Surrogates | American Surrogacy Blog

Do Surrogates Get Maternity Leave?

One of the most common questions we get is “Do surrogates get maternity leave?” We’re here to help you understand what maternity leave looks like for surrogate mothers.

Recovering postpartum is hard, and many women need time away from work in order to return to their normal routines. When you become a gestational surrogate, it’s no different. But you may have questions about whether you qualify for surrogate maternity leave if you’re not bringing a child home from the hospital.

Depending on your employer and surrogacy agency, maternity leave for surrogates may be available. In this guide, we’ll explain what it takes to qualify for maternity leave for surrogates to help you as you navigate life postpartum.

If you would like to speak with a surrogate specialist about how much maternity leave you qualify for, then contact us online now to receive personalized support.

Do Surrogates Get Maternity Leave?

As a gestational carrier, it’s normal to wonder do surrogates get maternity leave. Although you won’t be taking a baby home, you still qualify for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as long as you meet the normal eligibility requirements.

Through FMLA, you can take up to 12 weeks of surrogate maternity leave, unpaid to recover from the “serious medical condition” of pregnancy.

Even though you won’t be taking care of a child, you will still need time off to physically recover and your job will be protected for up to 12 weeks.

Can You Work While Being a Surrogate?

Yes, you can work while being a surrogate. But, if you work weekdays, you may have to miss work for medical or psychological screenings, doctors’ appointments, the embryo transfer day and OBGYN appointments. Preparing your employer ahead of time can help them prepare for your surrogate maternity leave.

Also, you may need to consider job modifications depending on what you do. Some accommodations include more frequent restroom breaks and the ability to sit down more frequently then what’s usually allowed.

How to Qualify for Maternity Leave for Surrogate Mothers

If you’re wondering do you get maternity leave as a surrogate through FMLA, there’s certain requirements you must meet. In order to qualify for FMLA, you must:

Work for a covered employer
Work 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of leave
Work at a location where the employer has 50 or more employees within 75 miles
Have worked for the employer for 12 months

How to Talk To Your Employer About Maternity Leave for a Surrogate

Talking to your employer about taking surrogate maternity leave ensures that all your bases are covered following your surrogate pregnancy. Be honest and upfront as much as you think is necessary in your surrogacy journey. Your job will be protected, but notifying your employer can ensure your responsibilities are handled during your maternity leave as a surrogate.

Your surrogacy attorney can help you prepare by making you aware of your local workers’ laws and the compensation policies you’re eligible for. Prepare yourself with a list of talking points and questions so you know exactly what you want to say to your employer. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this conversation:

You’ll want to wait until you’re 20 weeks along to tell your employer about the pregnancy. A lot can happen in the first stage of the surrogacy process and there’s a chance that some things might not work out.
As the surrogate, you get to decide whether you want to tell your employer if you’re carrying a gestational pregnancy.
Avoid giving your employer a set time when you’ll be out of work. Many surrogates recover quickly but you don’t want to force yourself to go back to work too soon. Make sure you take the time you need to rest during your surrogate maternity leave.
Consider what you want to share with your co-workers about your pregnancy. You can help them learn about the surrogacy process if that’s something you want to share.

These conversations about maternity leave for surrogates can be complicated, but you should be proud of the heroic journey you’re embarking on. Our surrogate specialists at American Surrogacy will help you as you navigate life as a gestational carrier. You’ll never be alone on this journey.

Learn More About Maternity Leave for Surrogate Mothers

Still wondering do you get maternity leave if you are a surrogate? Contact us online now to see how much surrogate maternity leave you qualify for. Our specialists are ready to help.

What to Know About Surrogate Pay in 2023

Learn more about surrogate pay in 2023 and how we provide fair compensation for all our surrogates.

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey and one of the main concerns is how surrogate pay works. Being a surrogate involves a significant commitment of time and effort and it’s crucial that you’re rewarded fairly. At American Surrogacy, we take this responsibility seriously and are dedicated to ensuring that all our surrogates receive the surrogate compensation they deserve.

In this guide, we’ll dive into what the average surrogate pay is and how we provide fair surrogate compensation for our surrogates.

If you have any questions about becoming a surrogate with American Surrogacy, then contact us online now to receive personalized support from a surrogate specialist.

How Much Does Being a Surrogate Pay?

