Expecting blog

Surrogates

Surrogacy in Northern Cyprus: Laws, Parentage, Citizenship & Risks - 9 min read

When researching international surrogacy destinations, Northern Cyprus can appear attractive at first glance. It is often marketed as relatively affordable, accessible from Europe, and part of a growing fertility tourism market. For intended parents facing high costs, long wait times, or limited options in their home country, it can seem like a shortcut. But the reality is far more complicated. Recent court cases and legal…

Surrogates

Rh-Negative Surrogate: Can You Be a Surrogate With Rh-Negative Blood? - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Being Rh-negative does not automatically prevent someone from becoming a gestational carrier. What matters medically is whether an Rh-negative carrier could be exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood and whether she has already developed relevant antibodies. Blood typing and antibody screening allow the medical team to assess this. What does Rh-negative mean? The Rh factor is a protein found on red blood…

Surrogates

Is Surrogacy Safe for Women? A Medical Perspective - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Gestational surrogacy can be carried out with extensive medical, psychological and legal safeguards, but it is not risk-free. A gestational carrier faces the risks associated with pregnancy and delivery as well as treatment related to embryo transfer. Screening and careful care can reduce some risks; they cannot eliminate them. What medical risks does a surrogate face? Gestational carriers can experience complications…

Surrogates

How to Vet a Surrogate Profile Effectively - 4 min read

If you are starting your journey to find a surrogate, reviewing profiles can feel overwhelming. With so many options available across different platforms and every surrogacy agency, it is important to know how to properly evaluate each candidate. A well-structured surrogate profile screening process helps you reduce risk, save time, and move forward with confidence. In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to…

Surrogates

How to Become a Surrogate in the U.S.: Step-by-Step Guide - 5 min read

What Happens After You Apply to Be a Surrogate? This page focuses on the application-to-clearance stage for prospective gestational carriers. If you are looking for the broader eligibility and journey overview, see our complete guide to becoming a surrogate. In the U.S., most journeys involve gestational surrogacy, meaning: The surrogate does not use her own eggsThe embryo is created through IVFThe surrogate has no genetic…

Surrogates

How Surrogacy Requirements Protect You - 3 min read

1. Health Screenings Safeguard Your Well‑Being Before you start, your health will be thoroughly evaluated physically and emotionally. Medical checks look at your overall health, reproductive history, and mental resilience. These screenings are intended to identify relevant risks and support informed decision-making. They can reduce avoidable risk, but they cannot ensure an uncomplicated pregnancy or a particular outcome. 2. Age & Pregnancy History: Proven Readiness…

Gestational surrogate pregnancy and questions about twins and embryo transfer

Surrogates

Do Surrogates Get Paid More for Twins? Twin Bonus & Extra Compensation - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Yes, many gestational-carrier agreements provide additional compensation if a surrogate carries twins, but there is no universal “twin bonus” or standard nationwide amount. The amount, timing and conditions should be negotiated and written into the gestational-carrier agreement before treatment begins. It is also important to separate the financial question from the medical one: a twin pregnancy carries greater medical risk than…

Surrogates

What to Expect Postpartum as a Surrogate - 3 min read

1. Physical Recovery: Give Your Body Time Like anyone recovering from childbirth, your body will need time to heal—whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section. Expect changes like: Bleeding (lochia) that tapers off over 4–6 weeksAbdominal cramps, pelvic discomfort, and sore musclesBreast engorgement if milk builds up despite not nursing Allow yourself rest, gentle movement, and care for healing tissues your body just…

Surrogates

Talking to Your Kids About Being a Surrogate - 3 min read

If you’re thinking about being a surrogate, one of the most important conversations you’ll have is with your own children. Explaining surrogacy to them can feel emotional and complex but with honesty, simplicity, and reassurance, it can become a powerful opportunity to teach empathy, kindness, and love. 1. Start the Conversation Early It’s best to begin the conversation as soon as you’ve decided to pursue…

Intended parents and surrogate preparing for delivery and the postpartum period

Surrogates

What Happens After a Surrogate Delivers - 4 min read

1. In the Delivery Room: Shared Joy & Care Often, intended parents are there for labor and delivery. They'll support you during this intense moment, and once the baby arrives, you’ll witness them hold their newborn for the first time, an emotional and joyous experience that many surrogates describe as magical. 2. Immediate Postpartum: Physical Recovery After delivery, the surrogate enters the hospital recovery phase.…

Surrogates

Surrogate BMI Requirements: BMI Cutoffs, Screening & Why Policies Vary - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Body mass index (BMI) is one factor fertility clinics may use when evaluating a potential gestational carrier. It is a screening measure based on height and weight—not a diagnosis and not a complete measure of health. Clinics set their own eligibility policies, and there is no single nationwide BMI cutoff that applies to every U.S. surrogacy program.What is BMI?BMI is calculated…

