American Surrogacy Blog

If you are a woman considering becoming a surrogate, you likely have many different questions, thoughts, and concerns. One of the most common questions we are asked is what is different about a surrogate pregnancy?

While the main differences lie in the medical procedure to become pregnant and there being no biological relationship to the child, there are many similarities and differences to consider. Throughout this blog, you will find helpful information about the surrogacy process for women who choose to become a surrogate, the differences you will experience during this type of pregnancy, and what to expect along the way. 

Anytime you have questions about the surrogacy process, you can always call 1-800-875-BABY or fill out this online form to speak with a surrogacy professional. Surrogacy specialists will be more than happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have and provide the information and resources you may need to help you make a decision. 

In the meantime, continue reading this blog to learn more about pregnancy as a surrogate. 

Becoming a Surrogate: The Screening Process

The number one priority for any woman considering becoming a surrogate is the overall safety for her and the potential child. Because of this, there are specific requirements in place to help protect everyone involved. American Surrogacy requirements include: 

• Age range 21–38
• BMI of 19–32 (learn your BMI)
• No smoking or illicit drug use 
• At least one successful pregnancy, but no more than five vaginal births and no more than four Cesarean births
• Six months need to pass since the last vaginal or cesarean birth
• Currently raising a child
• No major complications from previous pregnancies
• Pap smear completed within one year
• Not receiving state assistance
• Ability to travel as needed for surrogacy appointments
• No felony convictions
• No tattoos or piercings in the last six months
• Cannot be on anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication for 12 months
• No untreated addiction, abuse (child, sexual or physical), depression, eating disorders or traumatic pregnancy, labor and/or delivery

*Some exceptions may be considered; contact us for more information

Once you have been determined to meet these requirements, you will begin the surrogate screening process. The screening process will vary per each surrogacy agency. At American Surrogacy, screening includes a social and medical history, an in-home assessment where you will discuss your motivations to become a surrogate, any fears or concerns you may have about surrogacy, and more. You will undergo background checks, both general and criminal, mental health evaluations, and one of the most essential steps, the medical evaluation. 

Keep in mind, the purpose of this screening is not to intrude on your personal life but to ensure your overall health and safety, as well as the baby you may carry. During the medical evaluation, a fertility clinic will confirm you are physically able to have a successful embryo transfer and pregnancy. Essentially, it will be up to a fertility clinic to determine if you meet all of the health requirements to become a surrogate. 

Once you have passed all of the screening and medical requirements, you will be ready to find intended parents, complete the legal portion of becoming a surrogate, and prepare for the embryo transfer. This is where the most significant difference between a natural pregnancy and a surrogate pregnancy will occur.

To learn more about the screening process and requirements to become a surrogate, fill out this online form to speak with a surrogacy specialist. They will go more in-depth to make sure you fully understand this process and do not have any questions or concerns. Continue ready to learn more about surrogate pregnancy and what you can expect.

What is Different During a Surrogate Pregnancy?

When you become pregnant through surrogacy, the most considerable difference between natural pregnancy and surrogate pregnancy is the medical procedure to become pregnant and that the baby is not biologically related to you. 

The Medical Process

During gestational surrogacy, pregnancy occurs through in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

IVF combines the intended mother’s (or donor’s) eggs with the intended father’s (or donor’s) sperm to create an embryo, which will be transferred to you, the surrogate. Many different medications may be used to help ensure the hormonal levels are ideal for gestational surrogacy.  To mimic the process of a natural pregnancy, during gestational surrogacy, the embryos are incubated for five days following IVF and transferred to the surrogate’s uterus five days after her mid-cycle. A long, flexible catheter will be inserted through your cervix to place the embryo in your uterus. Depending upon the agreement made with the intended parents, one or two embryos may be transferred with hopes of a successful pregnancy. 

The embryo transfer is a fairly non-invasive procedure that does not require the use of anesthesia. To ensure your safety, you will be required to be on bed rest for 48 hours. Rest and no strenuous activity are suggested for a few days after the procedure. Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer has occurred, you will return to the fertility clinic for a pregnancy test. Through hormone levels, doctors will be able to determine if the transfer was successful. 

If your hormone levels are positive, you will begin to schedule additional blood tests, ultrasounds, and regularly scheduled OBGYB visits for prenatal care. In many cases, several embryo transfers may take place before a successful pregnancy, so do not become discouraged if it takes more than one try. 

Other than potentially having more frequent doctors visits to ensure the pregnancy remains stable and that you and the baby are healthy, once a healthy pregnancy has been confirmed with your six-week ultrasound, your pregnancy will not be much different than any other pregnancy. Throughout the remainder of your pregnancy, like with any pregnancy, the goal is to remain healthy, eat well, stay active, and enjoy your pregnancy. 

Giving Birth to a Baby Not Biologically Related to You

When the time comes to deliver, the process will be the same as any other delivery. The biggest difference is that you are providing the gift of parenthood to intended parents who are unable to carry a baby to term themselves. Understanding that the baby you have carried is not yours can be difficult for some to imagine, but for others, it is the exact reason why they want to pursue surrogacy. This is why it is crucial during the screening process that you fully understand the concept and legal requirements of surrogacy. 

While many women considering becoming a surrogate have concerns about becoming emotionally attached, the majority of women’s emotions are consumed by the joy of providing intended parents with a child. Nonetheless, this is something to consider as you weigh your options to become a surrogate. 

Contact American Surrogacy

If you are considering becoming a surrogate, we understand there is a lot of information to process. Do not let the medical procedure or the differences in a surrogate pregnancy create unnecessary fear. We are here to help!  