The amount of surrogate mother compensation you can receive will depend on a few factors. If you’re a first-time surrogate, you can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $90,000. If you’re a second-time surrogate, you can earn $60,000 to $110,000. Factors such as your cost of living and current income can determine how much surrogate pay you qualify for.

For example, if you’re a first time surrogate living in a mid-sized city in the Midwest and work part-time, you’ll earn $65,000 in total compensation for surrogate mothers. On the other hand, if you live in a city that has a higher cost of living and you’re a first time surrogate, you may earn up to $80,000 in surrogate pay.

You can determine your potential surrogate pay with our surrogate compensation calculator that factors in your experience and state of residence.

What Does Surrogate Pay Cover?

Our surrogate mother compensation package will increase your personal income and will cover your medical, legal and travel expenses. These expenses include:

Fertility medications
Embryo transfers
Travel expenses
Maternity clothes
Lost wages
Counseling
And more

Do You Receive Surrogate Pay Monthly?

Yes, you’ll receive surrogate mother pay monthly after you’ve completed and signed your surrogacy agreement. Throughout your surrogacy journey, you’ll receive monthly allowance to cover expenses, as well as fertility medications and the embryo transfer.

After your pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll receive your base compensation in monthly increments.

What is the Highest Surrogate Mother Compensation?

The most surrogate pay that has been offered is over $100,000. These are usually second-time surrogate carriers who can earn anywhere from $60,000-$100,000 because of past experience. Your cost of living and current income will also contribute to this amount.

American Surrogacy’s Promise on Fair Surrogate Mother Compensation

When you become a surrogate, we understand how much of a commitment it can be. That’s why we pride ourselves on providing the highest competitive surrogate pay in the industry. Our promise is to ensure you have the best experience possible and this means high surrogate compensation, a perfected match making system and constant support throughout every step.

When you speak with your surrogate specialist, you will get an upfront breakdown of how much surrogate pay you qualify for. Some agencies will claim that they pay the most in order to get the attention of prospective surrogates. Unlike these agencies, we make sure you receive enough surrogate compensation to reward you for the precious gift you’re providing.

Start Receiving Surrogate Mother Pay

Becoming a surrogate isn’t an easy journey and that’s why we go above and beyond to ensure you’re paid fairly. When you choose to embark on this journey, you’re choosing to give the gift of parenthood. And that’s why we’ll make sure you receive the surrogate compensation you deserve.

To begin receiving surrogate pay, contact us online now to get connected with a surrogate specialist. We’re here to help you get the surrogate compensation you need.

Can I Be a Surrogate if My Tubes are Tied?

If you’ve been wondering “can I still be a surrogate with my tubes tied” the answer is yes. We tell you how.

Maybe you’re done having your own children, but you want to help other intended parents achieve their goals of parenthood. While tubal ligation or having your ‘tubes tied’ can be a permanent solution to preventing you from having your own children, you can still carry an embryo to term.

If you’ve been wondering “can I still be a surrogate with my tubes tied” the answer is yes.

To get more information about our surrogate requirements, you can contact us today by filling out our online form or calling 1-800-875-BABY.

What Does it Mean to Have Your “Tubes Tied?”

Tubal ligation, commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure performed on individuals, typically women, as a permanent method of contraception. During this procedure, a surgeon seals or blocks the fallopian tubes, which are the pathways through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

By obstructing or cutting these tubes, the procedure prevents sperm from meeting an egg, thereby making pregnancy highly unlikely. Tubal ligation is considered a highly effective and irreversible method of birth control, providing individuals with long-term reproductive control and freedom from the need for ongoing contraception. While it is a significant decision due to its permanent nature, it offers peace of mind for those seeking to end their fertility journey or prevent unintended pregnancies.

How Can I Be a Surrogate With My Tubes Tied?

While many women who choose to have their tubes tied believe they can’t get pregnant on their own again, you may still be able to carry an embryo to term. A tubal ligation just prevents your own eggs from coming down from the ovaries to the uterus. You can still have your period and ovulate through you cycle, though. Some potential surrogates who have gone through the procedure ask “can I be surrogate mother after tubal ligation,” especially those who are seriously considering getting it reversed. The answer is that you are a great candidate for surrogacy when you have your tubes tied.

