Your Guide to Finding a Surrogate is Here

Finding a surrogate takes time, and precautionary measures are put into place so that your interests are protected. There are different agencies that offer these support services and that provide you with several prospects so that you can find the best gestational surrogate. Maximize their expertise by asking for professional advice about and guidance in the process.

Before we get back to the nitty gritty of finding a surrogate for you, let’s go over the two types 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

A couple or single parent often have a suitable surrogate carrier in mind. Prior to this, however, the first step is to find the right agency for you. Given the number of available agencies, it is best to find the one that you feel most at ease with. This will be the provider you will have to work with for the next 12 to 24 months, so before you take your pick, do your research and see if the provider is well-known and established. Refer to reviews and testimonials from couples who have used the service. Rely heavily on your gut instinct to determine which is best for you. Partnering with a competent and trusted agency will certainly help you find a surrogate.

Finding a Surrogate

After selecting an agency to collaborate 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 Gestational Surrogate

Learning the basic requirements are a must for 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. Whatever you decide, make sure that you and your partner are fully devoted to the process.

In Conclusion

The process of finding the right gestational surrogate may take time. Arm yourself with a lot of information, an open mind, and a full heart, as there will be a lot of emotions to take in. In the end, however, it will be worth your time and effort because you will get to care for another human being who is truly your own.