Anytime you have questions, concerns, or want to discuss if surrogacy is the right path for you, call 1-800-875-2229 or fill out this online form. Surrogacy professionals will be more than happy to answer your questions and provide the information you need to help you make this life-changing decision.

Whether you are male or female, if you are exploring your options to become a single parent, gestational surrogacy and adoption are the two best choices available to help you reach your goals. 

But which option is better?

While surrogacy and adoption can provide the life-changing outcome of parenthood, these two processes and experiences are very different, so a precise answer doesn’t exist. Because every hopeful parent situation is unique, determining which is best for you will take plenty of thought and research. American Surrogacy is here to help, and this blog is a great place to start.

Below, we will discuss some of the pros and cons surrogacy and adoption have to offer as you begin your journey towards parenthood. Anytime you have questions about the surrogacy process, you can call 1-800-875-229 or fill out this form to get information from a surrogacy specialist from American Surrogacy.

Surrogacy and Adoption: Explaining the Two

Although you may have a general idea of what surrogacy and adoption are, it is crucial to understand the two better before you can begin to decide which may be best for you. 

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Surrogates and intended parents are screened and must be approved before pursuing the life-changing path of surrogacy. Once approved, surrogates will choose the intended parents or parent they wish to carry for, the type of surrogacy they want to complete, and many other details of the surrogacy. The relationship and involvement throughout the process will depend upon what both parties are comfortable with and have agreed to.

During gestational surrogacy, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to create an embryo using the intended mother’s or a donor’s egg and the intended father’s or donor’s sperm. The embryo is then transferred to a “surrogate” with hopes of creating a successful pregnancy. Many same-sex couples, single women and men, and heterosexual couples experiencing fertility issues commonly require the assistance of an egg donor in gestational surrogacy. 

What is Adoption?

During an adoption, birth parents voluntarily place their child for adoption so that a different family or single parent can become parents. Throughout the process of adoption, hopeful parents must undergo screening and pass other qualifications to become eligible for adoption. Once a family has been chosen for placement by the birth parents, the mother relinquishes her parental rights, and the adoptive family takes them over. Once this process is completed, the court system transfers the parental rights to the adoptive family, which legally makes them the parent or parents of the child.

Birth parents can be as involved or distanced in the process as they choose. Through open adoption, birth parents can remain updated in their child’s life as they grow older, through updates, phone calls, emails, get-togethers, and more.

This brief overview of surrogacy and adoption is helpful. If you are looking for more in-depth information, the best thing to do is to call 1-800-875-2229 or fill out this online form to speak with a surrogacy professional. They will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and to discuss which options may be best for you.

The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Single Parent: Surrogacy vs. Adoption

Becoming a single parent is truly a life-changing decision. While surrogacy and adoption provide you the ability to make your dreams of parenthood come true, determining which path is best for you is a decision only you can make. For many, deciphering some of the pros and cons of each can assist in the decision-making process. Continue reading to find some of the pros and cons you may not have considered.

Surrogacy

When it comes to choosing surrogacy as the way to reach your goal of becoming a parent, there are many things to consider. While the positive impact stands out, make sure you keep a level-headed approach and consider some of the potential negatives. Here are a few of the contrasting factors that come with single-parent surrogacy:

Pros 

• Through the surrogacy process, whether you are male or female, you have the option to have a biological child of your own.
• No matter your relationship or marital status, you will experience the same steps of the surrogacy process as anyone else. 
• Single-parent surrogacy may be better for you than choosing adoption. Many birth mothers look for two-parent homes when selecting adoptive families, which could make your adoption journey much longer.
• Due to screening, the pregnancy, and the overall process, surrogacy tends to have a clearer timeline as to when you will become a parent. Adoption tends to be a bit less predictable when opportunities will occur.
• Your child has no relation to the surrogate.

Cons 

• Pursuing surrogacy as a single parent can be expensive, especially when trying to afford the surrogacy costs on your own. This doesn’t even account for the costs of raising a child. Make sure you are financially able to ready to pursue this path.
• Having a support system in place is necessary throughout the surrogacy process and while parenting. As a single parent, you need to be comfortable asking for help from friends or family along the way. 
• Although it is becoming increasingly common, unfortunately, there is still a stigma around being a single parent. 
• Surrogacy is still a fairly new method of childbirth. As a single parent who pursues surrogacy, you will need to be prepared to explain your decision, the process, and more, while being prepared for the mixed reactions you will receive.

These are just a few of the pros and cons to consider if you are looking into becoming a single parent through surrogacy. Ultimately, it will be up to you to decide whether single-parent surrogacy is the right choice in your journey to becoming a parent.

Anytime you need guidance along the way, you can call 1-800-875-2229 to speak with surrogacy specialists who will walk you through the surrogacy process and provide you with all the information you may need to help you make your decision.

Adoption

What was once rarely discussed and negatively viewed by society has now become a common and celebrated decision. Adoption continues to positively adapt throughout the years and provides the opportunity for single adults to achieve their goals of parenthood. Before making any decisions to pursue adoption, you will want to consider the pros and cons you may face along the way. 

Pros 

• Whether you have experienced fertility issues, are a single male, or do not want to pursue other pregnancy options, no matter your reasoning, adoption allows you to become a single parent.
• Through open adoption, you can continue to have a relationship with the birth mother, which provides your adopted child a larger support system and a better understanding of their life as an adoptee. 
• From gender, age ranges, ethnicity, health, and more, you can set certain guidelines for the baby you are hoping to adopt as an adoptive parent.
• You provide a birth mother the peace of mind that their child will be ok. The majority of adoption opportunities are from birth mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. These women choose adoption because they know it is the best opportunity for their children. 

