further complication? In addition, our desire is to start the surrogacy process with total success, but the restrictions on foreigners in the country, the health measures, the ban on flights and the closure of borders or private spaces due to distancing, affect the plans, regardless of the preparation time for the beginning of this new stage.However, for these cases, surrogacy agencies have sought to support and overcome adversity that is on a global scale, with information to guide patients in the initiation of surrogacy in times of Covid. 

A favorable point in this 2021, is the opening of airports and surrogacy centers with the corresponding biosecurity measures.

But, we can not only leave you with this point in favor, and for that reason, we want to offer you the following points, where we are going to address questions of interest to our entire community, in order to reassure and provide updated answers.

What requirements does Colombia have for the entry of foreigners?

Currently, trips for the entry of foreigners to the country are enabled, provided that they comply with the following biosafety measures.

• PCR test with negative result for Covid-19 or one of the variants. This measure was to cease to be in force as of June 1, 2021. If the person or couple has symptoms or in the last 14 days they tested positive for covid-19. You will not be able to travel.

• Correct and mandatory use of the mask from the moment you enter the preferred airport. Many airports recommend the Kn95 mask as it allows for prolonged safety compared to surgical masks. If the facial care mask is added, it will have higher percentages of protection.

• Physical distancing. Many airfields will sell the interleaved positions to maintain a minimum distance between users.

• Health and travel insurance.

• Affidavit of health.

Each of these measures can be verified by the airport chosen to make the trip, on its web portal or by calling the airline directly and ensuring the data described in this section according to its date of issue.

In these times, the changes and measures vary according to the populations, the cases of contagion decrease and the vaccine covers a high percentage of the population.

Should surrogate pregnant women be vaccinated? and at what time?

The vaccine represents a point of uncertainty due to the limited knowledge that is had about it in people with altered or variant values. Pregnant women have a high level that is prone to contracting diseases, because their system works in two directions, the development of the fetus plus the natural functioning of the pregnant woman.

Recent research from different institutes confirms the need to be vaccinated while pregnant, reducing the chances of contracting the disease to a greater degree and placing the baby's health at risk. Pregnancy during this time of pandemic is a delicate issue, since the mother's health directly affects the fetus and its proper development. 

The same research suggests that a part of the antibodies in the vaccine is transferred to the baby through the placenta, benefiting the baby in the first months of life (when they are too young to be vaccinated).

The best time for the pregnant woman to be vaccinated is as soon as possible. It can be before starting the pregnancy or in the next few weeks, since studies show that it is not harmful to the fetus. It is a way to prevent the pregnant woman from presenting the virus to its greatest potential and requiring hospitalization or intensive care. Due to the ease of accessing the vaccine today, many surrogacy centers are committed to vaccinating surrogate mothers as soon as possible (whether or not the gestation has started) and to demand biosecurity care during the 9 months of pregnancy. 

Risks of contagion during pregnancy

The probabilities for a surrogate mother to present a risk for COVID-19 will depend on her general health and if she is vaccinated. In surrogacy, pregnant candidates undergo a series of examinations that ensure optimal health and healthy habits for a safe pregnancy for both.

Covid-19 can be a medium or high degree disease, with variants, and although the pregnant woman is stable, she must understand that the defenses tend to drop and the body works a little more than normal.

The greatest risk that a pregnant woman with covid-19 presents is a premature pregnancy (before week 39) with the need to have the baby for a time in a neonatal unit. The loss of the baby is not contemplated in the cases studied, unless the disease hits the mother hard and intensive care and hospitalization are necessary.

For this reason, it is so necessary that the surrogate be vaccinated before starting the surrogacy process, having percentages of preventing a setback for her health and that of the child.

The center in charge of processing the support for the intentional parents, must guarantee that all biosecurity regulations are met, in addition to that there must be a real commitment to health between all the parties involved.

Newborn care to avoid contagion

• The baby's immune system in the first days of birth is developing, so it is necessary to maintain intensive care with family members. As vaccination is not possible in these first weeks, parents should keep visits at bay and take care of themselves periodically.
• Although newborn babies do not have severe symptoms of covid-19 (mostly), it is advisable not to expose it while there is a possibility of contagion.

• Biosecurity measures for family members will greatly reduce the possibility of the baby becoming infected. 
  

We know these are difficult times, but our desire to be parents can always be everything to us, and time often does not play in our favor.

For this reason, Celagem may be the ideal option for you, with branches available in America so that you have the best option and necessary protection.