Intended parents often wonder how to have twins through surrogacy and whether it is possible to plan a twin surrogate pregnancy. In this article, we will explain how twin surrogacy works and what would be the best path to choose in this process.
How to Have Twins via Surrogacy
First, let’s look at how the medical side of things works with twin surrogacy.
Before an embryo is transferred, it is evaluated to ensure that only the healthiest ones are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. If two embryos are found to be of high enough quality, they may both be transferred and although the chances are usually not great, in some cases, a twin pregnancy occurs.
Many intended parents desire twins because it’s financially, physically, and emotionally beneficial. Let’s say you want to have two children, and one surrogate carries a twin surrogacy; you will end up paying only for one surrogate and one agency fee. Twin surrogacies cost more, but the total surrogacy costs will still be significantly lower than having two separate surrogate pregnancies.
Having two kids with one pregnancy and one surrogacy bill is a great advantage. However, all participants in the process should consider the challenges of a twin pregnancy.
Twin pregnancies have more risks both for the carrier and the babies. Twins are often born prematurely at 35 weeks, while a singleton full-term pregnancy lasts 38 weeks. Babies born prematurely need intensive care and have higher health risks. Twin pregnancies also may require a C-section, which makes a surrogate recovery process longer. All these factors may contribute to twin surrogacy being more challenging.
How Much Does Twin Surrogacy Cost
Twin surrogacy is always more expensive than a singleton one. The reason lies in more medical care needed in the process, increased physical toll on the surrogate, and, in case of premature birth, intensive care for the babies. Here’s the list of expenses that can affect the overall cost:
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Intended parents will have to pay 5% to 15% more to their surrogate for carrying twins.
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In many cases, twin pregnancies end up with a C-section birth. C-section will add another 10% to 20% to your budget.
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Your surrogate will need additional medical care and a more extended recovery period in case of a C-section, which might also increase the cost.
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If the birth is premature, then the twins will need intensive care for at least two to four weeks.
Another Twin Surrogacy Option
Besides classic twin surrogacy, World Center of Baby also offers an alternative option for having twins. Your children will not be biological twins; they will be siblings born around the same time.
Embryos are created from your or your donor’s genetic material and transferred into two different surrogates. This way, your two children will be born at approximately the same time. This option is especially beneficial for gay couples as it makes it possible to have two children of the same age genetically related to both of the intended parents. How is this possible? The donor’s egg is split between the two fathers, with half the egg fertilized by each couple. The two embryos from two fathers are then transferred to two different surrogates.
However, one of the pregnancies might not be successful. In this case, you will have to start over and possibly with another surrogate. In this situation, your second child will be born several months later than the first one.
In all countries except the USA, it is prohibited by law to transfer an embryo with genetic material from two different intended parents or donors to one surrogate. And the USA is the most expensive country for surrogacy due to high medical fees. Therefore, having two surrogates carrying a pregnancy at the same time can be a great option.
A Couple from the UK Share About Their Twin Surrogacy Experience
Jacquie and her husband, a couple from the UK, spent years on unsuccessful fertility treatments. At some point, they even found a surrogate but it didn’t work out with her either. They decided it was not meant to be, but after contacting WCOB and finding a surrogate in Cyprus, they became proud parents of twins - a boy and a girl! They share their journey to parenthood: the start of the process, the surrogate matching, how they met their surrogate, their pregnancy experience, and so much more in this video.
Final Thoughts
Twin surrogacy is a complex process that requires more time and more financial investment. It may also be more physically challenging for your surrogate. There is an alternative solution to having two children born at about the same time from two different surrogates that can be especially beneficial to gay couples.
We understand that everyone’s situation is unique and requires a personalized approach. If you have a dream of parenthood and have questions about the possibility of twin pregnancy, contact us to receive guidance.