Cons

• The adoption process can be lengthy. Because birth parents choose you, a specific timeline of when you will adopt and become a parent does not exist.
• Adoption is expensive. Screening, financial support for the birth mother, and many other costs along the way can quickly add up.
• Explaining adoption to your child, family, and friends can be difficult. Every adoptee will react differently. Although studies have shown that discussing adoption is healthy for everyone involved, and open adoption can help the situation, it can still be a challenge. Friends and family may not understand why you chose this path or may have their own opinions on adoption. 
• Although your child is legally recognized as part of your family, they are biologically related to the birth mother.
• You may experience a disruption. During an adoption, until a birth mother has provided her legal consent and relinquished her parental rights, there is a chance she chooses a different adoptive parent or changes her mind altogether. Disruptions can be difficult to understand and deal with.

Although adoption is an excellent opportunity if you wish to become a single parent, keep in mind every situation is unique and different pros and cons can arise throughout the process. Take your time, research your options, and speak with adoption professionals before making any decisions.

Contact American Surrogacy

Whether through surrogacy or adoption, becoming a parent is a life-changing decision. American Surrogacy is here to help determine which path is best for you and guide you every step of the surrogacy process! To get answers to all of your questions, discuss your concerns, and learn more about the process, give us a call at 1-800-875-2229 or fill out this online form to speak with a surrogacy professional.

Being pregnant can be overwhelming, especially during a busy holiday season. As a prospective surrogate, this sense of responsibility heightens. You are looking after the intended parents’ growing baby, and you are likely looking after a family of your own throughout the holidays. In other words, this can all become stressful pretty quickly. That’s why American Surrogacy is here to help!

To get free surrogacy information now, you can fill out our online contact form whenever you feel ready. In the meantime, though, we have put together this comprehensive guide of three tips for pregnant surrogates during the holidays. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it.

1. Enjoy Some Free Time

To say that the holidays are a busy time would be a drastic understatement. That’s not to say that you don’t enjoy all the festive events and traditions. Maybe you typically go all-out and deck your halls with a bunch of decorations. Maybe you prepare a massive feast for all your friends and family members. Whatever the case may be, this could be the year to dial things back a bit.

It is completely OK to turn down invitations and say “no.” You’re a pregnant surrogate, and that means you’ll need to take some time for yourself this holiday season. After all, you’re not just taking care of yourself this year; you are also looking after the baby in your belly. You don’t want to impose stress or a bunch of busy activities on the baby, so you will need to take it easy for yourself, too.

Instead, enjoy some free time. Or, find more relaxing alternatives to your usual holiday traditions. For instance, here are some options that you can consider:

• Make a simple meal (instead of a complicated holiday turkey) for your friends and family.
• Enjoy a relaxing staycation full of holiday movies by yourself or with loved ones.
• Book a vacation for after your surrogacy journey to celebrate with others.

Remember, it is important to put yourself (and the baby) first this holiday season. Save yourself the stress and say “no” to obligations if you need to. You are pregnant during the holidays. There is no shame in doing so!

2. Spend Some Time with Your Family

As a pregnant surrogate, you may feel that you are constantly spending time with the intended parents. You are doing something brave, heroic and selfless for another family. That is nothing short of beautiful. But, it can be easy for you to end up spending more time with this family than your own.

Because the holidays are always a perfect time to reconnect with your family members, you can focus on your own family this season. To ensure that you spend some time with them, here are a few tips that we can give you:

• Cut back on communication with the intended parents. You can still talk with the intended parents and wish them a happy holiday season! But, communicating with them a little bit less gives you more time to spend with your family. Be sure to speak with your surrogacy professional beforehand.
• Spend time with your children (if applicable). It is always beneficial to speak with your kids about surrogacy at the appropriate time. The holidays can be a great time to explain how surrogacy works to your children. Talking about surrogacy with children can be difficult, but it is necessary if you have them. Whether you’ve had that conversation with them or not, the holidays are perfect for some quality time with your kids.
• Enjoy a date night with your partner or spouse (if applicable). Surrogacy during the holiday season can take up plenty of your time. Hire a babysitter or ask if your friends or family can watch your children for an evening. Then, enjoy a night out on the town with your special someone!

Although the holidays can be overwhelming and busy, spending some time with your family can help mitigate that stress. This is an opportunity to spend time with the people who are important to you.

3. Exercise Self-Care

You may already know this, but pregnancy is hard. Throw surrogacy into the mix, and things get even more complex. So, exercising self-care this holiday season can be a great way to ensure that you are giving yourself (and the baby) a much-needed break. With that being said, here are a few tips to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself:

• Get plenty of rest. Sleep is vital for your (and the baby’s) well-being. If you feel tired or even exhausted, then sleep! Don’t wake up too early if you don’t have to, and listen to your body to give it the rest that it needs.
• Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is one of the most important parts of staying healthy. Although there will be other tempting beverages, such as (non-alcoholic) eggnog, drinking water is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your body.
• Ask for help from loved ones. There is no shame in asking for help to lighten the weight on your shoulders. For example, maybe have your partner or spouse take over half of the holiday shopping list. Surrogacy is difficult, and asking for help in other areas of life can help you devote some more time to it.

The holidays are a busy time, to say the least. As a prospective surrogate, these tips should help get you started for surviving (and thriving) during the holiday season! Remember that you can get more surrogacy information now by filling out our online contact form.

As an intended parent, there can be plenty of details swarming through your brain. While you prepare for parenthood, there is a lot to think about. What is the right surrogacy match for you? What biological connection is there between the prospective surrogate and your baby? It’s common and natural to consider questions like these.

