Glossary of Terms at Colorado Surrogacy

When you start experiencing infertility, or you need help building your family, the terminology and acronyms can be mystifying. Both intended parents and gestational carriers get thrown into a whole new lingo, and fast! Below are some acronyms you may encounter and a little explanation as a quick reference guide to help you navigate your way. 

ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): conception without intercourse, often refers to fertility treatments
BCP (Birth Control Pills): oral contraceptive
Beta Test: blood test for pregnancy that tests hCG levels (see: hCG)
BFN (Big Fat Negative): a negative pregnancy test
BFP (Big Fat Positive): a positive pregnancy test
CB (Cycle Buddy): Someone who is transferring the same day or within a couple of days
CD_ (Cycle Day _): based on a woman’s monthly cycle and which day/number she is on during her cycle
D&C (Dilation and Curettage): medical procedure used to remove tissue from the uterus
DE (Donor Egg): the donor egg being used for IVF
DP3DT (Days Post 3-Day Transfer): days since the embryo transfer after the embryo was grown in the lab for 3 days
DP5DT (Days Post 5-Day Transfer): days since the embryo transfer after the embryo was grown in the lab for 5 days
DPT (Days Post Transfer): number of days after the embryo transfer
E2 (Estradiol): Estrogen steroid hormone involved in the regulation of the estrous and menstrual reproductive cycles
ED (Egg Donor/Egg Donation): the person who donates the eggs, or the process of getting donated eggs
EDD (Estimated Due Date): when the baby is due based on embryo growth and date of transfer
ET (Embryo Transfer): the procedure when the embryo is transferred to the “recipient” uterus
FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer): the procedure when a frozen embryo is transferred to the “recipient” uterus
GC (Gestational Carrier): a woman who carries a pregnancy for intended parent/s
GD (Gestational Diabetes): glucose intolerance during pregnancy
GS (Gestational Surrogate): a woman who carries a pregnancy for intended parent/s
hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): hormones produced in pregnancy
HPT (Home Pregnancy Test): a home diagnostic kit for testing for pregnancy hormones (pee stick)
HSC (Hysteroscopy): ultrasound to view the lining of the uterus
IF (Intended Father): a father expecting a baby via gestational carrier
IFs (Intended Fathers): two fathers expecting a baby via gestational carrier
IM (Intended Mother): a mother expecting a baby via gestational carrier
IMs (Intended Mothers): two mothers expecting a baby via gestational carrier
IP (Intended Parent): a parent expecting a baby via gestational carrier
IPs (Intended Parents): parents expecting a baby via gestational carrier
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): procedure by which an ovum is combined with sperm outside the body resulting in embryos, which are transferred to the uterus
LMP (Last Menstrual Period): the start date of a woman’s last menstrual cycle
M/C (Miscarriage): spontaneous loss of pregnancy
OB (Obstetrician): doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum
OB/GYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist): a doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and women’s health
P4 (Progesterone): steroid and sex hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
PBO (Pre-Birth Order): court document that establishes who the parents of a child are and whose names will appear on the birth certificate
PET (Post-Embryo Transfer): the time after an embryo transfer
PG (Pregnant): pregnant!
PIF (Potential Intended Father)
PIM (Potential Intended Mother)
PIO (Progesterone in Oil): shots of progesterone in oil pregnancy hormone are used to prepare the inner lining of the uterus for the transfer and implantation of the embryo
PIP (Potential Intended Parent)
POAS (Pee on a Stick): Referring to a pregnancy test
RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist): Physician who specializes in infertility and IVF
SCH (Sub Chorionic Hemorrhage): the increase of blood in the outer fetal membrane next to the placenta or between the uterus and the placenta
SubQ (Subcutaneous Injections): a shot given in the fatty tissue just under the skin
US or U/S (Ultrasound): picture using ultrasound technology, in this case, specifically of the reproductive organs or of an embryo/fetus
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section): when a woman chooses to vaginally deliver a baby after having delivered a previous baby via C-Section

And many others! If you have any questions about being a gestational carrier, click here. Or if you want information about surrogacy and needing a gestational carrier, click here. Colorado Surrogacy is committed to growing families through gestational surrogacy. We provide assistance to infertile couples, same-sex couples, and single men and women seeking to start a family through assisted reproductive technology.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash