If you’re new to the world of surrogacy or egg donation, the lingo can feel a bit overwhelming at first. You may find yourself reading acronyms like PIO, POAS, or PBO and wondering what on earth they mean. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an intended parent, a gestational carrier, or simply exploring your options, this guide will walk you through the most common acronyms you’ll encounter on your journey.
Intended Parents and Surrogates: Who’s Who
Before we get into the medical and legal side of things, it’s important to understand the roles of the people involved. These acronyms are commonly used to describe individuals at different stages of the journey.
- IP(s) – Intended Parent(s)
The individual or couple who are working with a surrogate to grow their family. - IF / IM – Intended Father / Intended Mother
Used to refer specifically to the roles within a couple. - PIF / PIM / PIP – Potential Intended Father / Mother / Parent
Refers to someone who is in the early stages of exploring or starting the surrogacy journey, prior to matching. - GC – Gestational Carrier
A woman who carries a pregnancy for the intended parents but is not biologically related to the baby. - ED – Egg Donor
A woman who donates her eggs to help another person or couple conceive.
Medications and Monitoring
Surrogacy involves a number of medications and tests to ensure a safe and successful pregnancy. These are some of the most commonly used acronyms related to treatment protocols.
- PIO – Progesterone in Oil
A type of hormone injection given to help prepare and maintain the uterine lining for embryo implantation. - HSC – Hysterosalpingogram
A test that uses X-ray and contrast dye to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes, often performed during the evaluation phase.
Embryo Transfer and Testing
Once medical clearance is obtained, embryo transfer and the associated monitoring begins. These acronyms help track progress after transfer.
- DPT – Days Post Transfer
Refers to how many days it has been since an embryo transfer. - DP3DT / DP5DT – Days Post 3-Day Transfer / Days Post 5-Day Transfer
Indicates the number of days since a 3-day or 5-day embryo transfer (based on embryo age).
Pregnancy Testing and Monitoring
After transfer, monitoring for pregnancy begins. These terms refer to common tests and milestones during the early stages.
- BETA – Beta hCG Test
A blood test that measures the amount of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to determine pregnancy. - POAS – Pee on a Stick
A casual term used to describe taking a home pregnancy test. - U/S – Ultrasound
Used to check embryo implantation, monitor fetal growth, and confirm pregnancy milestones.
Legal and Administrative Terms
Legal documents and court procedures are a big part of the surrogacy journey. These acronyms relate to legal milestones that protect all parties.
- PBO – Pre-Birth Order
A legal document that establishes the intended parents’ legal rights before the baby is born. - PO – Parentage Order
A general term that can refer to either a pre- or post-birth legal order establishing parental rights. - TPR – Termination of Parental Rights
A legal process typically used in adoption-related cases, where a biological parent’s legal rights are formally ended. Some states may require this process.
Understanding the Lingo Builds Confidence
Learning these terms can help you feel more comfortable and informed as you go through your surrogacy journey. At Shining Light Baby, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from breaking down confusing medical acronyms to answering every question with clarity and compassion.
Still have questions? Reach out to our team today. We’d love to guide you through every stage of your surrogacy journey!