That’s why we’re here to help you out. If you are curious about the genetic connection in surrogacy between the surrogate and baby, then you’re in the right place. We have created this comprehensive guide to give you the information that you’ve been searching for. Now, you can get an answer to that lingering question: Can a baby look like the surrogate mother?

Does the Baby Look Like the Surrogate Mother? [Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy]

Because you are an intended parent, you might be wondering, “Will the baby look like the surrogate mother?” To answer that question, you will need to understand the differences between gestational and traditional surrogacy. The vast majority of surrogacies today are gestational, and traditional surrogacies are illegal in many states.

When it comes to gestational surrogacy, there is no genetic connection between the prospective surrogate and the baby. This is because there is a sperm or egg donor involved, and many surrogacy professionals consider this the safer and more ethical option. So, can babies look like their surrogate? In gestational surrogacy, they won’t. It uses in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is when a doctor takes sperm to fertilize eggs outside of the body. Once the eggs are fertilized, they become embryos. These embryos are then transferred to the prospective surrogate.

Traditional surrogacy, on the other hand, uses an intended father’s or donor’s sperm. But it does not use an intended mother’s or donor’s egg. In other words, the prospective surrogate is the biological mother of the child. This can be much trickier for everyone involved, as there will be extra steps and legal precautions to be mindful of.

Explaining the Surrogacy Screening Process [Do Babies Look Like Their Surrogate Mothers?]

If you are still wondering, “Does a surrogate baby look like the parents,” then it may be helpful to have a deeper understanding of the surrogacy screening process. Starting the surrogacy process as an intended parent can be overwhelming. So, developing a solid understanding of the screening process for prospective surrogates can bring you some peace of mind.

For instance, American Surrogacy has a thorough screening process that is designed to provide you with as much reassurance as possible. We make sure that all prospective surrogates we work with are physically and mentally ready to embark on this journey. There are many emotional highs and lows of surrogacy, and we can guarantee that all our prospective surrogates are prepared for them. On top of rigorous background screening, they must meet the following set of requirements for surrogate mothers:

• Between 21 and 38 years old
• A BMI of 19-32
• Non-smoker and no use of illegal drugs or other substances
• No exposure to secondhand smoke
• Have had at least one successful pregnancy but no more than five C-sections
• Currently raising a child of their own
• No significant complications in previous pregnancies
• Completed a pap smear within the past year
• And more

Because of these requirements, American Surrogacy can ensure that all our prospective surrogates are ready to meet the demands of both a successful surrogacy and pregnancy. Although it’s common for intended parents like you to wonder, “Does a surrogate baby look like the parents,” this ultimately doesn’t matter.  Whether a baby looks like you or the prospective surrogate isn’t important in the grand scheme of a successful surrogacy.

What Matters in a Successful Surrogacy

So, if genetic makeup doesn’t matter in a successful surrogacy, then we should tell you what does matter. As you enter your surrogacy contract as an intended parent, it can be helpful to prepare some questions for a prospective surrogate. Finding the right match is an important step, so we’ve given you some examples of questions to get you started:

• What are some of your hobbies and interests?
• How would you describe your family?
• What education do you have?
• Why do you want to become a surrogate?
• What is your previous experience with surrogacy?

To get free surrogacy information now, you can fill out our online contact form at any time. We would love to help you get started on your surrogacy journey today! We are here for you whenever you may need us.

As the holiday season approaches, we here at American Surrogacy want to take time to reflect and recognize the incredible journey we’ve been on with all of our amazing surrogates and intended parents in 2021.  

Even though we’ve all faced challenges through the pandemic, we are grateful for the opportunity to help build families and see surrogates making a tremendous sacrifice to help intended families see their dreams of parenthood become a reality. 

Angie, one of our surrogacy professionals, always uses the holiday season as a time to reflect on all of the families we’ve worked with. 

“The holidays are my favorite time of the year and I am thankful to surrogates for making the ultimate sacrifice to allow others to become parents or add to their family. I’m thankful this option is available to so many families who otherwise felt they were at the end of their road.” 

“Although it might be a new normal, it finally feels like we are getting closer to getting through the pandemic and we can’t wait to help surrogates and intended parents achieve their surrogacy dreams in 2022.”   

While intended parents seeing their child for the first time is life-changing, surrogacy isn’t just about the day a baby is born. It’s about the journey everyone involved takes together to reach a happy ending. 

We want to take this time to recognize everyone that plays a role in the amazing surrogacy process. 

1. The Selfless Surrogates Who Help Our Intended Parents  

There is a strong commonality you all share; the desire to help. 

Having experienced the miracle of pregnancy and the joy of parenthood gives you the perspective to understand what intended parents face when having a biological child of their own isn’t possible. 

Your choice to become a gestational carrier to help give an intended parent the gift of having a child is incredible. 

We’re thankful for the opportunity to work with all of you because we know carrying a child for someone else comes with its set of challenges.  

Your sacrifice, time, energy and willingness to do something so amazing for someone else is what drives us to be the best surrogacy agency we can be. 

Thank you to all of our gestational carriers who have helped bring life into the world in 2021! 

• Our Amazing Intended Parents Seeing Their Dreams of Parenthood Become a Reality 

Whether you’re patiently waiting for the day your baby is born, or you’ve experienced the birth of your child in 2021, we want to say how thankful we are for the opportunity to work with so many amazing intended parents. 

We know many of our intended parents come to us as the last hope for a biological child. It’s an honor for us to be a part of helping make that dream become a reality through surrogacy.  

There is no greater joy than helping intended parents find the perfect surrogate and realize the chance to become a parent is on the horizon.  

We want to wish all of our intended parents their families the very best this holiday season. 

