How to Prepare Yourself to Become a Surrogate: 6 Ways
“I want to become a surrogate. What do I do to prepare for myself?”
Are you a mom who has had wonderful pregnancies and would like to give back?
Have you ever thought about becoming a surrogate but don’t know where to begin? In today’s blog, we will discuss how you can best prepare yourself to begin the process to become a surrogate.
#1 – Do Your Research
It is important to do your research when you are thinking about becoming a surrogate.
Are you aware there are two types of surrogacy? With Made in the USA Surrogacy we specialize in gestational surrogacy, which means you will not be genetically related to the surrogate baby you carry.
Becoming a surrogate is an extensive time commitment involving doctor appointments, administering routine fertility medication, pregnancy, and labor. Are you prepared to handle the time and physical commitment this surrogacy journey will demand of you?
It is also important to research the surrogacy agency you would like to become a surrogate with and familiarize yourself with the qualifications to become a surrogate, compensation package, and matching preferences.
#2 – Review the Requirements
The ideal surrogate will be between the ages of 21 and 45 years old and has had a successful pregnancy with a great support system. However, each surrogacy agency and fertility clinic have their own criteria they would like the surrogate to meet.
When you want to apply to become a surrogate with Made in the USA Surrogacy, you need to be sure that you meet the requirements. As a surrogate, you must have already had at least one uncomplicated, full-term pregnancy. In order to be a surrogate, you must have a proven reproductive history.
In addition to this expectation you must meet the following:
- Be between the ages of 23-38
- Have a healthy BMI (below 32- calculate your BMI here)
- Be a non-smoker and not be exposed to second-hand smoke
- Not be on any form of state or federal welfare assistance
- Reside in a surrogate-friendly state
- Not currently taking any psychotropic medication
#3 – Identify Your Support System
It is ideal for a prospective surrogate mother to have a strong support system in place to help navigate the added stress of pregnancy.
As a surrogate, you will be responsible to attend doctor appointments, administer fertility medication, maintain a healthy pregnancy, and go through labor and delivery.
You will need to have a support system who is able to attend appointments with you or can help you in your time of need.
Be sure to think about who will help you watch your children during appointments or while you are in the hospital. Be sure to think about who you will be able to lean on for emotional support when the journey becomes stressful or has unexpected turns. Know who you can ask for a helping hand when you need assistance cooking or running errands.
Becoming a surrogate is an incredible commitment and it is very important to have a support system in place. Be sure to discuss your decision with your partner and family to make sure they are on board with you becoming a surrogate. Having a positive support system will help make the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
#4 – Is Your Partner on Board?
Becoming a surrogate is an exciting time! You will be giving your body to selflessly help another complete their family, but have you considered how this will affect your spouse and is he on board?
Be sure to discuss your decision with your partner as he may need to:
- Take on more household responsibilities
- Help with the children more
- Abstain from sexual intercourse during certain parts of your surrogacy journey
- Provide much need emotional support
#5 – Prepare Your Body
Now that you know you’d like to become a surrogate it is important to ensure that you have a healthy BMI.
A healthy BMI will be crucial to your overall health and that of the pregnancy. Here at Made in the USA Surrogacy, we accept surrogate candidates who have a BMI 30 or below.
If you are not at this cut-off point, you may still apply, but begin preparing your body to lose, or gain, the appropriate amount of weight to be at the ideal BMI. Begin an exercise routine and meal plan right away if you know that you are interested in becoming a surrogate, but need to tweak your weight to a healthy BMI ratio.
#6 – Collect Your Pregnancy and Hospital Records and Discuss Your Plans with Your OBGYN
One of the major steps in becoming a surrogate will be obtaining your medical records.
Each surrogate must provide medical records pertaining to her past pregnancy and delivery history in order to prove she is capable of a healthy pregnancy. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, we encourage you to begin speaking to your medical providers about your decision.
Make an appointment with your OBGYN and get a current pap smear, discuss your interests in becoming a surrogate with your physician, and lastly collect the medical records for each pregnancy and delivery.
This will save significant time during the screening process if you are prepared when coming to an agency ready to apply to become a surrogate.
If you are a woman between the ages of 23-38 years of age and you would like to help someone complete their family, apply today to become a surrogate with Made in the USA Surrogacy. We can’t wait to get to know you and begin building your profile!
If you are a parent looking for a surrogate or you would like to find a surrogate in California, we encourage you to reach out to us by calling 916-226-4342, or fill out our parent inquiry form!
