Becoming A Surrogate: What Do I Need to Know?
7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Applying to Become a Surrogate
Have you ever wondered what you should know before becoming a surrogate? Surrogacy is a life-changing experience and a precious gift to parents who otherwise would not be able to carry a baby. While becoming a surrogate can be incredibly rewarding, it isn’t right for everyone. If you’re interested in surrogacy, ask yourself these questions to figure out if it’s a good fit for you.
#1: Do I Meet the Surrogacy Requirements?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s the best place to start! Surrogacy has strict requirements to protect the health and safety of the surrogate, the intended parents, and the future baby. Check out our list of surrogacy requirements to make sure you meet the basic criteria.
#2: Am I Ready to Carry Someone Else’s Baby?
As a gestational surrogate, you have no genetic connection to the baby you carry, and you won’t have parental rights once the baby is born. Pregnancy and birth can be challenging; think about how you’d feel going through those challenges for someone else. If that makes you uncomfortable, that’s totally okay, but surrogacy probably isn’t the right path for you. If you are excited about the chance to nurture a pregnancy and help someone’s dream come true, then becoming a surrogate might be perfect!
#3: How Do I Feel About Pregnancy?
Some women love being pregnant; others don’t enjoy it at all. In general, surrogates should be excited about pregnancy and enjoy the overall experience of being pregnant.
#4: How Does My Partner Feel About Me Becoming a Surrogate?
Surrogates are not required to have a romantic partner. If you do have a spouse or partner, though, they must support your surrogacy for you to be eligible. Surrogacy is a long and significant commitment. You need a strong support system that encourages your choice. As you consider surrogacy, talk to your partner about the process as well. If they aren’t fully on board, it’s not the right time to become a surrogate.
#5: How Will I Talk to My Children About Becoming A Surrogate?
Surrogates must have healthy children of their own. Because the surrogacy process takes a long time and involves a pregnancy, you will need to talk to your children about being a surrogate. They’ll want to know why you’re pregnant, and why they won’t be getting a new sibling after the baby is born. We can help guide you through these conversations in age-appropriate ways for your kids.
#6: Can I Commit to the Entire Surrogacy Process?
As you ask yourself, “Is surrogacy right for me?” be sure to think about the length of time and the medical experiences involved. From applying to delivery, becoming a surrogate can take a year or longer. During the screening process, you’ll receive medical and psychological exams. After matching, you’ll take self-injected fertility medications for a few weeks before going through an embryo transfer. Then, of course, there is the overall experience of pregnancy and birth. Before applying to become a surrogate, make sure you are willing and able to commit to the entire surrogacy process.
#7: Why Do I Want to Become a Surrogate?
Feeling passionate about surrogacy will carry you through the experience and make it unforgettable and rewarding. A strong motivation is perhaps the most important part of deciding to become a surrogate. While surrogates are fairly compensated for their time and effort, money cannot be the main reason. Instead, surrogates enjoy pregnancy and are excited for the chance to make someone’s family dreams come true. If that sounds like you, then surrogacy will probably be a great fit for you!
Is Surrogacy Right for You? Only You Can Answer, but Eggceptional Fertility Can Help.
It takes a very special person to be a surrogate and provide the gift of parenthood. At Eggceptional Fertility, we feel honored to guide and care for our extraordinary surrogates through the surrogacy process. We strive to make the experience as positive and smooth as possible. If you’ve asked yourself these questions and feel strongly about becoming a surrogate, we’d love to meet you – apply to be a surrogate today.