• Our Surrogacy Professionals Who Work Tirelessly to Help Build Families  

Our surrogacy specialists, like Angie and Katie, are instrumental in helping our surrogates and intended parents come together to make surrogacy dreams come true. 

Family-building through surrogacy can be a lengthy and detailed process. Our goal is to help our surrogates focus on having the healthiest pregnancy possible and allow our intended parents to offer support and prepare for becoming parents by working hard in the background. 

Our professionals spend most of their time coordinating with various professionals during the surrogacy process while also offering support, education and resources when our intended parents and surrogates need it. 

This year, we want to offer a special thank you to all of our extraordinary surrogate professionals who play a significant role in building families through surrogacy. 

As We Look Ahead to 2022 

While looking back on another fantastic year at American Surrogacy, we also want to focus on the future and our goal of continuing to help build families through the life-changing journey of surrogacy. 

As surrogacy continues to grow as a way for intended parents to have a biological child and surrogates to experience the joys of pregnancy again while also helping intended parents, we strive to ensure that all of our clients get the support and resources they need. 

Our message is clear: We are here to help you every step of the way and to provide you with everything you need to have a healthy pregnancy that results in a beautiful child. 

For prospective surrogates and individuals or couples dreaming of parenthood and reading this, we are ready to provide you with the information you need to begin your surrogacy journey. 

Prospective surrogates can contact us online here. Intended parents, you can connect with a surrogacy professional today by completing this online form. 

We can’t wait for the opportunity to help your surrogacy dreams come true! 

Adoption and surrogacy are two amazing ways to build a family, but there are some important things to know before beginning your surrogacy journey. 

• Surrogacy and adoption have some significant differences. 
• The surrogacy process can be lengthy. 
• Intended parents can match with a well-qualified surrogate when working with a reputable surrogacy agency. 

Before we talk about the differences between adoption and surrogacy and how the surrogacy process works, it’s important to know that you can always reach out to a surrogacy professional by completing this online contact form. 

If you’re considering surrogacy after adopting a child, you probably have many questions about how surrogacy for intended parents works. An experienced professional is ready to answer all of your questions. 

Having already adopted a child, you know what it’s like to match with a birth mother, develop a relationship and experience the joy of seeing your child for the first time. 

Surrogacy offers some similarities in matching and experiencing a remarkable journey with a woman carrying your child. However, the dynamic in your relationship has some unique differences, and the medical process is more complex, which is why we want to provide you with as much information as possible to prepare you for what’s ahead. 

What is Gestational Surrogacy and How Does it Work? 

Gestational surrogacy is when a surrogate carries a child for an intended parent but has no genetic link to the child. Through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), an embryo created by the egg and sperm of the intended parents (or donor) is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. 

Gestational surrogacy differs from traditional surrogacy in that a traditional surrogate would have a genetic link to the child. 

As surrogacy has become more popular and past cases of parental rights issues such as the case of “Baby M,” surrogacy professionals have moved away from traditional surrogacy and only work with gestational carriers. 

In your adoption, you may have matched with a birth mother well into her pregnancy or potentially after the baby was born. 

But what about pregnancy and the medical process of surrogacy? 

How the Surrogacy Medical Process Works 

First, you can find a complete guide to the surrogacy medical process here. You can also get more information from a surrogacy professional by filling out this online contact form. 

As the intended parent, you want the best chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby from your surrogate. 

To ensure that is the case, prospective surrogates must undergo a thorough screening process to determine they are medically and psychologically ready to be a surrogate. 

The screening process includes: 

• A healthy BMI 
• Between the ages of 21-40 
• At least one previous successful pregnancy 
• No major complications from previous pregnancies  
• No untreated STDs 
• No smoking, drug use or exposure to second-hand smoke 
• No use of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications for the last 12 months 
• And more 

After the initial screening process, surrogates will participate in medical and psychological evaluations to ensure they are medically ready to move forward with a gestational pregnancy and prepared for the complex emotions associated with pregnancy and becoming a gestational carrier. 

Once all screenings are complete and a prospective surrogate is determined to be a qualified candidate, the matching process will move forward, followed by sitting down with your surrogacy attorney to draft your legal surrogacy contract. 

Included in your legal contract is determining:  

• How much financial compensation beyond covering medical costs will be given to your surrogate. 
• The number of embryo transfers will take place to achieve a positive pregnancy. 
• An agreement on issues such as selective reduction or termination. 
• Your involvement in prenatal appointments and the birth of the child. 
• The risks and liability associated with the pregnancy. 
• Your preferences for diet restrictions during pregnancy. 
• And more 

After you and the surrogate have agreed to the legal contract, you can move forward with the medical process of surrogacy. 

Remember, you can always get more information on the entire surrogacy process by contacting one of our surrogacy professionals. 

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost? 

Because each surrogacy journey is different, it’s always best to reach out to one of our professionals to discuss surrogacy costs. 

We also have a guide on general surrogacy costs here. 

Additionally, your surrogacy attorney and the surrogate’s attorney will work to develop an agreeable amount of compensation beyond the standard costs. 

What’s it Like to Match with a Surrogate? 

As previously mentioned, the matching process in surrogacy differs from adoption. As an intended parent, you match with well-qualified surrogates who have passed an extensive screening process, medical exam and psychological evaluation. 

When working with a surrogacy agency, the goal is to always match you with a surrogate that gives you the best possible chance for a healthy pregnancy and successful surrogacy journey. 

Your surrogacy professional will handle the entire matching process to ensure the surrogate you work with fits your specific needs and goals, giving you the chance to focus on building a relationship with her as you move forward in the process. 

