DOES A SURROGATE SHARE DNA WITH THE BABY?

When choosing surrogacy as a path to parenthood, you may have many questions about the process. Believe it or not, one of the most common questions in surrogacy is: Does the surrogate share DNA with the baby she carries? Whether you’re an intended parent, a potential surrogate, or still deciding whether surrogacy is the best option for you and your family, it is a natural concern. After all, understanding the biological connection—or lack thereof—between a surrogate and the baby helps address concerns about genetic inheritance, blood type, and the surrogate’s essential role in surrogacy.

GENETICS IN TRADITIONAL VS GESTATIONAL SURROGACY

Let’s start with the basics. To understand the surrogacy process and the surrogate's role, it’s important to distinguish between the two main types of surrogacies: gestational surrogacy and the much rarer traditional surrogacy.

Gestational Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy is the process where a surrogate carries and delivers a baby for the intended parents. The gestational surrogate does not have genetic ties to the baby she is carrying. The embryo is created in the lab through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended mother’s or donor’s egg and the intended father’s or donor’s sperm. It is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus at the fertility clinic. This is the most-practiced option surrogacy agencies use.

Traditional Surrogacy: Traditional surrogacy was more commonly used before modern science allowed for the creation of embryos outside of the womb. With traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is fertilized, making her both the genetic contributor and the carrier of the baby. However, this form of surrogacy is rarely practiced today, as gestational surrogacy provides a clear separation between the surrogate and the baby’s genetics.

At Growing Generations, we work exclusively with gestational surrogates, ensuring that the intended parents remain the sole genetic contributors to their baby.

DO SURROGATES SHARE DNA WITH THE BABY?

The short answer? No.

In gestational surrogacy, the DNA of the baby comes entirely from the egg and sperm used to create the embryo. The gestational surrogate’s role is to nurture and carry the baby to term, providing a safe and healthy environment during pregnancy. While the surrogate’s body works hard to sustain the pregnancy, she does not contribute any genetic material. This is a key distinction that provides reassurance to many intended parents considering surrogacy.

WHOSE BLOOD TYPE DOES THE BABY INHERIT?

Another common surrogacy question involves blood type inheritance. The baby will inherit the blood type based on the genetic material from either the intended parents or the donors. The baby does NOT inherit the surrogate's blood type. Although the surrogate provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby through the placenta, the baby’s blood, and the surrogate’s blood do not mix. The placental barrier ensures this separation, keeping the baby’s unique blood system distinct from the surrogate’s.

WHAT ABOUT GENETIC TRAITS?

By definition, a surrogate is someone who agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person or couple, giving birth to a baby who has no genetic connection to her. Intended parents create an embryo—either with their genetic material or that of selected donors—which is implanted into the surrogate through the IVF process. This embryo is not genetically linked to the surrogate in any way.

THE UNIQUE ROLE OF A SURROGATE

While a surrogate does not share DNA with the baby, her role is invaluable. She provides the ideal environment for the baby to grow and thrive, monitoring her health closely, attending regular prenatal checkups, and following her medical team’s guidance to ensure the pregnancy progresses smoothly.

While the surrogate’s overall health and habits can influence the pregnancy, they don’t alter the baby’s DNA or genetics. Instead, the surrogate’s focus on maintaining a healthy pregnancy is vital for the baby’s development.

It’s a beautiful act of care and selflessness that allows intended parents to grow their families. At Growing Generations, we honor our surrogates’ journey and make their well-being a top priority with the most personalized attention and the utmost care and respect.

UNDERSTANDING SURROGACY & GENETICS

Surrogacy is a partnership built on trust, science, and love. A surrogate plays a crucial role in bringing a baby into the world, but she does not share DNA with the child she carries. The baby’s genetic makeup comes entirely from the intended parents or donors, and the blood type is inherited based on genetics, not the surrogate’s biology.

If you’re considering surrogacy or simply want to learn more about how it works, we’re here to help. Contact us for more personalized guidance. Together, we can help bring dreams of parenthood to reality.