4 Reasons Why Being a “Tubes-Tied” Surrogate Is Great

You have an extremely low risk of getting pregnant with your own child.
With tubal ligation, you have an almost zero chance of accidentally getting pregnant on your own. This is of course ideal if you’re choosing to become a surrogate mother.
You’re done building your family.
If you’ve made the choice to have your tubes tied, it’s likely that you are done adding to your own family. This may mean you are in a better position to help others build their own family.
You don’t have to worry about how your fertility will affect your own family planning.
Surrogacy can come with many risks, including a loss of fertility. When you choose to take your fertility into your own hands with tubal ligation, fertility loss is likely something you’ve already accepted.
You’re more likely to be emotionally ready for the process.
Due to the fact that you have gone through tubal ligation, completed your own family goals and have chosen to pursue surrogacy, you are probably a better candidate for the emotional process of surrogacy.

If you want to be a surrogate, don’t let a tubal ligation stop you from pursuing your goals. You absolutely do not need to go through getting the tubal ligation reversed to become a surrogate. If you have questions about the procedure or your condition, contact a surrogacy specialist today.

Can I Be a Surrogate Without Having a Child?

Learn more about the importance of already having a child of your own before you can become a surrogate with American Surrogacy.

Surrogacy agencies have many requirements for surrogates to go through the surrogacy process. These are put into place to avoid risk and keep everyone’s best interests at heart.

To get more information about why needing to already have a child, you can fill out our online form to get in touch with a surrogacy specialist.

For anyone asking “can I be a surrogate without having a child,” they may not be a likely candidate.

The truth is most agencies will not work with a surrogate who has never been pregnant before and is not raising their own child. There are many risks and reasons why you cannot become a surrogate without having a child yourself.

Physical Challenges

Pregnancy has a plethora of physical challenges from morning sickness to fatigue. And you don’t know how you will react to any part of pregnancy until you go through it. On top of the typical physical side effects of pregnancy, you can also encounter some more serious complications. These may include preeclampsia, placental complications, congenital disorders and more.

Many of these issues you won’t be able to know the likeliness of until you go through pregnancy. Even if you are a healthy individual, you could still face physical challenges during pregnancy. To be a surrogate without having child could put you and the child in unnecessary risk.

Emotional Challenges

The emotional challenges of becoming a surrogate without having a child are just as harmful as the physical challenges. There are many emotions that you go through during pregnancy and post-partum, some of which you won’t understand until you go through them.

If you were to go through the surrogacy process as a first pregnancy or without having a child of your own, you may be more likely to have complicated emotions that could result in anxiety or depression. Without going through pregnancy previously, you also won’t know how post-partum depression and anxiety may affect you.

Risk for Intended Parents

If you are inexperienced with pregnancy, it won’t just affect you. It will also affect the intended parents. The intended parents who have chosen to go through surrogacy have often gone through every other route to become parents, not to mention spent thousands of dollars already.

Having a child through surrogacy is sometimes their last resort, especially if they have a limited amount of embryos. Surrogacy is too important to gamble their chances of becoming parents on a surrogate who hasn’t been pregnant before.

Don’t Give Up on Surrogacy

Just because you cannot become a surrogate without having a child right now does not mean you won’t be able to in the future. You could still become a surrogate once you’ve gone through pregnancy and have your own child. You can also go through alternative routes to help others pursue their family goals such as egg donation.

Doing more research on the surrogacy process can also help you better understand what is expected of our surrogates and how intended parents feel going through the process as well.

If you are interested in learning more about the surrogacy process, you can contact our team of surrogacy specialists at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

What You Should Know About Surrogacy Agency Reviews

Surrogacy agency reviews can tell you a lot about an agency. We can tell you what you need to know about finding quality reviews to help make your decision.

Today we rely on reviews for everything. We look at reviews of movies before we go see them, we check out reviews of restaurants to decide where to eat, and we even look up reviews of shampoo before we buy it. So why wouldn’t you look up the surrogacy agency ratings before you commit to one?

If you want more information about what to look for in surrogacy agency reviews, fill out our online form.

Navigating surrogacy agency reviews on the other hand can sometimes be tricky. There’s so much more relying on choosing the correct agency to begin your surrogacy process. This can help determine what you experience. So we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the reviews.

Reviews vs Testimonials

Clients who had a positive experience are sometimes asked by the agency to offer a testimonial that can be used on the company’s website. These will likely go into more detail and even include a video so you can feel connected to the real people who have been in your shoes. Testimonials are a good way to understand the surrogacy process and learn how the agency works with intended parents and surrogates.

Reviews of surrogacy agencies on the other hand are less of a production and may or may not be included on the website. But just like any business, positive reviews are always requested from clients. You can find reviews through Google and other ranking websites. However, it’s important to make sure you are using a reputable third party resource that is not dictated by sponsorships.