Finding a surrogate safer and quicker is one of the many benefits of working with an experienced agency and professional. 

You can get more information on surrogacy matching and the entire surrogacy process by completing this form to connect with one of our professionals today. 

What are the Surrogacy Requirements for Intended Parents? 

In general, the surrogacy requirements for intended parents are about preparation. 

There are four key elements to preparing for your surrogacy journey. 

• Research – When considering surrogacy, the best place to start is to research your state’s surrogacy laws, consult your doctor or a fertility clinic and read information on the basics of the surrogacy process. You can also reach out to anyone you know who has experience with surrogacy to gain different perspectives. 
• Emotionally Prepare Yourself – Because surrogacy is a lengthy process and could include multiple embryo transfers to achieve a positive pregnancy, it’s vital that you and your partner or spouse are fully committed to the process and ready for any challenges. You’ll also need to commit to psychological screening and counseling both during and after the surrogacy process. 
• Prepare Your Finances – Surrogacy is expensive, and you’ll need to prepare yourself for the costs associated with this type of family building. You’ll want to speak with your surrogacy professional to determine your exact costs and prepare for the additional surrogate compensation during the process. 
• Legal Protection – Legal counsel for creating your surrogacy contract and protecting your parental rights is another crucial step in preparing yourself for surrogacy. Your attorney will help navigate your state’s surrogacy laws as well as obtain a pre-birth order to establish yourself as the baby’s parent legally. 

What Else Do You Need to Know about Surrogacy? 

The information provided here outlines the surrogacy process, surrogacy costs and requirements for intended parents. 

The next step is to reach out to one of our experienced surrogacy professionals to learn more about how to get your surrogacy journey started today. 

Why work with a surrogacy agency? 

• A history of success 
• Unlimited matching 
• Extensive surrogate screening 
• Support and guidance every step of the way 
• Protection of surrogacy fees 
• And more 

You deserve to work with the best professionals to ensure you have the safest and smoothest experience possible. 

Surrogacy is an amazing journey filled with twists and turns, some planned, some unexpected. There may be times where you encounter devastating obstacles. Whether it’s the embryo transferring not taking, a miscarriage or infant loss, experiencing heartbreaks during your surrogacy process is an unfortunate reality for many families. 

That’s why October has been chosen as the month to commemorate pregnancy, infant loss and miscarriage awareness month. Many families don’t know where to turn and feel they must grieve alone, struggling to cope with the loss of their infant or pregnancy. During this month, we encourage families, whether they’ve experienced infant or pregnancy loss or not, to recognize those who have. You should never have to bear these difficult emotions in silence. This month stands to help these families cope with grief in a healthy way. 

While the entirety of October is an awareness month, Oct. 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. “Remembering Our Babies,” a group dedicated to spreading awareness of this issue and encourages everyone to light a candle at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15 to represent the pregnancies and infants that were lost too early. 

The organization also offers guidance for coping with grief of a lost pregnancy or infant over the course of the year. Friends and families can view suggestions on how to support and counsel loved ones going through this grief process. 

In addition to the worldwide candle lighting, you can also see if an organization near you is hosting an awareness walk or activity within the month of October. You can also submit information about an event you’re hosting for advertising on their website. 

How to Cope with Pregnancy or Infancy Loss [Reach Out for Support] 

Many families might not know where to turn for help processing their grief. You might find more solace in one outlet than another. Fortunately, there are many resources available to those going through this difficult experience. 

Step 1. Find someone you can talk to 

The pain of losing an infant or pregnancy is immeasurable. Keeping all of these emotions to yourself can compound the pain and grief you are already experiencing. Your silence can potentially make it difficult if not impossible to grief properly and move forward. Verbally acknowledging your feelings can help you process them and work through them in a progressive way.   

You can find support in a spouse, parent, sibling friend or surrogacy specialist. Being able to talk about your grief can be a great form of emotional release. During National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month also allows you to connect with other families who have experienced this loss.  

Step 2. Find a support group 

There is an abundance of support groups and forums made up of people who are experiencing a lot of the emotions that you may be. Through this groups you can find a safe space to talk about your experience, receive emotional support, connect with others and support them and get tips on accessing helpful resources during this time. 

Whether these groups are in-person or via an online forum, having a community of individuals who can relate to your experience can be incredibly helpful in processing your grief and reaffirms that you are not alone. 

Step 3. Commemorate Your Loss in a Way that’s Meaningful to You 

There are many ways you can remember what you have lost on October 15. You can light a candle in remembrance of not only yours, but all the little ones that have been lost. Some communities organize walks or charity events to remember the ones lost.  

You might donate to a charity that helps other families who are going through the same pain you are. Some families even plant a tree or create some form of a memorial in remembrance of their lost infant. There is no right or wrong way to commemorate your loss. You may decide to do so in a way that’s personal and unique to your family. As long as you find a way to do so in a way that’s means something to you and brings you a sense of closure. 

Many surrogacy specialists can provide counseling and support to intended parents who are coping with their grief during this difficult month. They can also refer you to trusted professional counselors and/or other pregnancy and infant loss support groups. 

The surrogacy groups listed below can help you cope with your grief and connect with others who are experiencing something similar: 

• Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support 
• E.N.D. 
• BabyCenter’s Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Loss Community 

• Healing Hearts 

You can also find a full list of infertility and infant loss groups in the United States here. 

The grief of losing a pregnancy or infant should never be something you have to deal with in silence. You are not alone. Your support system, surrogacy specialist and community of those who share in your grief will be there for you to lean on. To get the emotional support you need, reach out to a surrogacy specialist today. 

