{"id":417,"date":"2022-11-09T13:29:39","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T21:29:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpproxy.surrogacyplace.com\/?p=417"},"modified":"2023-08-31T12:16:53","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T19:16:53","slug":"gestational-surrogate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/","title":{"rendered":"Gestational Surrogacy: 8 Steps To Become a Gestational Surrogate"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<div>\r\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#What_are_some_of_the_qualifications_to_become_a_surrogate_How_do_you_know_if_you_meet_those_qualifications_How_do_you_match_with_Intended_Parents\" title=\"What are some of the qualifications to become a surrogate? How do you know if you meet those qualifications? How do you match with Intended Parents?\">What are some of the qualifications to become a surrogate? How do you know if you meet those qualifications? How do you match with Intended Parents?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#What_is_a_gestational_surrogate\" title=\"What is a gestational surrogate?\">What is a gestational surrogate?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#8-steps_Guide_to_Gestational_Surrogacy_for_Surrogates\" title=\"8-steps Guide to Gestational Surrogacy for Surrogates\">8-steps Guide to Gestational Surrogacy for Surrogates<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Step_1_Evaluate_why_you_want_to_become_a_surrogate\" title=\"Step 1: Evaluate why you want to become a surrogate\">Step 1: Evaluate why you want to become a surrogate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Step_2_Evaluate_your_medical_and_psychological_history\" title=\"Step 2: Evaluate your medical and psychological history\">Step 2: Evaluate your medical and psychological history<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Step_3_Evaluate_whether_now_is_a_good_time_for_surrogacy\" title=\"Step 3: Evaluate whether now is a good time for surrogacy\">Step 3: Evaluate whether now is a good time for surrogacy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Step_4_Matching\" title=\"Step 4: Matching! \">Step 4: Matching! <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#You_have_prior_experience_with_surrogacy_and_know_what_you_want\" title=\"You have prior experience with surrogacy and know what you want.\">You have prior experience with surrogacy and know what you want.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Higher_compensation\" title=\"Higher compensation.\">Higher compensation.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Not_having_to_compromise_on_your_major_match_points\" title=\"Not having to compromise on your major match points. \">Not having to compromise on your major match points. <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Have_a_direct_and_potentially_closer_relationship_to_your_intended_parents\" title=\"Have a direct and potentially closer relationship to your intended parents. \">Have a direct and potentially closer relationship to your intended parents. <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Step_5_Medical_Screening_and_Contract_Stage\" title=\"Step 5: Medical Screening and Contract Stage\">Step 5: Medical Screening and Contract Stage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Step_6_Embryo_Transfer\" title=\"Step 6: Embryo Transfer!\">Step 6: Embryo Transfer!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Step_7_Pregnancy\" title=\"Step 7: Pregnancy\">Step 7: Pregnancy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-surrogate\/#Step_8_Delivery\" title=\"Step 8: Delivery\">Step 8: Delivery<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_some_of_the_qualifications_to_become_a_surrogate_How_do_you_know_if_you_meet_those_qualifications_How_do_you_match_with_Intended_Parents\"><\/span>What are some of the qualifications to become a surrogate? How do you know if you meet those qualifications? How do you match with Intended Parents?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p>Deciding to becoming a <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/gestational-carrier-requirements\/\">gestational carrier<\/a> is not something to be taken lightly. There are strict parameters in place to make sure that surrogacy is safe and <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-ethics\/\">ethical<\/a> for any woman who chooses to become surrogate. In the <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-international-parents\/\">United States<\/a>, laws governing <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/altruistic-surrogacy-vs-commercial-surrogacy\/\">commercial surrogacy<\/a> are designed to minimize risk for both the intended parents and especially for surrogates. Thanks to a robust legal framework designed to protect all who engage in surrogacy, the United States is a top destination for ethical surrogacy worldwide and the model for <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-in-the-united-states\/\">other countries<\/a> considering the legalization of surrogacy.<\/p>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_gestational_surrogate\"><\/span>What is a gestational surrogate?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>A gestational surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, is a woman who carries a <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-pregnancy\/\">pregnancy<\/a> on behalf of Intended Parents. Unlike a traditional surrogate, a gestational surrogate is not genetically related to the child she carries. In a gestational surrogacy arrangement, an embryo is created using the Intended Parents&#8217; or donor(s)&#8217; genetic material through an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/updates\/blogs\/fertility-blog\/2020\/april\/how-does-the-ivf-process-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.<\/a> The embryo is then transferred to the gestational surrogate&#8217;s uterus, where she carries the pregnancy.