Surrogates

5 Essential Steps to Take Before You Become a Surrogate - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Becoming a gestational surrogate is a significant medical, emotional and legal commitment. Eligibility is determined by the fertility clinic and program after individualized screening, so an online checklist cannot confirm that someone is medically appropriate to carry a pregnancy for intended parents.1. Review your pregnancy and health historyGestational-carrier programs generally look for candidates with a history that demonstrates the ability to…

Surrogates

A Surrogate’s Essential Checklist: How to Choose the Right Surrogacy Agency - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Choosing a surrogacy agency is an important decision, but an agency should not replace your independent medical or legal advisers. The best fit is a program that communicates clearly, respects your autonomy and explains how it handles screening, matching, money, insurance and support.1. Ask exactly what the agency doesServices vary. Ask who coordinates screening, clinic communication, matching, insurance review, escrow, legal…

Complete United States gestational surrogacy journey for intended parents

Surrogates

Surrogacy Process in the U.S.: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026) - 7 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. A U.S. gestational-surrogacy journey combines fertility treatment, matching, medical and psychological screening, independent legal representation, insurance planning, escrow, embryo transfer, pregnancy, delivery and parentage. There is no single nationwide process, timeline or price because clinic protocols, state law and individual circumstances vary.What is gestational surrogacy?In gestational surrogacy, the person carrying the pregnancy does not provide the egg used to create the…

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Surrogates

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Surrogacy - 7 min read

Understanding the Journey Surrogacy is inherently challenging. It demands considerable effort, financial investment, time, and patience. You may find yourself in the role of a passenger for much of this journey, which can be frustrating. There will be ups and downs in this process, and knowing how to regulate your system can go a long way towards a successful experience for you and your loved…

Surrogates

Surrogacy Process for Surrogates: Step-by-Step Journey - 4 min read

If you are considering becoming a surrogate, many questions may arise. The surrogacy journey is long and complex, and it’s important to understand its structure. While every surrogacy process is different, some milestones stay the same. Let’s go over them, one by one. The Process to Become a Surrogate Mother Involves Seven Main Steps: 1. Research Surrogacy, Agencies and Compensation Normally, before you match with…

Surrogates

10 Questions Intended Parents Should Ask Their Surrogate in the Match Call - 6 min read

Choosing the right surrogate for you can be an overwhelming process. Some intended parents make this decision easily, while others need more time to review profiles. If you are wondering how to find the right surrogate, this article is for you. When you are in the process of choosing a surrogate, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration: her health, her location,…

Surrogates

Pope Francis’ Call for a Global Surrogacy Ban: A Different Perspective - 3 min read

Historical context: This article was originally published in January 2024 in response to Pope Francis calling for a worldwide ban on surrogacy. It reflects a debate from that period and should be read as commentary rather than a current legal or medical guide. The ethical debate includes concerns about exploitation and commercialization as well as arguments centered on reproductive autonomy and family building. The Reality…

Surrogates

Decreasing Stigmatization around Surrogacy and Egg Donation - 5 min read

Surrogacy and egg donation have emerged as increasingly common methods of family-building in our rapidly evolving society. However, despite their growing recognition, these practices continue to face misconceptions and stigmatization. It is essential for us to come together and address these barriers, fostering a society that truly understands and embraces the beauty of surrogacy and egg donation. One encouraging trend is the increasing openness displayed…

Surrogates

Making a Great First Impression: A Guide for Potential Surrogates Meeting with a Surrogacy Agency - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. An introductory call with a surrogacy agency is not a job interview you need to “win.” It is a two-way conversation about eligibility, expectations, support and whether the program is a good fit for you. Be accurate and open about your pregnancy and medical history; withholding information can create medical and legal problems later.Before the meetingReview the agency's website, eligibility criteria…

Surrogates

10 Essential Questions for Women Considering Surrogacy - 4 min read

Becoming a surrogate is a serious decision that requires a great deal of thought and reflection. Before committing to the process, it is essential to ask yourself a series of important questions to determine if surrogacy is the right path for you. This article covers key considerations such as emotional and mental readiness, motivations for surrogacy, availability to commit to a year-long process, and the…

Surrogates

Surrogate Screening Process: Medical, Psychological & Legal Steps - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Gestational-carrier screening is a multi-step process intended to evaluate medical safety, informed readiness, legal compatibility and practical support. There is no single nationwide agency checklist, and agency prescreening is not the same as final medical clearance by the fertility clinic.1. Initial agency conversationThe agency may ask about your age, location, pregnancy history, previous deliveries, current health, medications, support system and reasons…