Negative Reviews

Negative reviews are more common than positive reviews. Statistically, people are more likely to leave a review if they had a negative experience. While positive reviews are important, negative surrogacy reviews can be just as important to read through. When you read negative reviews and notice patterns of the same situation happening to people over and over again, that might be a sign not to work with that agency.

Fake Reviews

Unfortunately fake reviews can muddle the information as you look through reviews. A fake review will usually have very generic language and information. They will use terms like “good” and “bad.” A fake review might also include incorrect grammar and spelling or the flow of sentences won’t quite make sense. Usually fake surrogacy reviews will be reported and hopefully removed, but they can still slip through the cracks so it’s important to be aware of them.

Find the Right Fit for You

Not every surrogacy agency is the same. Whether it’s the services, people or location, not every agency will be the right fit for everyone. You do not have to go with the first surrogacy agency you find through your research of surrogacy reviews. Take the time to ask questions and interview the people you would be working with. There may be pros and cons to each agency and you will have to weigh which one will ultimately be the best fit for you. Surrogacy is a big commitment and you should feel confident in your decision.

Do Your Research

Ultimately, the best thing you can do for yourself is to do your research before making the commitment to a surrogacy agency. Understanding the surrogacy process and what is expected from you can help you to better understand what is important to you when choosing a surrogacy agency. Once you understand the surrogacy process you will be able to better navigate the negative surrogacy agency reviews to determine if the review is about the process or the agency.

If you’re ready to begin your surrogacy process, contact us today.

Being a Surrogate for a Family Member [What to Know]

Being a surrogate for a family member is possible through American Surrogacy’s identified surrogacy program. Learn more about how to become a surrogate for a family member.

If you’re wondering if you can be a surrogate for a family member, the short answer is yes. Offering to become a surrogate for a family member is a beautiful way to help someone you love start a family. Surrogacy comes with its own challenges for anyone trying to start a family.

To get more information about being a surrogate for a family member, reach out to a surrogacy specialist today.

You will need to meet the requirements to become a surrogate for a family member, but it’s important to understand what can happen after you qualify.

Questions to ask yourself:

Is our relationship strong enough for this?
Will this make the surrogacy process more complicated due to family dynamics?
Do I want to do this, or do I feel pressured to do this?
What will our relationship be like after the baby is born?
Is surrogacy right for me?

Can You Be a Surrogate for a Family Member?

Yes! If you already know your intended parents, this is called identified surrogacy. Here are some things to consider before being a surrogate for a family member:

Changes in Relationship

It’s important to realize being a surrogate for a family member can change your relationship with that person. No matter how close you are to the intended parents, this could change the dynamic of your relationship. Because you have a different relationship from many intended parents and surrogates, you may feel like more or less inclined to advocate for yourself.

While family dynamics can change, you should be aware of where you started and where you want to grow as a family. But also remember, this could create a new level for your relationship that is positive. It has the potential to bring you closer to that family member and have a special bond with their child.

Set Boundaries

To try to prevent negative changes in your relationship, it can be helpful to set boundaries with each other. If you decide that being a surrogate for a family member is something you’d like to do, you should talk with the family member before moving forward with any medical procedures to decide how you’d like to relay information, when to talk about the baby, who can share information about the baby and more.

This is when working with a surrogacy agency can be beneficial. They will work through any mediation needed between intended parents and surrogates to make sure things go smoothly for a better surrogacy experience.

Altruistic Surrogacy

Altruistic surrogates do not require compensation. This means that you would not be paid for your service as a surrogate if you chose to go this route as a surrogate for a family member. Not all situations where intended parents know the surrogate result in altruistic surrogacy. However, some intended parents may choose this path due to the likelihood of finding an altruistic surrogate.

