By Dr. Arnold Mahesan
Fertility SpecialistBeverly Hills Babies
Dr. Arnold Mahesan is a board-certified fertility specialist with extensive experience in IVF, fertility treatment, and gestational surrogacy. He is committed to helping intended parents navigate their journey with personalized care and expert guidance
Medical screening is the process of deciding whether a surrogate pregnancy is appropriate for you. It reviews your previous pregnancies, current health and uterine findings, and gives you an opportunity to understand the treatment before committing to it.
You are being evaluated as a patient. You should understand what each step is for and feel able to ask questions or raise concerns.
1. Share your full history
The initial discussion covers your pregnancies and deliveries, medical conditions, surgeries and current medications. You may be asked about tobacco or other substance use, recovery after childbirth and symptoms that have developed since your last pregnancy.
Be specific about complications even if they resolved. A condition that was temporary can still matter when planning another pregnancy. The clinician needs enough detail to interpret it rather than make assumptions from a short application answer.
2. Provide records from previous deliveries
The team requests relevant obstetric records and, where appropriate, operative reports. These documents help clarify the timing of birth, the reason for a cesarean, blood pressure concerns, diabetes, bleeding and other findings.
If a record is missing, the team may need time to obtain it or request further information. That delay is part of making an informed recommendation. A recollection of what happened is useful, but sometimes the medical detail is necessary to proceed.
3. Complete the examination and testing
Evaluation can include a physical assessment, blood pressure measurement, ultrasound and blood or other tests selected for your history. Infectious-disease testing and review of relevant preventive care help prepare for treatment.
The uterine cavity is often assessed with saline ultrasound, in which fluid is introduced through a small catheter while ultrasound images are obtained. You may feel cramping. If the findings suggest a concern, the physician explains whether another procedure or treatment is needed.
Testing is not a contest in which every normal result cancels an abnormal one. The findings are interpreted together with your history.
4. Discuss the demands of the journey
Psychological evaluation and counseling occur alongside the medical process. They address expectations, support, communication and your understanding of the arrangement. You should have space to discuss how pregnancy may affect your household, work and recovery.
Legal and insurance review are separate steps. Completing medical screening does not mean that the agreement is ready or that treatment can begin immediately.
5. Understand the recommendation
The result may be clearance, a request for more information, a preparation plan or a recommendation not to proceed. Ask what the decision means and whether it could change with new information.
At BHB, screening informs suitability before a potential match is presented. If treatment is delayed or your health changes, some parts of the evaluation may need updating. Contact us to discuss the application and screening process.