Surrogates

10 Questions Potential Surrogates Should Ask Before Choosing a Surrogacy Agency - 4 min read

This guide provides a list of key questions to ask in your first meeting with an agency to help you understand their qualifications, the type of support they provide, the compensation they offer, and their experience and success rate. By understanding the process and finding the right agency, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for the journey ahead. Becoming a surrogate is an incredibly…

Surrogates

How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid? 2026 Compensation Guide - 4 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Surrogate compensation in the United States varies significantly by experience, location, program, contract terms and the circumstances of the pregnancy. There is no single nationwide pay rate, and compensation packages should be reviewed as a whole rather than reduced to one headline number. For many gestational carriers, compensation reflects the time, inconvenience, physical demands and risks involved in embryo transfer, pregnancy…

Surrogates

Surrogate Mother Requirements & Qualifications in the U.S. (2026) - 4 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Surrogate requirements are designed to protect the health and well-being of the gestational carrier, the pregnancy and everyone involved in the journey. There is no single nationwide checklist that every U.S. agency and fertility clinic uses, so eligibility can vary by program and individual medical history. Professional guidance from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides a useful framework, while…

Surrogates

Types of Surrogacy: Gestational, Traditional, Commercial & Altruistic - 4 min read

Medically, there are two types of surrogacy - traditional and gestational, while the type of surrogacy is determined by two factors: 1. How the embryo is created, and 2. Whether the surrogate (carrier) is also the biological mother. However, technically, there are 3 more types of surrogacy available to intended parents. What Are The Different Types Of Surrogacy? 1. Traditional Surrogacy (TS) This type of…

Surrogates

How to Become a Surrogate Mother: Requirements & Process (2026) - 5 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. Becoming a gestational surrogate is a significant medical, emotional and legal commitment. A prospective carrier should not rely on one universal checklist: agencies may use preliminary criteria, but the treating fertility clinic makes the final medical-clearance decision after reviewing pregnancy history, current health and the planned treatment.What is a gestational surrogate?A gestational surrogate, also called a gestational carrier, becomes pregnant through…

Surrogates

A Conversation with A Two-Time Surrogate About the Blessings & Challenges of Surrogacy - 1 min read

So far, Elsa Hensel had two surrogate journeys and when she sat down for an intimate conversation with our CMO and co-founder, Ronny Schwartz-Dgani, she spoke candidly about: - What are the common misconceptions surrounding surrogacy?- How do you explain your surrogacy pregnancy to family, friends and colleagues? - What are the non-financial rewards of surrogacy?- What are the benefits of maintaining a close relationship…

Surrogates

How Did COVID Affect The Surrogacy Journey? Legal Expert Victoria Gelfand On Expecting Answers - 1 min read

We asked Victoria Gelfand, a legal expert in the field of surrogacy law who’s law firm also functions as a fertility agency, to answer your questions about Covid, the surrogacy process and more: - How did Covid affect the surrogacy journey? - How did the pandemic affect the availability of qualified surrogates? - Are surrogates required to get vaccinated? - What’s the best way to…

Surrogates

A Legal Expert Weighs In On The Serious Risks Involved In Twin Surrogacy - 8 min read

Editor's note (August 2026): This is a historical 2022 interview presenting the interviewee's perspective on twin surrogacy. Medical guidance has continued to evolve. Current embryo-transfer decisions should be made by the treating fertility clinic with the gestational carrier's informed consent, and insurance and parentage questions should be reviewed for the specific jurisdiction and policies involved. We spoke with Victoria Gelfand, a legal expert in the…

Surrogates

Surrogate Disqualifications: Smoking, Miscarriage, BMI & Pregnancy History - 3 min read

Last reviewed: August 2026. There is no single nationwide list of automatic surrogate disqualifications. Agencies may use preliminary criteria, but the treating fertility clinic makes the final medical decision after reviewing the candidate's full pregnancy and health history. Psychological readiness, legal compatibility, insurance and practical support are separate parts of the screening process.What factors can affect surrogate eligibility?Common areas of review include age, prior pregnancy…

Surrogates

Surrogacy In The Time of COVID - 2 min read

Historical article — last reviewed August 2026. This page describes how the COVID-19 pandemic affected surrogacy journeys in 2020–2021. It is preserved for historical context and should not be used as current medical, travel or clinic guidance. COVID-related testing, vaccination, masking, visitor and travel requirements have changed substantially over time and continue to vary by clinic, hospital and jurisdiction.How COVID-19 disrupted surrogacy journeysDuring the early…

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