Infertility, repeated loss, and surrogacy

Abstract

Recurrent miscarriage and infertility are two major problems that healthcare professionals working in the field of women’s health face on a routine basis. Infertility and recurrent miscarriage, especially when unexplained, can lead to patients’ distress. Apart from the individual, there is an impact on the relationship between the couple and an augmented demand on health care systems. Indeed, an increase in the global prevalence of infertility has led to searches for alternative reproductive techniques, one of which is surrogacy. Surrogacy encompasses multifaceted issues including social, ethical, moral, and legal implications and is considered as a highly debatable procedure in the domain of assisted reproduction. Midwives, together with all healthcare professionals who work closely with women experiencing such issues, should be aware of the risk factors, types of investigations, evidence-based treatments, psychological sequelae, and impact on relationships. People seeking fertility treatment must endure many stressors and face many professionals who are involved in their care. The midwife has a key role in the multidisciplinary team looking after these patients and is the main navigator of holistic care. The provision of continuity of care and support throughout all the stages of treatment, particularly prior to pregnancy testing, antenatally, and following unsuccessful treatment, is especially important.