FAQs about Gestational Surrogacy for Surrogates
Surrogacy is a life-changing opportunity for families who need help having a child. If you are considering becoming a surrogate, you might have some questions about the process and whether you would be a good fit. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about gestational surrogacy for surrogates. Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado wishes to give you the information you need to consider before you apply to join our agency.
Who can be a Surrogate?
Surrogacy agencies require surrogates to be women between a certain age range who have completed their family. Surrogates should be raising their own children and have a history of healthy pregnancies with no complications. Potential surrogates are screened for physical and emotional health to make sure they are ready to have another family’s child. Surrogate mothers are also nonsmokers who have financial independence and access to reliable transportation.
Sometimes the intended parents will personally know their surrogate, in what are called “identified surrogacies.” These may be friends or family members who wish to help a loved one complete their family. Identified surrogates are still screened for physical health and emotional strength. Our agency encourages these potential surrogates to receive pre-surrogacy counseling to manage attachment and for mental and emotional support.
A surrogate’s family must be supportive of the surrogacy process, as they are her greatest support system. Their partner or spouse must also confirm that they claim no parental rights to the baby.
Are Surrogates Related to the Baby?
No. With gestational surrogacy, the egg and sperm come from the intended parents or donors, not from the surrogate herself. After receiving fertility treatments, the surrogate will undergo an embryo transfer through in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. So, while the embryo will grow in the surrogate’s uterus, the baby will not be biologically related to her.
What goes into Matching Surrogates and Intended Parents?
Our agency takes the lead in matching surrogates and intended parents. After screening surrogates and intended parents, we find the best matches based on a number of factors. These can include their preferences for contact throughout the process and after the baby is delivered. You and the intended parents will have the opportunity to review each other’s profiles and possibly meet to get to know each other before a decision is made. When both parties are happy with the match, our agency will help you to move forward with a surrogacy contract.
How Long does it Take to Find a Match with Intended Parents?
Once a surrogate is approved by our agency and we begin looking for a match, it can take 15 to 18 months on average to match with intended parents. If the surrogate has recently been pregnant and is breastfeeding, the child must be weaned and she must have at least one menstrual cycle before she will be approved for another match.
How Many Embryos will be Transferred?
Usually 1 or 2 embryos will be transferred, depending on what is agreed upon between all parties. This number is predetermined and documented in the surrogacy agreement. The number of embryo transfer attempts will not commonly be more than 3. If you are comfortable carrying multiple embryos, 2 or 3 may be transferred in one attempt.
Will I be Required to Travel during the Surrogacy Process?
During the initial stages of the process, the surrogate will have to travel to meet with the surrogacy lawyers and the intended parents. You will usually be asked to schedule your medical appointments at a clinic close to the intended parents’ home, and this will be agreed upon during the initial meetings.
How much Interaction do Surrogates have with Intended Parents?
The contact between surrogates and the intended parents depends on the agreement they make in the agreement. Often, the intended parents are invited to important medical appointments throughout the process to experience the exciting developments of the pregnancy. The intended parents are also usually present during labor and delivery to experience the joy of welcoming their baby into the world.
Throughout the process, the intended parents and surrogate may exchange regular updates. Some families establish ongoing contact even after the baby is born, but there is no expectation of this. All intended parent and surrogate pairings should be matched with consideration for each party’s wishes in regards to contact. If you wish, you can maintain contact after the baby is born through photos, letters, or social media.
FAQs about Gestational Surrogacy for Surrogates
If you have any additional questions about gestational surrogacy and the surrogacy process, contact our surrogacy specialists at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and want to learn more about your adoption options, contact Adoption Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Meet the Author: Madilyn Moeller is a writer and editor keen on translating the technical. Madilyn’s years of science writing shine through as she explains everything from health insurance to moving for her readers. Madilyn has a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University in Professional Writing, Psychology, and Neuroscience. She is a lifelong writer bringing her curiosity to the marketing stage, building websites and blogs for businesses moving online. She knows more about Medicare than any young adult should.