How to Decide If Becoming a Surrogate Is the Right Choice for You
Surrogacy is a beautiful journey. Not only do surrogates get to help a couple or individual in need grow their dream family, but they also get generously compensated for their time and effort. If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate, it’s important to ensure you meet all necessary criteria and consider both the emotional and physical aspects of the surrogacy process.
Surrogacy Requirements
Different fertility clinics may vary slightly in their surrogacy requirements. Generally, you can expect to meet strict requirements concerning age and health, emotional preparedness, and logistical preparedness.
Age and Health
Surrogates should be between 21 to 43 years of age with a healthy lifestyle and body mass index (BMI) under 32. BMI is crucial because an overweight woman has an increased risk of developing certain conditions during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, that can pose risks to the child.
Additionally, to be eligible for surrogacy, a woman must have at least one prior successful pregnancy and delivery, with no more than five live births and no more than three c-sections. You must disclose your medical and pregnancy history with the clinic, including any miscarriages or abortions you’ve had.
Emotional Preparedness
Being a surrogate is a rewarding experience, but it can also bring about a wide variety of emotions. It's important to have a stable living situation and a strong support network. Your partner, friends, and family should be excited about your surrogacy journey and willing and able to help you.
As part of the surrogacy application process, you'll undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure that you're emotionally prepared for the journey ahead. The transfer of a baby from the surrogate to the intended parents is a beautiful thing, but it can also be emotional and come with mental challenges. You should be able to cope with these mental challenges and address them in a healthy way.
Logistical Preparedness
In addition to addressing your physical and mental health, you should be prepared to provide a lot of detailed information about yourself and your family, including your educational background, work history, family health history, and more.
Financial stability is also important. While there are financial benefits to becoming a surrogate, you shouldn't do it solely for the money. The intended parents will cover all expenses you incur during the surrogacy process, but these payments may not be immediate. Compensation typically begins once a fetal heartbeat is detected, around six to seven weeks after embryo transfer. Surrogacy is a deeply personal and rewarding experience, but focusing only on the financial aspect might overlook the emotional and meaningful connections involved in the process.
Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate
Surrogacy requirements may seem strict, but their purpose is to protect the health of both the surrogate and the child. If you’re interested in surrogacy, it’s important to consider these requirements to help determine whether becoming a surrogate is the right choice for you.
At Fertility Source Companies, we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about the surrogacy process and explain what you can expect from the journey. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment with our experienced team.