What is a common impact on intended parents during the surrogacy process?

Intended parents often experience issues with bonding during the surrogacy process due to the unique circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and the involvement of a surrogate. This experience can be quite different from a traditional pregnancy, where the parents have a direct biological or physical connection to the baby throughout the pregnancy.

In surrogacy, the emotional journey can be complex. Intended parents may struggle with feelings of separation from the developing fetus and may find it challenging to form early attachments, as the surrogate carries the child. Additionally, involving a third party can lead to emotional uncertainties about the baby's development and the surrogate’s role. This can create barriers to establishing an immediate connection with the child, which is a critical aspect of parenthood that many expect to experience during pregnancy.

While other aspects, such as finding a surrogate, managing expenses, and understanding legal rights can vary widely among intended parents and certainly influence the surrogacy experience, the relational and emotional complexities of bonding tend to be more uniquely impactful on the intended parents during this period.