How to Become a Surrogate for a Family Member

If you’re interested in being a surrogate for a family member, American Surrogacy can help make this happen through our identified surrogacy program. As a surrogate, the identified surrogacy process will only differ in the matching step of your journey. Since you already have plans to be a surrogate for a family member, you don’t have to go through the matching process. Here’s what you can expect from our identified surrogacy process:

Reaching Out to American Surrogacy: If you decide American Surrogacy is right for you, you can reach out to our specialist at any time to begin your surrogacy process.
Legal Process: Since you already have your surrogacy partner in mind, you can move to the legal process of drafting a surrogacy contract. If you don’t have a surrogacy attorney, we can connect you with a surrogacy attorney from our network of professionals.
Medical Process: You’ll follow a fertility medication protocol to prepare your body for embryo transfer. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to create embryos using the intended parents’ genetic material. After successful embryo creation, one or more embryos are transferred to your uterus. Subsequent pregnancy tests will confirm whether the transfer was successful.
Birth and Beyond: Throughout the pregnancy, you’ll receive medical care and support from your healthcare team and the surrogacy agency. Regular check-ups ensure the health and well-being of both you and the baby. Following a healthy pregnancy, you’ll bring new life into the world for your family member. The birthing process will be coordinated with the intended parents’ involvement and preferences.

It’s Your Choice

If family members are pressuring you to be a gestational or altruistic surrogate for a family member, then this might not be a great fit. Decide for yourself if surrogacy is right for you. Learn more about what being a surrogate means and if you feel ready to become a surrogate for a family member. Get started by reaching out to a surrogacy specialist today.

Why Are There BMI Surrogacy Requirements?

The BMI surrogacy requirement can be a factor in your eligibility to become a surrogate. Discover what this means for you surrogacy journey, and why BMI requirements for surrogacy exist.

There are a lot of physical requirements to even begin applying to become a surrogate. Many times when you’re given a list of requirements you may wonder how serious or lenient different agencies may be on different standards. One that comes up often is the BMI requirements for surrogacy.

To get more information about BMI surrogacy requirements with our agency, fill out our online form or call 1-800-875-BABY.

Why BMI is Important

While many people in the health industry have been discussing the relevance of BMI in other areas of the medical field, BMI is still important to surrogate eligibility. We want to make sure that intended parents and surrogates have the best chance possible to have a child. When intended parents are choosing to use their own eggs, we have little room for error to help them achieve their dreams. We have BMI surrogacy requirements due to the risks listed below.

Higher BMI has been associated with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, pregnancy hypertension and other complications.
Complications with the baby after birth have been linked to birth mothers with a higher BMI.
Too high and too low BMI can make it more difficult to get pregnant.
Too high and too low BMI can increase the risk of pre-term delivery.

Required BMI Levels

We currently work with women whose have a BMI range of 19-32. This is based on the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s recommendations and what health professionals have determined is a healthy BMI range for adults. This range is set to exclude women who may be medically underweight or obese, which could cause dangerous situations when carrying a child.

Working with the BMI Requirement

If you are slightly over the required weight or BMI, you should speak with a surrogacy specialist. A reproductive endocrinologist can complete blood and urine test to determine whether you can successfully carry a child to term. If you want to become a surrogate, you can also work with your doctor or a registered dietician to help meet the surrogacy BMI requirements.

It’s important to keep in mind that our BMI requirement for surrogacy is just one of many. Our other surrogacy requirements include:

No smoking or illicit drug use
No tattoos or piercings in last six months
No major complications from previous pregnancies
At least six months since last vaginal or cesarean birth
And more.

When it comes to your health, the best thing you can do is to seek out health and nutrition advice from you physician. If you lay out your goals, including that you want to meet BMI surrogacy requirements, your doctor should be able to help you create a plan and recommend other health specialists who can assist you as well.

The best way to know if you are eligible to become a surrogate is by contacting a surrogacy specialist. If you have questions about the process, the BMI requirements, or anything else, contact us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY). And if you think you meet the requirements and want to proceed, contact us by filling out our quick prospective surrogate form.

Do Surrogate Mothers Share DNA With The Baby?

Do surrogates share DNA with the baby? We answer our most asked questions about genetics and surrogacy.

As you go through the surrogacy process you, and maybe even family members and friends, may have questions about the DNA of your child. Many people may choose surrogacy due to the genetic factor. But people still have questions about DNA and the genetic process. Common questions we get asked include:

Does the surrogate mother share DNA with the child?
Will the baby look like the surrogate mother?
Do surrogates share blood with the baby?
Does a gestational surrogate have a right to the baby?

To get answers to these questions and more, you can contact a surrogacy specialist today by filling out our online form or call 1-800-875-BABY.

Use this easy guide to understand the difference between traditional surrogacy vs. gestational surrogacy, and help those with questions understand your surrogacy process as well.