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>The key distinction between a gestational surrogate and a traditional surrogate lies in the genetic relationship to the child. In <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/traditional-surrogacy-vs-gestational-surrogacy\/\">traditional surrogacy<\/a>, also known as genetic surrogacy, the surrogate&#8217;s own egg is used, making her the genetic <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogate-mother\/\">mother<\/a> of the child. This is typically achieved through artificial insemination or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reproductivefacts.org\/news-and-publications\/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets\/documents\/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets\/intrauterine-insemination-iui\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intrauterine insemination (IUI)<\/a> with the Intended Father&#8217;s sperm or donor sperm. As a result, a traditional surrogate is both the genetic and gestational mother of the child. In contrast, a gestational surrogate has no genetic connection to the child and is purely providing the physical environment for the embryo to develop and grow. This distinction allows gestational surrogacy to provide a pathway for individuals or couples who may not be able to conceive or carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons, same-sex couples, or those who prefer not to have a genetic connection with the surrogate. There are also many states where gestational surrogacy is legal while traditional surrogacy is heavily restricted or prohibited. This is largely because when the surrogate is the genetic mother of the child(ren), it creates legal complications that are not present in gestational surrogacy. For this reason, the vast majority of surrogacy practiced in places where commercial surrogacy is legal and regulated is gestational in nature.<\/p>\r\n<div>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1408 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without the expensive surrogacy fees. Signup with Surrogacy Place today.\" width=\"719\" height=\"374\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg 719w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1-300x156.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 719px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 719\/374;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1408\" src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without the expensive surrogacy fees. Signup with Surrogacy Place today.\" width=\"719\" height=\"374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1.jpg 719w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad1-300x156.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/h2>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-steps_Guide_to_Gestational_Surrogacy_for_Surrogates\"><\/span>8-steps Guide to Gestational Surrogacy for Surrogates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Evaluate_why_you_want_to_become_a_surrogate\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Evaluate why you want to become a surrogate<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Surrogates motivated by a huge paycheck alone generally do not make good surrogates. While most surrogates do not choose to become surrogates for free (so-called \u201caltruistic surrogacy\u201d), most aren\u2019t purely motivated by the compensation either. Most women become surrogates with a sincere desire to help childless couples and individuals. They loved being pregnant with their own children and find joy and a sense of pride and accomplishment in being pregnant in the service of others. Many surrogates feel that surrogacy is a life calling, something they were born to do to make a positive impact on the world.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Evaluate_your_medical_and_psychological_history\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Evaluate your medical and psychological history<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Ultimately only the Intended Parents\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/a-to-z-guides\/what-is-a-reproductive-endocrinologist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reproductive Endocrinologist<\/a> can perform medical clearances on prospective surrogates. However, given the time and money involved in surrogacy, most Intended Parents will want to know your medical history proper to matching and involving their <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/finding-a-surrogacy-clinic\/\">clinic<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Things to consider: How were your previous pregnancies? Did you have any significant complications such as infections, preterm labor\/birth, <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-miscarriage\/\">miscarriage<\/a>, placental abruption\/previa, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, severe, persistent nausea and vomiting, anemia, or unplanned C-sections? What was the birth weight of children born from your previous pregnancies?<\/p>\r\n<p>Prior C-sections are generally allowed in surrogacy, though the maximum number is ultimately decided by the clinic\/Reproductive Endocrinologist. Most clinics will not allow more than 3 C-sections. Age is also a factor with surrogates falling between the ages of 21-44 years old with exceptions on the higher end for direct relatives of Intended Parents.<\/p>\r\n<p>BMI restrictions vary with some clinics going as high as &lt;33, while others preferring to stay &lt;30.<\/p>\r\n<p>Mental health is an important consideration. If you are on medication for anxiety or mental health disorders, it is imperative that you do not go off of medication or against the advice of your doctor to <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/become-a-surrogate\/\">become a surrogate<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Gestational carriers generally have to undergo a <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/psychological-impacts-of-surrogacy\/\">psychological<\/a> evaluation. Prospective surrogates are evaluated on their motivations for wanting to become a surrogate, screened for aggression, narcissistic disorders, and other negative personality traits, alcohol and drug issues, and general anxiety or mental health disorders. Prospective surrogates are personally interviewed by a trained psychologist typically one that specializes in assisted reproduction. Thanks to modern technology, surrogates are usually interviewed over video chat\/Facetime\/Zoom or similar technologies.