As a surrogate or intended parent, you will get a say in the intended parents that you will be carrying for or the surrogate you want to carry your baby.  It’s important that you match with a person or couple who shares your values and surrogacy goals. But what if you choose the intended parents or surrogate and further down the line change your mind? Can you choose a different person or couple? 

Yes! You should never be made to feel like you have to surrogate for intended parents that you don’t feel comfortable carrying for or choose a surrogate who you don’t want to carry your child. You will always have the right to choose the person or couple you feel best align with your surrogacy goals. Surrogacy is a complex and collaborative process. Having that special connection with the intended parents or surrogate will make for a positive surrogacy experience and foster a lasting bond. 

The Choice is Always Yours 

If you want to pursue surrogacy you will be able to create a surrogacy plan. This will include your preferred compensation, roles and responsibilities, any contact arrangements once the baby is born and more. You will never be forced into doing anything you want to do. Surrogacy is a collaborative effort, so your input will always be valued, even if that means changing intended parents or surrogates. 

While you can change intended parents or surrogates, it’s important that you carefully consider what you’re looking for in the couple or person you will be embarking on this journey with, not only for your sake but for theirs as well. You can take all the time you need to find the match that you feel aligns with your surrogacy goals. Surrogacy is a big decision, so it’s important that you feel completely comfortable with the person or couple you have chosen. 

How do you know when you’ve found the right match? Many surrogates say they could feel it in their gut. 

“It was just a gut feeling. The moment she messaged me there was just something there,” said Megan about her first conversation with her intended parents. “It’s just kind of like, when you know, you know, and… I just knew that they were going to be my family.” 

Your surrogacy specialist will work closely with you to create a set of preferences for the intended parents or surrogate you are looking for. 

Whatever you’re looking for in intended parents or your surrogate, your surrogacy specialist will find a person or couple who meet those preferences and present you with their profiles. Once you find a match  that resonates with you, your surrogacy specialist will be able to set up a meeting so you can get to know them and ask any questions you might have.  

With the help of your surrogacy specialist you’ll never have to ask, “Can I change intended parents?” “What if I’ve changed my mind about the surrogate I’ve chosen?”  You always get to choose the intended parents or surrogate who is right for you, and you will never have to make a choice until you are 100% confident in this decision. 

How to Change Intended Parents [Finding the Right Connection] 

When embarking on a journey as important as surrogacy, we understand that your surrogacy goals may change as you progress through the surrogacy process. It will always be within your rights to change intended parents if you feel this is what’s best for you. 

But, how do you change matches when making this decision? There are a few steps involved: 

Step 1: Tell your Surrogacy Specialist 

Your surrogacy specialist is there to support you in whatever you need. They understand the complex emotions that come with surrogacy and will never judge you for changing your mind about the intended parents you want to carry for or surrogate you want to carry for you.  They want your surrogacy process to be a successful and positive one— and that can’t happen if you aren’t working with the right family. 

Always be up front with your surrogacy specialist. They will be there to help you work through your feelings and potentially address any fears you might have. Whether this decision stems from miscommunication or a misunderstanding, they’ll help you pinpoint exactly what you are looking for in intended parents or surrogate. 

After you tell your specialist about your decision and you’ve talked through everything, they will break the news to your previously selected person or couple, and then help you learn more about how to change intended parents or surrogate and find the right match for you. 

Step 2: Think About what you Want 

If you decide to change intended parents or surrogate, it’s important that you identify the reasons why. Only then can you find the right couple or person to work with. 

Your specialist will talk with you in detail about your preferences and surrogacy goals when they talk about how to change intended parents, including what you didn’t like about the previous match. Together, you will create an updated list of preferences for the ideal intended parents you would like to carry for, and they will start collecting more surrogacy profiles for you to view. 

No matter how long it takes, you will find what you’re looking for, just like Nichole did. 

“We just decided we just wanted to work with each other; we have that connection that people say, ‘When you know, you know,’ and it’s true,” Nichole said. “You just know when it’s the right people to work with.” 

Step 3: Choose a New Surrogate or Intended Parents 

The rest of this process will be the same as choosing your initial match. You will get the chance to ask questions about the person or couple and even speak with them over phone to confirm they are the right choice for you. Think about the concerns you had about the last match, and make sure those are addressed before committing to this partnership. 

What to Consider When Changing Matches 

It’s normal to have reservations about intended parents or your surrogacy plan in general. Surrogacy is a big endeavor, and it’s nothing that you want to rush into before you are 100 percent ready. And that’s why many surrogates, like you, want to know, “Can I change intended parents if I need to?” 

The answer is yes. However, if you’re a surrogate, it’s important to recognize that intended parents have been through a lot, so it’s important to be 100% confident in your decision so that you aren’t jerking them around. Many prospective surrogate mothers and intended parents have an idea of what they want their “perfect match” to look like on paper, and it can be difficult to find intended parents or a surrogate that you feel that special connection with.  

No one is perfect, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a match that’s perfect for you. To get more information on what to do if you change your mind about a match, reach out to a surrogacy specialist today. 

When you choose surrogacy as intended parents, you’re not just getting a baby — you’re going to learn some important life lessons along the way.

First, here are a few things to remember before you choose to start or grow your family through surrogacy:

1. Gestational carriers will be sacrificing a lot to carry your baby for you — she deserves your respect.
2. Putting effort into building a relationship with your surrogate (and her family) can turn your surrogacy experience into a lifelong bond.
3. Your surrogate is eagerly anticipating the day that you get to meet your baby!

If this sounds like a journey that you’re ready to start today, call American Surrogacy at 1-800-875-BABY (2229). If you meet the requirements to become a surrogate and you’re ready to begin your journey, contact us online at any time.

