How to become a surrogate mom?

Embarking on the extraordinary journey of surrogacy is a deeply personal and transformative experience, a journey that extends to those who are unable to welcome a child into their lives without a helping hand. It’s a journey filled with dedication, compassion, commitment, hope, and the promise of new beginnings. Whether you are considering inspiring this world and becoming a surrogate mother or are already in the process, it’s essential to understand that surrogacy is not a one–size–fits–all endeavor. Every surrogacy story is unique, shaped by individual motivations, goals, and circumstances. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the surrogacy process, from the initial steps to the moment you carry the gift of life into the arms of hopeful parents.

Explore the Basic Requirements before Scheduling an Initial Interview with an Agency Representative

Surrogate Mother’s Basic Requirements may vary from agency to agency and from one surrogacy program to another within one agency, driven by factors like the type of surrogacy and the agency’s specific goals. For instance, most agencies maintain flexible age criteria, typically accepting women between the ages of 21 and 45. However, for Premium surrogacy programs, the age limit may be lowered to 34 or 37 years. Some agencies may even have more stringent age criteria, setting the maximum age at 36 years and requiring candidates for gestational carrier programs to be at least 24 years old instead of 21.

The other eligibility criteria for surrogacy are no major complications in your previous pregnancies, at least one uncomplicated pregnancy successfully carried to term, no more than a total of five previous deliveries (some agencies limit total previous deliveries to three or four), or three deliveries via cesarean section. This eligibility criteria is followed by all U.S. surrogacy agencies when it comes to standard surrogacy programs. For Premium surrogacy programs, surrogacy agencies have less inclusive criteria for prospective surrogate mothers; for instance, the surrogate mother’s BMI should be under 30, no more than 3 previous deliveries, no more than 1 previous C–section, and all births occurring at 36 weeks+ gestation or later (unless a multiple pregnancy) without complications.

Striving to provide an amazing surrogacy experience for the best possible outcome, most surrogacy agencies hold themselves to a meticulously stringent degree of requirements when screening their surrogate mother candidates. Meeting these requirements is a vital first step towards making a difference in the lives of hopeful parents and experiencing the joy that surrogacy can bring.

Citizenship and Location:

You should be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or legal immigrant.
Residing in a surrogate–friendly state in the U.S. is necessary, and you should be willing to travel to another state if required.

Age Requirements:

Age requirements can vary from agency to agency. In most cases, they accept women between 21 to 45 years of age.
Premium surrogacy programs may have more stringent age limits, often ranging from 23 to 36 years.

Pregnancy History:

You should have carried at least one uncomplicated pregnancy successfully to term to be eligible for the Standard program and have carried up to two uncomplicated full–term pregnancies to be eligible for the Premium program.
No more than 5 previous deliveries for the Standard program and no more than 3 previous deliveries for the Premium program.
No more than 3 previous C–sections to be eligible for the Standard surrogacy program and no more than 1 previous C–section for starting a Premium surrogacy program.

Health and Well–being:

You should have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) within the range of 19–33, with a desirable BMI of 30 or under before clearance.
All births should have occurred at 36 weeks of gestation or later (unless it’s a multiple pregnancy) and without complications.
You must have given birth to at least one child of your own.

Medical and Lifestyle Requirements:

Required recovery period from previous birth: 6–12 months.
No use of antidepressants or anti–anxiety medications for at least 12 months prior to surrogacy.
No history of postpartum depression.
No STDs for at least 12 months.
No tattoos or piercings in the last 12 months.
Excellent overall health.
Financially secure, not be receiving state or federal financial aid.
Stable and supportive family.
Stable living environment.
Non–smoker
Non–drug user
No criminal history

Psychological Readiness:

You should be enthusiastic and ready to get started your surrogacy journey soon.

Meeting these requirements is essential to ensure the safety and well–being of both the surrogate mother and the intended parents. If you meet these criteria and are enthusiastic about becoming a surrogate mother, you can take the next step by applying online through surrogacy agencies.

Remember, the requirements might vary from agency to agency, so it’s essential to research and find the one that aligns with your qualifications and values. Becoming a surrogate mother is a profound and life–changing decision that can bring joy and fulfillment to both you and the intended parents.

A Surrogate Application

Embarking on your surrogacy journey begins with the completion of a Surrogate Application. This vital step is your introduction to the process and allows surrogacy agencies to understand your suitability for this remarkable experience.

The initial application will ask you a series of questions designed to learn more about you. It covers essential information, including your first and last name, date of birth, citizenship, residency, BMI, whether you have your child, have you ever had any previous surrogacy pregnancies, some basic information about your previous pregnancy experience such as early/full/late/ term or post–term with complications or without getting any complications, have you ever had premature delivery and at which gestational age, have you ever had an ectopic pregnancy or/and a pregnancy loss/miscarriage (before 20 weeks of pregnancy), have you had any of the following conditions developed during the previous pregnancy: Preeclampsia (High Blood Pressure), Gestational diabetes, Iron–deficiency anemia, Maternal health complications, Stillbirth (at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy), or any other complications, number and types of the deliveries you had, and your reasons for pursuing surrogacy.

Once you have submitted your initial application, a surrogacy specialist will get in touch with you to gather more detailed information.

Getting Started as a Surrogate

Your journey begins by completing an application and having an initial consultation with the agency’s Surrogate Mother’s In–take Specialist. You will be able to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the requirements, timeline, and agency’s unique process. After this preliminary consultation, if you are ready to take the next steps, the surrogacy agency will facilitate a comprehensive in–take interview. This is a vital phase where they delve deeper into your preferences regarding potential matches with intended parents. You will have the chance to express your desires and priorities, such as the type of relationship you wish to have with the intended parents or any specific criteria that are important to you.