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate contributes her own egg to the in-vitro process. Once her egg is artificially inseminated by the intended father’s or donor’s sperm, an embryo is created which she will then carry to term in her uterus. In this form of surrogacy, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the child. This genetic relationship can come with unique challenges. Due to the higher level of legal risk with traditional surrogacy, it is rarely done today.

Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate and baby do not share any genetics. An embryo is created from the intended parents’ and/or donor’s egg and sperm. Once the embryo is created, it is transferred to the surrogate’s womb and she then carries the baby to term. This process is the most common form of surrogacy today, and the only form of surrogacy American Surrogacy completes.

Now, let’s answer those questions from above. We understand that many of the questions may be from well-meaning family members and friends who have a ton of thoughts on the process. However, we are here to offer you the information to make it clear that your child will not be genetically related to the surrogate.

Does the surrogate mother share DNA with the child?

Many people may think of traditional surrogacy when it comes to the surrogate process. They assume it’s her egg being used. This, of course, is not the case. You will use your egg or a donor’s egg to create the embryo that will be carried by the surrogate. The DNA will come from the egg that was used in the embryo. It will have nothing to do with the surrogate.

Will the baby look like the surrogate mother?

Again, the appearance of the baby comes down to who provided the sperm and the egg to create the embryo that results in a child.

Do surrogates share blood with the baby?

When people talk about “blood relation” they may be thinking of literal blood. While yes, a surrogate’s blood is used to help grow your child, they are not of “blood relation.”

Does a gestational surrogate have a right to the baby?

No. With gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not have any rights to the child. There will be a legal process that will allow you the legal rights of parenthood while the baby is in the womb.

When people ask if the baby is related to the surrogate mother, the answer is simply no. You will share the genetics with your child through your egg or sperm, or you can choose to use a donor if using your own is not an option for you.

If you want more information on surrogacy, contact us today at 1-800-825-2229 (BABY) or fill out our online form.

Is Surrogate Money Taxed?

You may have questions about how taxes come into play with your surrogate income. In this article, we break down whether or not your surrogate compensation will be taxed.

While surrogacy can create a worthwhile income for many surrogates, you might be wondering how this income relates to an income from a 9 to 5 when tax season approaches.

To get personalized support with being a surrogate and taxes, fill out our online form today.

So, do surrogates get taxed? The answer depends on your situation.

Does Surrogate Pay Get Taxed?

Some agencies or escrow services may send you a 1099 form, which would mean you’d be required to file your surrogacy income. You won’t have any taxes taken out of the income you receive from being a surrogate mother. Which means, you will have to set aside some money or find other resources to pay the taxes on it. Your surrogacy specialist and surrogacy attorney will help you find any resources to ensure you are filing your taxes correctly.

However, you may not receive a 1099 form, which is also somewhat common. A good surrogacy lawyer should include a clause about the taxes of surrogate income in your surrogacy contract. It should include who is responsible for paying the taxes that a surrogate may or may not incur on their surrogate compensation. You should have a conversation about how your income will be taxed and how to handle it come tax season with your attorney so you can be well prepared.

How Does Surrogate Income Get Exempt?

Gift – You may be able to avoid taxes by claiming the income as a gift from the intended parents. This is the most common way to make your surrogate income tax-exempt.
Pain and Suffering – Surrogacy doesn’t exactly meet the list of excludable injuries listed in Sec 104 of the Internal Revenue Code that describes qualified non-taxable incomes due to pain and suffering. However, some tax professionals may recommend this route. This isn’t the most common way to make your surrogate income tax-exempt., and is not recommended.
Pre-Birth Child Support – Since child support is tax-exempt, filing your surrogacy income as pre-birth child support can help you avoid tax liability. Again, this is not common, and professionals are not sure how this would hold up in court.

Talk With a Tax Specialist

You should always talk with a professional in the industry when it comes to sorting out your taxes. While your surrogate income is yours to spend how you wish, it’s important to be aware of how the IRS will view your income. Talking with your accountant, a tax specialist or your surrogacy attorney is a good idea before making any major purchases with the income.

In most cases, your surrogacy attorney will be able to assist you through this process. They will also generally be able to find a reason to prevent you from needing to pay taxes on the compensation.

If you have more questions about your gestational surrogate compensation and taxes, fill out our online form or contact us today at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

Disclaimer: The information in this article should not be taken as financial or legal advice. Please contact a tax lawyer for information on tax laws in your state.

7 Tips for a Healthy Surrogate Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy surrogate pregnancy helps ensure the well-being of yourself and the precious life you carry. As a surrogate, the responsibility of nurturing a developing baby requires special attention to physical, emotional and lifestyle factors to promote a safe and thriving pregnancy.

