Do Surrogates Share DNA with the Baby?

Does a surrogate share DNA with the baby? We help dispel this common myth about modern surrogacy. Learn more about gestational surrogacy.

Many hopeful parents choose surrogacy because they cannot conceive a child on their own, but want to have a genetic link to their child. The generous commitment of surrogates and the gestational surrogacy process make this possible!

If you want to help create families but are worried about sharing DNA with the child you carry, we’ll explain how gestational surrogates get pregnant and who’s DNA the baby will have.

If you have questions about being a surrogate or surrogate pregnancy,, contact us online or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).

If you’re a hopeful parent wanting to grow your family through surrogacy wondering “Does a baby get any DNA from a surrogate mother?” you can find out more about the surrogacy medical process here.

Does a Surrogate Mother Share DNA with the Baby?

In gestational surrogacy, no, you and the baby will not share any DNA.  The baby will only share DNA with their parents and any sperm or egg donor that is needed.

Do Surrogate Babies Have Both Parents’ DNA?

In some cases, yes.  For couples struggling with infertility due to issues not relating to egg or sperm quality, both parents may be able to share a genetic connection to their child. In the case of same-sex couples or infertile couples where one or both cannot produce viable eggs or sperm, they will need to use a donor. This means the baby will have the DNA of one parent and the gamete donor, but will not have any biological connection to you.

Do Surrogates Share Blood With the Baby?

No, just as you won’t share DNA with the baby you carry, you will not share blood with them either. Being pregnant with a child is not enough to create any blood-related connection. The baby will only be related by blood to the people whose egg and sperm were used in the IVF process, which in the case of gestational surrogacy are the intended parents and a donor if one is needed.

What is Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is the most commonly practiced form of surrogacy today. In gestational surrogacy, an embryo is created through the IVF process, using the hopeful parents’ sperm and eggs or that of a donor. After completing a regimen of fertility drugs, the embryo will be transferred to your uterus.

So, if you’re wondering “Does a surrogate mother share DNA with the baby?” the answer in this instant will always be no. Because your eggs are not used as a gestational surrogate, you will not share any genetic link to the intended parents’ baby.

Traditional vs. Gestational Surrogacy

A common misconception about surrogacy that leads to the question of “Do surrogates share DNA with the baby?” is that every surrogacy is a traditional surrogacy.. Traditional surrogacy is the practice of the surrogate using their own eggs for the surrogacy process. This route of surrogacy is rarely used today due to the legal and emotional challenges it poses.

Our agency exclusively works with gestational surrogacy. We want to ensure everyone’s emotional well-being, as well as physical, is protected throughout their surrogacy journey. Gestational surrogacy makes it easier for the intended parents to establish parentage, and prevents blurred lines.

Get Started Today

We’ve worked with many surrogates to create thousands of families.. We want to help you get started on your own journey. We are ready to answer any questions you or your loved ones may have about starting out as a surrogate. Contact us today to get started