Surrogates
The Surrogacy Process from a Surrogate’s Perspective
The surrogacy process is a structured journey consisting of multiple milestones designed to ensure a positive and successful experience for both the surrogate mother and the intended parents. From initial research to the conclusion of the surrogacy journey, each step is crucial and requires careful attention. This article outlines the seven basic steps of the surrogacy process from the surrogate’s perspective, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding the responsibilities and expectations at each stage.
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 intended parents, the intended mother or egg donor will undergo an egg retrieval procedure, and the eggs will be fertilized in a lab to create embryos. Some agencies wait for the intended parents to have embryos ready to ensure there will be no delays or complications once you are matched. As part of your research and reading, here are some articles that might help you in the beginning of your journey:
Remember, there is no silly question. The research stage might be long—take your time and make sure you understand everything, from the team that will guide you through the journey to your ability to choose the intended parents, and make sure you have a full understanding of the compensation package.
2. Find Out If You Qualify
Learn all about the screening process of a surrogate in the US, which usually includes an interview with the agency, filling out the agency’s detailed application, collecting medical records, undergoing a mental health professional examination, a home visit, and a background check. After completing all the screening steps, you will be ready to move on to the next phase of the process where the agency will represent you to intended parents.
3. Match with Intended Parents
During the matching phase, you will have the opportunity to review the profiles of intended parents and be matched with them for your surrogacy journey. At this stage, most agencies will move forward with the legal process (if it wasn't done before), and you can officially begin your surrogacy journey.
4. Legal Agreement
Once you match with intended parents, you will reach the legal step where usually the surrogate and the intended parents are represented by separate lawyers. This agreement will state the final compensation and your rights and will protect you in case of conflicts during the journey. You will sign a surrogacy contract with the help of a surrogacy lawyer—one that protects both you and the intended parents.
5. Begin Pregnancy
Once the legal agreements are signed and you are medically cleared, the clinic will share a protocol to prepare you for the transfer day. When the time is right, you will undergo an embryo transfer via IVF and then return home and continue to be tested until a healthy pregnancy is confirmed. If the first transfer is not successful, the second attempt will take place after a wait of about 2 months.
6. Carry and Deliver the Baby
Once a heartbeat has been confirmed, you will start receiving your compensation according to the signed agreement. Now you will begin the longest and most exciting part of your journey: the pregnancy. IVF clinics usually monitor the pregnancy for the initial 8-10 weeks. After the heartbeat has been confirmed, you will be transferred to your personal OB-GYN and continue the rest of the pregnancy under their care. It’s worth noting that many intended parents attend the 20-week ultrasound if they can, because that’s when the anatomy scan of the baby is performed, and they can find out the baby’s sex, in case they didn’t already find that out by doing PGT testing on their embryos.
7. Conclude Your Surrogacy Journey
Once the baby is born, you (and your partner, if applicable) will need to relinquish your rights and state you are not the child’s parents by signing legal documents. In some states, this process can start during the pregnancy. After the birth, many parents and surrogates stay in touch for years to come.
Conclusion
The surrogacy journey is a comprehensive process that requires dedication, care, and support at each step. From initial research and qualification to matching with intended parents and carrying the baby to term, every phase is designed to ensure the well-being of both the surrogate and the intended parents. By understanding and navigating these steps, surrogates can make a significant impact on the lives of those who struggle with infertility and help them achieve their dream of building a family. At Expecting.ai, our team is here to support you throughout this rewarding journey, ensuring a successful and fulfilling experience for all involved.
Ready to start your journey?
Apply today and make a difference in someone's life.