<\/p>\r\n<p>One of the many things a psychologist will ascertain is what type of support system a prospective surrogate has and how they feel about carrying a child that isn&#8217;t theirs. They will want to know what happens when there are disagreements between themselves and Intended Parents and the likelihood a surrogate does not fully understand what she is getting into in agreeing to a surrogacy arrangement. These questions are meant to make sure surrogates are emotionally and mentally able to carry out a successful journey and to protect both sides from a bad match.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Evaluate_whether_now_is_a_good_time_for_surrogacy\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Evaluate whether now is a good time for surrogacy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Questions all potential gestational surrogates should ask themselves:<\/p>\r\n<p>Are you done with having your own kids? This is an extremely important consideration as any pregnancy carries the risk of complications which may lead to future <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-for-women-with-infertility\/\">infertility<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Is your relationship with your spouse\/domestic partner and biological children in a place where added stress could be absorbed? If the surrogacy journey created unforeseen circumstances where work or day-to-day living became interrupted e.g. doctors visits, medical complications, or pre-term labor, will you have help from a supportive <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-process\/\">family<\/a>? Do you have reliable and safe housing? \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>Are you AND your partner\/members of your household smoke and drug free?<\/p>\r\n<p>Are you financially secure? In order to become a surrogate, you cannot be on any type of government assistance, including SNAP, welfare, and Medicaid. If you are temporarily utilizing those programs for you or your family, you must wait until you\u2019re in a more financially secure place to pursue surrogacy.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Matching\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Matching! <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>There are essentially three ways to match with intended parents: directly through a friend\/family member, through an agency, or through a <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-agency-alternatives\/\">self-matching<\/a> site like <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\">SurrogacyPlace.com.<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Matching with a friend and <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-with-a-family-member\/\">family member<\/a> you already know and trust is great when it\u2019s available to you, though it\u2019s recommended you still go through all the same steps as though you were matched with strangers. Skipping out a surrogacy contract for example just because you know the person is extremely ill advised.<\/p>\r\n<p>Matching with agencies carries unique <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/benefits-of-surrogacy\/\">benefits<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-risks-and-complications\/\">risks<\/a>. We at <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\">Surrogacyplace.com<\/a> are advocates of surrogates being able to match independently with Intended Parents directly. Here are some of the top reasons you may want to:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>\r\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_have_prior_experience_with_surrogacy_and_know_what_you_want\"><\/span><strong>You have prior experience with surrogacy and know what you want.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\r\nAgencies have their own agendas and often will prioritize cash-rich Intended Parents at the expense of your own preferences and match points. You will be shown 1-2 profiles which may not be Intended Parents you\u2019d prefer to match with and you will be pressured to make it work.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>\r\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Higher_compensation\"><\/span><strong>Higher compensation.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\r\nIntended parents save an extraordinary amount of money not using an agency. When they do, they can often afford to pay you a higher fee. You deserve your full desired fee, instead of most of the money going towards a third-party matching service.<\/li>\r\n<li>\r\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Not_having_to_compromise_on_your_major_match_points\"><\/span><strong>Not having to compromise on your major match points. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\r\nDo not be limited by who an agency happens to have in their database. Explore a wider range of potential matches. Many agencies will not disclose how many surrogates or Intended Parents they represent. It could be a very small pool.<\/li>\r\n<li>\r\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Have_a_direct_and_potentially_closer_relationship_to_your_intended_parents\"><\/span><strong>Have a direct and potentially closer relationship to your intended parents. <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\r\nWith no requirement to funnel all emails and texts through agency coordinators, you\u2019ll be able to communicate directly with your Intended Parents or through your attorney for any difficult conversations. Develop a closeness throughout the process without a middle man.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Don\u2019t be afraid to have multiple conversations with prospective Intended Parents. Get to know them over several phone or video calls. If you\u2019re feeling great about a potential match, don\u2019t be afraid to ask them to travel to meet you to make sure. Only you know what feels right. Trust your instincts and do your own due diligence. Ask every possible question that\u2019s on your mind. If you have concerns, share them openly. Make sure you communicate your needs and make sure you have potential Intended Parents willing to honor them.