Finding a Surrogate begins here

A lot of time and patience will be required to finding a surrogate who meets your needs. It all starts with identifying the agency that can help make this match. Agencies have precautionary measures in place to give you a positive surrogacy experience in which the needs of both the surrogate and the intended parents are met. You will also be given information about several surrogate mothers so that you have a good pool of candidates to choose from. See to it that you ask questions to get the professional guidance you need from the agency of your choice.

There are two forms of surrogates: traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy is the less favored approach because the surrogate is the child’s natural mother, who had the father’s sperm artificially inseminated and who hands over her parental rights to the soon-to-be mom. A gestational surrogate, on the other hand, acts only as a carrier for the couple or single parent who wants a child but who is unable to go through the process of a normal pregnancy. This is the preferred approach because it provides more legal security, as the child is not genetically related to the carrier.

Choosing the Right Agency for You

The first step is to select the fitting agency for you. There are many agencies that cater to this kind of service, so make sure you choose the one you feel most satisfied with. Expect constant collaboration with this agency for the next 12 to 24 months, so you must be very comfortable with the agency you end up with.

Do your research; make sure the agency is trustworthy and established. Consider reviews from other people who have enlisted the agency’s services. Don’t forget to rely as well on what your instincts tell you. Partnering with a competent and trustworthy agency will definitely support your goal of finding a surrogate.

Finding a Surrogate

After you have found the agency to work with, finding a surrogate is the next step. The potential candidate should have had at least one successful pregnancy, without any record of miscarriages, abortions, bleeding, or other associated medical issues that may be risk factors. It’s best to consult with your OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist about the medical history of the gestational surrogate you want to partner with. An extensive medical examination must be administered on the gestational surrogate to identify and eliminate any foreseen complications. This will include, but is not limited to, a physical exam, laboratory work, ultrasounds, an in-depth medical background check, psychological examinations, and diagnostic tests for any illnesses.

The Ideal Surrogate

Taking note of the preliminary qualifications is a must when finding a surrogate. The surrogate must be drug- and disease-free during the pre-natal and post-natal stages, and must be between the ages of 21 and 40 years old. A history of pregnancy that involves the delivery of twins should also be considered. A relative of the couple or single parent may be considered for the purpose of preserving genetics associated within the family. The desired reproductive endocrinologist should be agreed upon once you and your partner have decided to undergo in-vitro fertilization.

In Conclusion

Knowing the complexity of the process, you can see that enlisting the help of a gestational surrogate is not for everyone. This procedure takes time, so it is best to have a positive and patient mindset. Doing your own research is also helpful to keep you well-informed about the process. In the end, finding a surrogate will be worth it once you have a child to call your own in your arms.