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

The impact of bonding issues for intended parents during the surrogacy process is a vital aspect to understand. When intended parents are involved in surrogacy, they might experience complexities in forming an emotional connection with their unborn child, especially if they are not physically carrying the pregnancy themselves. This emotional distance can lead to concerns about attachment and nurturing, as the bonding process in traditional pregnancies often begins before birth through physical connection and everyday experiences.

Intended parents may grapple with feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about their relationship with the child, particularly in the early stages. These feelings can be compounded by the surrogate's pregnancy, where the intended parents may experience a sense of separation, perceiving themselves as observers rather than participants in the pregnancy journey. This scenario can make forging an emotional bond challenging, leading to a reliance on supportive psychological resources and counseling to foster a healthy attachment.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for intended parents, as it highlights the emotional aspects of surrogacy that may not be addressed solely through the logistical or legal components of the surrogacy process.