Questions to ask Yourself Before Becoming a Surrogate

Becoming pregnant is one of the most life-changing decisions women can make, making it necessary to understand what to expect. If you dream of becoming a surrogate and carrying a child for someone else, there are a few questions that you may need to ask yourself before committing to the process.

What is the current state of my health?

If you’re going to work for a surrogacy agency, you’ll need to provide an extensive amount of information about your current health to ensure that you’re qualified for the role. You’ll need to be healthy enough to nourish the baby. To do so, we evaluate your BMI which needs to be at or below 30. If you have a history of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, you will be disqualified from being a candidate. You should also not be suffering from any diseases or conditions that can threaten the health or development of the child. You also shouldn’t be likely to use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco during the pregnancy.

If you’re currently healthy, you’ll be advised to stay physically active during the pregnancy to maintain a healthy weight and improve circulation in the body. You should be willing to perform light exercises that include walking, yoga, swimming, and stationary cycling. The parents may also request for you to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.

Is my family supportive?

Having a good support system is necessary to becoming a surrogate mother because they can ensure that you remain emotionally healthy. You’ll need to ask yourself if you have a strong support system within your family help you manage stress or anxiety throughout the pregnancy. You may also need assistance with performing certain tasks or obtaining transportation to your doctor appointments, making it necessary for your family to help you. You need to be emotionally prepared and ready to take on the task of ensuring that the baby is not negatively affected by its environment.

Consider speaking directly with your family members and friends to determine if they agree with your decision and can remain supportive throughout the pregnancy.

What are the risks of being a surrogate?

Understanding the risks that are involved throughout the surrogacy process is necessary to ensure that you’re prepared and know what to expect. You can expect all of the common medical complications that are associated with normal pregnancy as a surrogate. Surrogates are compensated for any time spent in bed rest, loss of fertility, and termination. There are additional emotional risks with a surrogate pregnancy, which includes having a hard time separating from the baby and experiencing a sense of loss. Luckily, our compassionate and talented team is ready to provide counseling to ensure that you can maintain a healthy emotional state both during the pregnancy and after delivering the child.

How much will I earn as a surrogate?

All of the expenses that accumulate during the surrogacy process are reimbursed with a monthly allowance, but the terms can vary depending on the surrogacy agency that you use. Base compensation for your time is also provided throughout the pregnancy. The average total compensation, including benefits and expenses, is $46,850 and up depending on the individual circumstances.

Your medical coverage will likely be provided under the couple’s insurance through their employer. You’ll be compensated for all co-pays or deductibles.

Am I ready for the surrogate process?

It’s important to ask yourself if you’re ready to become a surrogate and can handle the process. If you deal with stress or anxiety on a consistent basis, then we may suggest that this experience is not the right fit for you. You also shouldn’t have upcoming plans for traveling or maintaining a busy schedule, which can make it difficult to balance surrogacy with your normal routine.

Separating from the baby after the delivery process can also be a very emotionally taxing situation. It’s imperative that you feel confident and capable of managing this kind of challenge before agreeing to become a surrogate.

What will be expected of me?

You’ll need to understand the surrogate requirements and what is expected of you before you agree to participate in the process. There are emotional, financial, and legal aspects to consider when learning how to become a surrogate. You’ll need to agree to attend medical appointments consistently to ensure that your health and the health of the baby is closely monitored each month.

Will they look into my background?

Most surrogacy agencies will require a background check during the application process. Surrogates must not have a criminal background to ensure they are choosing to become surrogates for the right reasons. You’ll need to remain honest with both the agency and the parents about your past and if any events may be of concern.

Will I meet the parents?

Most surrogates can meet the parents if they decide to work with you during the process. They may want to meet you in advance to determine if you’re the right individual to carry their child and if it’s a good fit. Thoughtful consideration is necessary when participating in a gestational surrogacy arrangement to ensure that everyone is on the same page. A video conferencing call can also be scheduled if both parties are not in the same geographical region.

Why should I become a surrogate?

Finally, due to the significance of the surrogacy process, it’s important to ask yourself why you want to become a surrogate mother. Reflection and processing your thoughts are necessary to evaluate how you can benefit from it and if it will prove to be rewarding. You may want to help another couple have a child if they haven’t had success becoming pregnant in the past. You may also want to have the experience of going through pregnancy and delivery. Although you may want to do it for monetary gain, you’ll also need to have other motivations due to the demands that can come with the commitment.

After having considered all of these questions, you may feel that becoming a surrogate for intended parents may be the right decision for you. We’d be happy to discuss your situation further to help you determine if it’s a good fit. Contact us for more information today!