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Medical_Screening_and_Contract_Stage\"><\/span><strong>Step 5: Medical Screening and Contract Stage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Once matched, Intended Parents will arrange for a surrogate to receive a medical evaluation at their clinic. This usually involves travel and other arrangements, including childcare for any minor children that live with the surrogate. Surrogates will have their medical records evaluated by a Reproductive Endocrinologist and will undergo a general physical. A surrogate will usually undergo a mock cycle which is a trial run to see how a surrogate will respond to <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-myth-experimental-medications\/\">medications<\/a> used in <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-and-ivf\/\">IVF<\/a>. By doing a mock cycle, a doctor can measure the endometrium lining and adjust as needed.<\/p>\r\n<p>Sometimes medical and legal happen concurrently, though a surrogacy agreement may or may not be fully executed until a surrogate is medically and psychological cleared to start her surrogacy journey.<\/p>\r\n<p>All surrogates choose their own legal representation and their attorney fees must be covered by Intended Parents. Surrogates never pay out-of-pocket expenses for legal advice and must never be pressured to forgo the counsel of a qualified assisted reproduction attorney.<\/p>\r\n<p>Surrogacy Place has a <a href=\"https:\/\/my.surrogacyplace.com\/attorney\/directory\">directory of qualified attorneys.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>Choose your lawyer carefully; make sure they have a history of representing surrogates and that they understand your unique needs and <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-eligibility-criteria\/\">requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Embryo_Transfer\"><\/span><strong>Step 6: Embryo Transfer!<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>During the weeks leading up to <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-embryo-transfer-process\/\">embryo transfer<\/a>, you\u2019ll start your medications and you\u2019ll attend medical appointments to monitor your progress. Then, the day will finally arrive \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-embryo-transfer-process\/\">embryo transfer<\/a> day! Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what to do after transfer, including restrictions on activities (sometimes bed rest is recommended) and protocols to follow. If all goes well, 10 days after transfer you\u2019ll have an official positive beta test. After that, at around 6 weeks, you\u2019ll receive an ultrasound for heartbeat confirmation. This is a huge milestone and the earliest indications that you are officially progressing with a surrogacy pregnancy!<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_7_Pregnancy\"><\/span><strong>Step 7: Pregnancy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>This is the moment you get to share the journey with your Intended Parents with photos and ultrasounds and conversations about how it\u2019s going. There will be moments of pure joy as you witness the impact you\u2019re having on your Intended Parents. It is a truly special time and the part of the journey everyone has worked so hard to get to. There will be medical appointments and evaluations and moments to enjoy the pregnancy. Take time to appreciate the innovations in medicine and reproductive science that make gestational surrogacy possible!<\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_8_Delivery\"><\/span><strong>Step 8: Delivery<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p>Childbirth can be unpredictable, though the medical and legal professionals have been there every step of the way to help minimize risks. Assuming the delivery goes as anticipated, this is when your Intended Parents get to meet their child(ren)! It\u2019s an indescribable feeling to watch Intended Parents hold their child(ren) and show you their gratitude for your part in making their family possible.<\/p>\r\n<p>You will say goodbye to your surro baby and potentially to the Intended Parents unless all parties have agreed to an active relationship <a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/surrogacy-post-birth-arrangements\/\">post birth<\/a>. Regardless of whether you choose to stay in touch, you will always carry with you the feeling of what you did for another family.<\/p>\r\n<p>Surrogacy is a priceless and rewarding gift. The women who choose to be surrogates have a profound need to give back and will carry with them the pride of being able to help others in a deeply meaningful, selfless way. The community of surrogates\/gestational carriers are angels and warriors; it\u2019s an extraordinary undertaking not everyone is qualified to do. Those that are able provide an incredible miracle for others.<\/p>\r\n<p>Want more info on whether you qualify? <a href=\"https:\/\/my.surrogacyplace.com\/quiz\">Try taking our short quiz<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1409 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without an agency - signup for Surrogacy Place's online surrogacy matching program now\" width=\"754\" height=\"203\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg 754w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2-300x81.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 754px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 754\/203;\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1409\" src=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg\" alt=\"surrogacy without an agency - signup for Surrogacy Place's online surrogacy matching program now\" width=\"754\" height=\"203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2.jpg 754w, https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/surrogacy-place-ad2-300x81.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are some of the qualifications to become a surrogate? How do you know if you meet those qualifications? How do you match with Intended&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4,5,6],"tags":[15,18,19,20,21,25,31,32,33,35,38,41,42,44,45,48,49],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=417"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=417"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=417"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surrogacyplace.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=417"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}