How to Become a Surrogate With Physician’s Surrogacy
Giving the gift of life and bringing about the joys of parenthood to others are some of the many reasons why women choose to become a Surrogate Mother. Surrogates have the chance to do something that not many others can. For those women who cannot have a child on their own, surrogacy gives them the option.
Becoming a Surrogate is not an easy decision. There are certain things to consider and many steps to take. We have put together the requirements to become a Surrogate Mother and the important information to help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
The Types of Surrogacy
There are two types of options available for you to choose from. Let’s take a look at the difference.
Traditional Surrogacy – You will be the biological mother of the child, meaning you’ll be genetically related to the child. The sperm of the intended father will fertilize your eggs. Intrauterine insemination usually does this method.
Gestational Surrogacy – If you prefer that the baby is not genetically related to you then becoming a gestational carrier is the best option. The embryo is created using an egg of the intended mother or donor and sperm of the intended father or donor. The embryo then transfers into your uterus after the fertilization of the egg.
What are the requirements to become a Surrogate?
Even though most surrogacy agencies have their own sets of process requirements for the Surrogate Mother; there are some similarities when filling out an initial application and ultimately being accepted into their program.
Physical Requirements
Of course, all Intended Parents want their Surrogate to be in good physical health, meaning that you will have to clear a medical background check. Here are some other factors that an agency may consider:
- Age: You should be between the ages of 21 to 37
- Should not be overweight or underweight (we put a BMI cut-off of 32)
- Must have had at least one successful pregnancy without complications before becoming Surrogate
- No more than 5 vaginal births
- Should not be using tobacco or marijuana for at least 3 months
Mental and Social Requirements
In additional to being able to physically carry a baby, you must be mentally prepared as well. An agency will do additional screenings and check for things such as:
- History of a criminal record or behavior
- A history of postpartum depression
- History of STD, which must have been already treated and currently inactive
- A stable lifestyle
- Use of using anxiety medication and antidepressants over the last 12 months
Commitment
Surrogacy is a huge emotional and time commitment. We examine both.
Emotionally – If you are at this stage, then it is obvious that you have already given birth. After giving birth, you were able to bring your new-born baby home with you. You and your baby both grew and learned together. You fed and changed them and watched them explore. But, when becoming a Surrogate, you need to accept that you’re letting go of that part of the parenting process because the baby is not yours. After delivery, the baby will be going home with the Intended Parents. This part will be very difficult but also extremely rewarding. You’ll be giving a gift to the parents who would not have experienced those moments of parenthood without you. So, you need to accept the emotional joy and conflict that might come with being a Surrogate
Time – As a Surrogate, besides the 9 months of pregnancy, you’ll have to undergo a number of blood tests, ultrasounds and other appointments with the doctor as a part of the surrogacy process. Even though these tests are common for any pregnancies, a Surrogate might need to visit the doctor more frequently to ensure her health and the health of the baby. Once the pregnancy of the Surrogate is confirmed, she will be able to have a local gynecologist nearby for scheduling future appointments.
Find a Match
After applying and being accepted into the program, the next step on the path of becoming a Surrogate is finding a perfect match between you and the Intended Parents or family.
This is one of the most important steps, as you and the Intended Parents will be connected, virtually and possibly in person. You’ll need to establish a compassionate and working relationship with the Intended Parents. As a Surrogate, you will have the ability to agree to work with the family or not.
Legal Aspects
Once there is a match, you’ll need to consider the legal aspects of surrogacy. It may seem strange when discussing the birth of a child, but a contract will need to be in place between you and the Intended Parents. Items in the contract may include compensation and potential risks. You will need to review the contract completely to make sure that you agree to the terms.
IVF Process
The final process of surrogacy will be the embryo transfer. You and the intended mother will undergo several medical examinations before this procedure is done. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll receive a monthly breakdown of the compensation through escrow. Charges for all medical expenses, prenatal care, and doctor visits are covered by a surrogate-friendly insurance provided to you, if needed.
Delivery Day
The intended parents will be present on the day of the delivery. It will be an extremely emotional day for both of you. The baby will return home with the family after the successful discharge of you and your baby. And you will return home with the gratification of giving love and precious life to a new family.