Next, let’s take a look at some of the life lessons that go hand-in-hand with your surrogacy experience.

1. Respect for Surrogates and Intended Parents

When a woman chooses to carry a child for you, she is doing more than becoming pregnant. Her family, her body and her time are putting in the effort to help you start or grow your family. On the other hand, you having the courage to ask for help when you’re struggling to conceive a child is brave. Trusting a woman to carry the precious gift of a child for you while you shower her with love and appreciation is one of the ways that can bring others faith in humanity. Both gestational carriers and intended parents deserve respect for their loving efforts.

“We were all able to grow in this experience, and it taught us a greater appreciation for what we have and who we are. Surrogacy helped me appreciate the profound luck that many of us have with conceiving and birthing our children and helped me bring about a greater respect for those that cannot. — Kelli, a surrogate

2. Patience [It’s a Virtue of Surrogacy]

Once you decide to choose surrogacy, as a surrogate or as intended parents, you’re ready to get pregnant and have a baby. But, this doesn’t happen in nine months — it could take a year or two. You must be armed with patience and the knowledge that it will happen, even if it doesn’t happen on the first try.

“When you want a baby, you want it right now — you wanted it yesterday — so it’s very, very hard to be patient, but in the end, it’s worth it,” Lindsey said. “You want it to be a happy ending for everyone and, if you’re patient, it will come.” — Lindsey and Shiloh, intended parents

3. Compassion and Understanding

You know the adage of walking a mile in someone else’s shoes? This certainly applies to surrogacy. You may not be going through the pregnancy yourself, but your surrogate is. Asking her how she’s feeling and really taking the time to listen can make a world of difference in your personal relationship with your surrogate. Even joining her at prenatal appointments, if possible, can bring you much needed compassion and understanding.

“Once, in my 2nd trimester, I mentioned to the [intended] dads that sleeping was becoming uncomfortable,” Chelsie, a surrogate, said. “Days later, I came home from work and had a delivery on my front porch — they had bought me a pregnancy body pillow! This is just one of the many sweet things they did for me and my family.”

4. The Humility of Surrogates and Intended Parents

It can be hard to ask for help, especially with something as personal as fertility. When you reach out to American Surrogacy and ask for help finding a prospective surrogate to carry your child for you, it can be a humbling experience. Watching a woman that you may not (yet) know very well go through the rigorous medical process of preparing for embryo transfer, and then carrying your child for nine months, can quickly help you realize that she is a selfless and brave woman — she wants you to have a precious gift that you may be unable to create for yourself.

Cassie, a surrogate, explained the simplicity of the humbling experience of surrogacy to her children in this way:

“[The intended parents] need help having a baby — mommy can help them have a baby.”

5. Surrogacy is About More Than Getting a Baby

You want to start or grow your family through surrogacy, but you will get more than the precious gift of a baby. Through surrogacy, you will meet your incredible surrogate and her family — the spouse and children who are supporting her in the process of carrying your child. You will get the opportunity to get to know wonderful people for nine plus months or even for a lifetime.

“We got our dream baby, but more than that we met amazing people along the way and had renewed faith in humanity and the kindness and love that can get you through tough chapters in life.” — Katie and Bryn, intended parents.

6. An Appreciation for Health

Being unable to carry a child often has to do with health conditions. For example, heart conditions, diminished ovarian reserve, low sperm count and other conditions that make pregnancy dangerous or extremely difficult. Prospective surrogates must have a clean bill of health and proof that their previous pregnancies were low risk and healthy throughout. Surrogacy can be a reminder that some people develop health concerns throughout their lives that prevent them from doing the things that they want to do, like having a baby, and that’s OK.  

 “There are so many great people out there that want a child but can’t do it without help. You were blessed with a body that cannot only give you a family but could help build another!” — Alexis, a surrogate

7. A Surrogacy Support Team Makes All the Difference

When a woman plans to become pregnant with her own child, she has the support of her family and friends before, during and after childbirth. But when a woman becomes pregnant as a gestational carrier, she needs the extra support of American Surrogacy and you, the intended parents. Surrogacy is a unique journey that involves extra supportive people because so much planning, time, effort and love are going into the arrival of your precious child.

“I began the medications, and between the parents, [surrogacy agency], and family, I had people checking on me often to ensure everything felt right. We had the first transfer…and I was confirmed pregnant. It was an amazing feeling knowing we were on our way.” — Kelli, a surrogate

8. It Takes a Village [to Have a Child]

When you choose to have a baby through surrogacy, there are many people involved. It may seem like it’ll be just you (the intended parents) and your surrogate, but that’s not the case!

First, once you reach out to American Surrogacy you will get assistance from your screening coordinator and case manager. They will be involved in your journey from beginning to end, cheering you on and answering all of your questions.

Next, you begin the matching process which will result in you meeting your prospective surrogate. She will already have children of her own who you may get the opportunity to meet. Often, your surrogate will be married as well, which means you’ll probably meet her spouse, too.

Finally, you’ll meet with an attorney for contract negotiations and then there will be many other professionals behind the scenes. Fertility doctors, nurses, lab and ultrasound technicians are just a few of the many people involved in helping you have a baby. (Don’t worry: American Surrogacy can help you find these professionals and resources!)

Last, but not least, are the extended family and friends who are looking forward to meeting your baby. These are people who have been by your side as you made the decision to choose surrogacy. All of these people help make it possible for you to meet your baby for the first time and will be there for you as you embark on your journey to parenthood.

If you’re ready to begin your surrogacy journey today, call American Surrogacy at 1-800-875-BABY (2229). Contact us online at any time if you meet the requirements to become a surrogate and you want to learn how you can get started.