As a surrogate, you’ve been given one of the most important tasks out there: to grow and protect another person’s unborn baby. By prioritizing a healthy and safe lifestyle, you’ll provide a nurturing environment for the unborn child and will offer hope for individuals or couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

Maintaining a healthy and safe lifestyle is crucial as it directly impacts the well-being of the developing child. A commitment to good physical and mental health, regular prenatal care and proper nutrition ensures the optimal growth and development of the baby.

If you have any questions about how to live a healthy lifestyle as a surrogate, then contact us online or call 1-800-875-2229 to connect with a specialist.

In the meantime, here are seven surrogate pregnancy tips to help you have a safe, healthy experience:

1. Attend All Your OBGYN Appointments

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll need to check in with your OBGYN more frequently than you would for a standard pregnancy. Although you may be tired of going to the doctor so many times, these frequent visits help ensure that there are no complications in your surrogate pregnancy journey. Each appointment tracks your health along with your baby’s health as well.

To help make these appointments more bearable, you can invite the intended parents. Even if they’re unavailable, sending them a quick update, photo or video chatting with them after each appointment can help you feel excited as you navigate your surrogate pregnancy.

2. Stay on Top of Eating Healthy Meals and Hydrating

If you live a busier life, it can be easy to resort to fast food to satisfy your cravings. But, you’ll want to make sure that you (and the baby) have plenty of protein, fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Your health and the baby’s health are of utmost importance, so make sure you’re thinking about ways to eat healthier.

Dehydration is one of the leading causes of premature labor and can cause harm to both you and your baby. Drinking enough water can also provide the essential vitamins and minerals the baby needs. It’s important for both you and the baby that you drink plenty of water to avoid any complications in your surrogate pregnancy.

You’ll also want sure you know what food and drinks to avoid when pregnant and check in with your doctor if you need any tips for eating healthier and staying hydrated.

3. Take your Vitamins

As a surrogate, one of the last things you want to do is add more medications to your routine. But prenatal vitamins are an integral part in your surrogate pregnancy that ensures you and the baby are both getting what you need. Even though vitamins can help contribute to a healthy surrogate pregnancy, you need to make sure to stay on top of your diet at the same time.

Setting a daily alarm to take your vitamins and any other OB-approved medication can be helpful in case you forget.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

Your body is working overtime right now, so it’s important to get at least eight hours of sleep at night and take naps when you can. After the first trimester, try to sleep on your side as sleeping on your back can limit blood supply to the baby and may leave you feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have a hard time sleeping comfortably as your surrogate pregnancy progresses, you can always try a pregnancy pillow or prenatal massages (with your doctors approval) if you’re feeling sore.

5. Try Keeping Stress Levels Low

When you make the decision to pursue a surrogate pregnancy, the link between your cortisol levels and its effect on the baby is pretty strong. Your own physical health is tied to how you’re feeling emotionally, so you’ll want to focus on your emotional health to help keep you and the baby healthy.

Pregnancy often comes with many complex emotions and mood swings that are hard to control. With the added pressures of a surrogate pregnancy, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to talk with your specialist or another qualified counselor if you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Remember to take plenty of time to recharge, breathe and relax.

6. Journal or Scrapbook your Surrogate Pregnancy

Someday, this child may want to learn about the time you spent together and his or her parents won’t be able to tell that part of the story. It can be fun to write about your surrogate pregnancy experience in letters or a journal. If you want to get more creative, you can create a scrapbook with pictures throughout your pregnancy.

This can be a fun way to tell the child about your time together, your time with their parents and how excited you are to meet them and see them grow up with their family.

7. Involve the Intended Parents as Much as you Can

If you’re unsure when the intended parents should be involved, you can always talk with your surrogate specialist for advice. Generally, most intended parents are eager and excited to be included in your surrogate pregnancy experience to whatever extent you’re comfortable with. Many intended parents would love to see sonograms and pictures of your growing belly.

Most communication involves text messages about how you’re feeling and can include invitations to your doctor appointments. If you live nearby the intended parents, having them stop by for a quick visit can be a nice way for you to get to know each other and build a lasting relationship. Having a strong relationship with the intended parents can make the process a beautiful journey for all involved.

If you need any more advice on how to have a healthy surrogate pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your American Surrogacy specialist. You can always contact us online or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).