Becoming a surrogate is a selfless act that allows an individual or a couple the opportunity to start or grow their family when they otherwise may not be able to.
A surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, is someone who carries a pregnancy for another individual or couple. Unlike traditional surrogacy, gestational carriers do not have any genetic link to the child being carried. A gestational carrier’s role is to provide a nurturing environment for the embryo to implant and develop into a healthy baby.
Surrogacy is important for a number of reasons. Many individuals dream of parenthood but struggle with fertility issues and conceiving on their own. Surrogates help those who have medical interventions that may prevent them from getting pregnant. Surrogacy also helps same-sex couples or single parents, offering them the chance to carry a biological child. Gestational carriers, in particular, give intended parents another option besides adoption, for those who want a genetic link to their child. Our generous surrogates step in and help individuals become parents.
Surrogates must reach the minimum requirements before meeting the intended parents. It’s important to note that these requirements can vary, and additional criteria may be specified by individual physicians and clinics. These requirements are here to protect the well-being of both the surrogate and the intended parent(s) involved in the surrogacy journey.
Options in Family surrogates are compensated for their dedicated services in helping families grow. The specific details of surrogacy compensation can vary depending on the state and the specific surrogacy agreement. Surrogates are compensated for their time, effort, and any associated expenses during the surrogacy process. The intended parents are responsible for the base fee, all medical expenses, legal and agency fees, and any additional expenses that the surrogate may accrue during their journey.
Gestational surrogacy implants an embryo, created from the egg and sperm of the intended parents, into the uterus of the surrogate, meaning there is no genetic link between the baby and the surrogate. Traditional surrogacy involves using the surrogate’s egg to make an embryo, so unlike gestational surrogacy, there would be a genetic link to the baby.
No, gestational surrogates are not related to the babies they give birth to. The surrogate’s uterus is only a place for the baby to grow and does not contribute any genetic link to the baby.
An embryo is formed from an egg and sperm provided by the intended parent(s). The surrogate’s uterus is then prepared for implantation by taking medications that are either oral, injectable, or vaginal. Once the uterus is prepared, the embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, where if successful, the surrogate will become pregnant.
The duration of the surrogacy process isn’t exact. There are multiple factors that can affect how long your surrogacy process is, such as the matching process, medical examinations and screenings, and the amount of IVF cycles it may take.
There isn’t an exact duration of the surrogacy process. Multiple factors can affect how long the surrogacy process is, such as the matching process, medical examinations and screenings for the surrogate, and the amount of IVF cycles it may take.
The risks associated with surrogacy involve the same medical risks as any other pregnancy. These risks may include common discomforts such as nausea, heartburn, weight gain, swelling, and back pain, and in rare instances, more severe complications like hypertension or the loss of reproductive organs.
How much interaction a surrogate has with the intended parents is determined mutually between the surrogate and the intended parents. Depending on the type of relationship a surrogate may have with the intended parents, the amount of contact will vary. Usually, during the pregnancy, the intended parents and surrogate maintain regular communication, sharing important information about appointments and updates.
Surrogacy agreements generally provide for up to three attempts at embryo transfers. In the event that all embryo transfer attempts fail, and the surrogate is unable to get pregnant, the surrogate will receive compensation as outlined in their surrogacy contract up to that point.
You can apply to become a surrogate as soon as three months after delivering, but a surrogate must wait 6-12 months before starting any medical treatment. This is to ensure that your body has fully recovered from your last delivery and that your uterus and other reproductive organs have returned to their normal state. You must also finish breastfeeding before becoming a surrogate again.
The matching process generally takes about 4-6 weeks from completing an application to a match confirmation.
All surrogacy-related costs are covered by the intended parent(s) once you are matched.
You do not need to have your own health insurance prior to beginning. Once you are matched, health insurance will be purchased for you by the intended parent(s), and you will have active health insurance during your surrogacy journey.
Surrogates are recommended to prepare themselves physically, emotionally, and practically to ensure a successful surrogacy journey. Having a strong support system, clear communication, and the right mindset will help a surrogate navigate the demands of surrogacy with confidence. Some physical preparations can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet, taking prenatal vitamins, avoiding harmful substances, and consulting with a healthcare provider about your plans to become a surrogate. Emotional preparation can include setting boundaries and expectations for this process, joining support groups online, and educating yourself about surrogacy! Lastly, practical preparation consists of financial planning and being flexible to changes.
Compensation payments are typically placed in an escrow account managed by a third-party service, which tracks and makes sure that all financial transactions are transparent and compliant with the surrogacy agreement.
You may experience symptoms you would typically experience during your monthly cycle, such as mood swings, headaches, fatigue, bloating, and nausea. You may also experience some injection site irritation. It’s important to note that not all surrogates will experience these side effects, and the severity can vary from person to person.
It really depends on what the surrogate feels comfortable with. Most intended parents would love to be present in the delivery room if the surrogate is comfortable with it. These discussions and expectations can happen during the matching process, so both parties are on the same page.
Deciding to breastfeed will be a mutual decision between the surrogate and the intended parents. If the intended parent(s) requests you to provide breastmilk, you will be compensated for it.
The level of involvement of a surrogate’s partner can vary depending on the preference and agreement of the surrogate, her partner, and the intended parents. In most cases, the surrogate’s partner will be required to sign legal documents or consent forms acknowledging their awareness and agreement with the surrogacy arrangement. Most IVF clinics will also require the surrogate’s partner to complete infectious disease testing. The main involvement a partner can provide to a surrogate during this journey is emotional support as she navigates this process.
The number of clinic visits will be dependent on each IVF clinic’s protocols. Usually, surrogates will need to visit the clinic for their medical screening appointment, 2 to 3 times during the embryo transfer cycle, the embryo transfer appointment, and 1 to 3 times for OB ultrasound appointments until graduating from the clinic. If a surrogate lives out-of-state from her IVF clinic, then she can usually have monitoring completed near her home and will only travel to the clinic for 2 to 3 major appointments including the embryo transfer. OIF works closely with local clinics and will take care of all the coordination for you.
