The Surrogate Mother Process Is One You Should Consider Carefully

By Martha Adams


A traditional pregnancy is wonderful, but it is not the only way to fulfill the dream of motherhood. Adoption is one option. Surrogacy is another. Surrogates are the rare kind of woman who gladly carry another person's child, give birth, and turn the baby over to its new parents. The surrogate mother process is not for everyone. If you're interested in becoming a surrogate, there are specific steps to take.

This is not a casual decision. It is a real commitment and a chance to change the lives of a couple you probably don't even know. If you already have kids, you know what pregnancy is like and how hard it can be. You need to keep in the front of your mind that this child will not be yours, but someone else's.

If you have thought it over carefully and still want to go ahead, making a plan is the next step. You have to choose between being a gestational and traditional surrogate. You need to decide if you are comfortable finding a couple independently or prefer going through an agency. You have to make decisions about the type of relationship you want with the prospective parents.

Once you have made these decisions, you'll be ready to find a good match. You have the right to choose the kind of couple you are interested in helping. The age, sex, religion, and ethnicity may be important to you. Once you've made your selection, contact with the prospective parents is the next step.

You are going to need a lawyer to ensure all the legalities are handled properly and according to state and federal law. The attorney you hire should be experienced in this area of the law and able to discuss the contract with you. All your requirements should be included in the contract. If you need assistance setting the financial compensation, your lawyer can help you with that as well. After the contract is signed by all parties, you will begin to receive a monthly allowance.

It is normal for surrogates to be given fertility medication before the eggs are transferred. You should not be concerned about the actual transfer procedure. It is generally painless and fairly quick. You will go back to the clinic in about six weeks to confirm the pregnancy. Blood work and ultrasounds will be handled by the fertility clinic. Once the heartbeat is audible, your financial compensation should begin.

A big part of your agreement with the prospective parents is the health regimen you keep. Regular obstetrician visits are also part of your contractual responsibility. Most couples look forward to being with their surrogates when they give birth. After the birth, the baby becomes the responsibility of the new parents.

Surrogates are special women. They are willing to give up their time and bodies, selflessly, in order to fulfill the dreams of a couple who can't have kids on their own. The financial rewards are often substantial, but the satisfaction received can be priceless.




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