In addition to the interview, an experienced Surrogate Mother’s In–take Specialist will be there to guide you through the entire process. They bring valuable expertise to ensure that you have all the information and support you need. The agency’s dedicated team will also provide you with a link to complete essential agency documents. These documents are integral to the legal and logistical aspects of the surrogacy journey, and the surrogacy team will assist you through each step to ensure a seamless experience.

Social and medical history information

As part of the initial application process for surrogacy, you will be asked to provide comprehensive social and medical history information. These forms are integral to ensuring a successful surrogacy journey. Your social history allows surrogacy agencies and medical professionals to understand more about you and your family, including details about your upbringing, educational background, and even your personality. This information is essential for matching you with intended parents who share similar values and backgrounds. On the medical front, a thorough health history is essential to evaluate your suitability as a surrogate mother. You will be asked to provide details about your own medical history, including any previous pregnancies and relevant medical conditions. This information not only helps ensure a safe pregnancy but also guides medical professionals in providing the necessary care and support throughout your surrogacy journey. Your openness and honesty in sharing this information play a vital role in creating a fulfilling and successful surrogacy experience for both you and the intended parents.

An In–Home Assessment

As part of the surrogacy journey, you may have an in–home assessment where a social worker visits your home. This meeting serves as an important step in the process. During the assessment, the social worker will engage in a conversation with you, delving into your motivations and objectives for pursuing surrogacy. This one–on–one interaction allows the social worker to gain a deeper understanding of you as a prospective surrogate mother. It is also a valuable opportunity for you to ask questions and gain further insights into the surrogacy process. This open dialogue and home visit play a role in establishing a trusting and supportive relationship between you, the agency, and the intended parents, all of which are vital components in ensuring a successful and harmonious surrogacy experience.

Background Checks

As part of the surrogacy process, you will be required to provide consent for standard criminal records and background checks. These checks serve a crucial purpose in ensuring the safety and well–being of all parties involved in the surrogacy arrangement, particularly the child who may result from the surrogacy journey. While interviews and reference checks are informative, background checks can reveal more sensitive information that might not be disclosed through these methods. The aim is to identify any serious criminal convictions that could potentially impact the child’s welfare, such as violent or child protection offenses. However, beyond this, the goal is to establish transparency and openness about the history of all individuals participating in the surrogacy process. This transparency is key in preventing any unexpected information from surfacing during the surrogacy journey, which could potentially disrupt the relationship and the overall success of the arrangement. By conducting background checks, surrogacy agencies ensure that everyone’s safety and well–being are at the forefront of the surrogacy experience.

Pre–Screening and Psychological Assessment

The pre–screening phase for surrogate mothers lasts approximately 30 to 90 days and involves several steps. During this period, all medical records from your previous pregnancies and deliveries are gathered to create a comprehensive health profile. To ensure your readiness for surrogacy, you will also undergo a thorough physical examination conducted by a fertility specialist, who will assess your overall health and well–being. Your primary care physician will be required to conduct this exam, sign a medical clearance form, and you will be asked to provide updated Pap test results and undergo basic infectious disease testing.

Simultaneously, the surrogacy team will initiate your background check, helping you schedule an in–person psychological assessment and planning a home visit to ensure your environment is conducive to a healthy surrogacy journey. This comprehensive pre–screening process ensures that you are in the best possible health to embark on the surrogacy journey, with all the necessary measures in place to guarantee the safety and well–being of both you and the intended parents. Additionally, any relevant insurance policies will be thoroughly analyzed to ensure a smooth and secure surrogacy experience.

Surrogate Mother’s Profile Generation

The process of becoming a surrogate mother involves more than just medical and legal assessments — it is also about showcasing your unique qualities and characteristics that make you the extraordinary individual you are. During the profile generation stage, you have the opportunity to share your personal story, values, and aspirations. This is when your surrogacy agency works closely with you to craft a compelling profile that reflects your personality, your motivations for becoming a surrogate mom, and your desires for the surrogacy journey. This profile becomes a portal into your world for intended parents, helping them understand the incredible gift you are offering. It is a chance to express your hopes and expectations and to connect with prospective parents who share your surrogacy vision. Through this process, you are not only preparing to embark on an extraordinary journey but also offering hope and happiness to those longing to become parents.

Matching with Prospective Parents

Once the surrogacy agency has identified a potential match, profiles are exchanged, and your dedicated Care Team will help facilitate a Matching Conference call or in–person meeting. If both you and the intended parents feel it is a perfect fit, you can agree to proceed together and confirm a mutual match. When the match is finalized, the surrogacy agency notifies the fertility clinic, and they will schedule an appointment for you to meet the Reproductive Endocrinologist for in–person screening.

Embarking on Surrogacy Journey

The next step is in–person screening, which takes between one and two months. Once you have been given official medical clearance, the legal process is initiated and it also lasts from one to two months. After these steps are completed, embryo generation and transfer will take between 15 and 30 days, depending on the type of IVF. And congratulations, after the embryo transfer you will be carrying a surrogacy pregnancy as any other pregnancy for 9 months.

Conclusive Words

In conclusion, the surrogacy journey is a deeply personal and transformative experience filled with compassion and hope. It is a unique path, shaped by individual motivations and circumstances. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the process, from the initial steps to the moment you bring the gift of life to hopeful parents. Throughout this journey, you are not alone, with dedicated care teams and support. Your decision to become a surrogate mother is a selfless act that fulfills dreams and creates beautiful new beginnings, a testament to the boundless generosity of the human spirit.