Women who are considering becoming a surrogate may start by asking “What’s a surrogate pregnancy?” Along with an interest and motivation to help deserving parents realize their dreams, it is equally important to ask yourself these deeper questions and honestly evaluate if this is the right point in your life to make this generous commitment.
Is This the Right Time to Become a Surrogate?
These are some of the important things to consider before becoming a surrogate:
1. Have I had at least one child and completed my own family?
The best candidates for surrogacy have had at least one full-term pregnancy without complications and very often already have as many children as they hoped for their own family. This experience will help you know what to expect physically and emotionally.
2. Am I emotionally ready? Am I clear about my motivations?
Many surrogates spend time considering the emotional factors involved in carrying a child for the intended parents. While there is financial compensation involved, a desire to help a loving family grow should be the primary motivator. Understanding your own desire to go through this process and give the gift of new life to another family will ensure the experience is one of empathy and joy.
3. Am I ready to share personal information and undergo extensive screening?
The screening process is extensive because so much is at stake. A surrogate must be ready to share personal information about their lifestyle, medical history, education, drug or alcohol use, and financial stability. Having this information is essential to creating the best possible conditions for a healthy pregnancy and birth, so you will need to be comfortable sharing detailed information.
4. Am I healthy enough to become a surrogate?
As part of the physical screening, certain health criteria need to be met to qualify for surrogacy Surrogates should be between 20 and 38 years old with regular cycles and a healthy BMI. A lifestyle free of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs is essential for candidates to be considered. You can easily find out if you qualify by completing a preliminary application online.
5. Will my family be supportive of my surrogacy?
This is a very personal decision, which is made easier by the support of friends and family. This might be tangible help, such as rides to the doctor or help with household chores during the pregnancy, and will also include emotional support, a place to vent, or a hug and reminder of the reasons why you chose to make this commitment. Having open discussions with your support system about what is involved in being a surrogate mother will help you identify the types of help you might need from your loved ones.
6. What are the financial impacts of surrogacy?
While your medical and travel expenses will almost certainly be covered, and there is an expectation of fair compensation, surrogacy is not a lucrative career. You should still expect to maintain a stable financial situation by other means and make sure that any compensation received will not jeopardize your other sources of income, such as financial aid.
7. Do I understand the surrogacy process?
This journey is a commitment based on empathy and trust. Choosing an agency that will truly partner with you and help you make the best decision is another important step that will define your experience.
Have a Question That Wasn’t Answered?
Please reach out to us at 3 Sisters Surrogacy to discuss the possibilities, see if you qualify, and determine if this is the right time for you to move forward. The initial application can be completed in 10 minutes, and we are here to answer all of your surrogacy questions as you make this life-enhancing decision.
Leave a Reply