Learning about how to become a surrogate can be a daunting task for any mother. With the amount of surrogacy agencies, which one will you choose? Why have you decided to search for how to become a surrogate? What are your motivations for being a surrogate? Will you try to go independent with your surrogacy or will you seek the help of a solid surrogate agency? The good news is, our agency will show you how to become a surrogate in 5 steps.
Do You Meet These 5 Surrogate Requirements?
Here is a list of surrogate qualifications and requirements that may not be required from every surrogacy agency but are common amongst most agencies. These surrogate requirements are put in place to protect the surrogate’s health and safety, ensure the well-being of the baby during pregnancy, provide peace of mind to the intended parents, and facilitate a smooth and legally compliant surrogacy process.
1 | Health and Lifestyle
Surrogates must be in excellent physical health, typically between the ages of 21 and 40, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) within a healthy range (usually under 35). Maintaining a smoke-free, drug-free, and alcohol-free lifestyle is essential to ensure the health and safety of the baby. A stable home environment and supportive relationships are also critical to provide the emotional foundation needed for a successful surrogacy journey. Additionally, surrogates should be free of chronic health issues that could impact their ability to carry a surrogate pregnancy safely. This section is important for gestational surrogacy.
2 | Pregnancy History
To qualify, it is suggested that a surrogate must have experienced at least one successful pregnancy and delivery with no major complications during delivery or postpartum. This ensures they have firsthand knowledge of pregnancy and are physically capable of carrying a baby. Surrogates should also be actively parenting at least one child, demonstrating their understanding of the responsibilities of parenthood and the emotional complexities of the surrogacy process.
3 | Medical and Psychological Screening
All surrogates must pass comprehensive medical evaluations to confirm they are physically fit for the demands of surrogacy. These screenings include a review of prior pregnancy records, c-sections, tests for overall health, and assessments of uterine and fertility conditions. In addition, surrogates undergo a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed mental health professional. This ensures they are emotionally prepared for the unique challenges of surrogacy, understand the responsibilities involved, and have the mental resilience to navigate the process.
4 | Legal and Lifestyle Stability
Surrogates must reside in a state where surrogacy is legally recognized and agree to a detailed legal surrogacy contract outlining their responsibilities and protections. They should have a stable financial situation, not relying on surrogacy compensation as their primary source of income. A flexible schedule is also necessary, as surrogates must attend regular medical appointments and follow all medical protocols. Open and clear communication with the intended parents and the surrogacy agency is essential to foster trust and ensure everyone is aligned throughout the process.
5 | Commitment
The surrogacy process requires a high level of commitment and dedication. Surrogates must be willing to adhere to strict medical regimens, including hormone therapy and other fertility treatments, to prepare for embryo transfer. They may also need to follow specific dietary guidelines or lifestyle adjustments as requested by the intended parents. A strong support system is vital, as it provides the surrogate with the emotional and practical backing needed during the surrogacy journey.
The 5 Steps to Becoming a Surrogate Mother
Knowing that you meet the surrogacy requirements, you can now begin the steps to becoming a surrogate. Here are the 5 steps to take:
1. Find a Surrogacy Agency That is Right For You
Surrogacy is a long and difficult journey for many surrogate mothers and intended parents alike. We search for surrogate mothers who are committed to the process of surrogacy and will see this through. If you know your reasons for wanting to be a surrogate, you will find an agency or surrogacy professional that is right for you.
If money is your main motivation for being a surrogate, then our agency may not be the right fit for you. As mentioned, the surrogacy process can be long and difficult and you will need to be ready to go the distance.
2. Decide What Kinds of Intended Parents You Want to Carry For
When you are looking for how to become a surrogate, make sure you know what kind of intended parents you want. If you don’t have any specific wants or dislikes, then any family is right for you. If carrying for a family who specifically has problems with infertility- that will be an important factor for you.
If you would like to choose a family that has a similar lifestyle to you or whose location is close, those are important as well. What are your beliefs on termination or fetal reduction? These views are important and must be aligned with the proper Intended parents so there are no issues later on. At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we make sure to match couples with a gestational carrier based on the factors above and much more.
3. Decide to be in it for the Long Haul
Life happens, and we understand this. It’s why we encourage mothers looking for how to become a surrogates to know that surrogacy is a process. Finding the right intended parents is a careful planning process for your surrogate agency. You will be selected based on where your location is, what your job is, or what age you are. It may be important to parents whether you are an experienced candidate or not. It may be important that you have had a certain number of pregnancies already.
Either way, the matching process could be longer than expected. Even after being matched, records review and medical screening could take as long as 3-4 months depending on the IVF clinic. Whether you will need 1 or 3 tries for embryo transfer may also play a role in how long your process is. When you’re looking at how to become a surrogate, realize that the process can be lengthy.
4. Make Sure Your Own Health is in Good Shape
It’s difficult for our agency to have to deny willing surrogate candidates, but we do it every day due to many factors. Health and pregnancy history is important. We need to make sure your BMI is below 30 and that you are keeping in good health. Intended parents will want to know what your average diet looks like, and whether you will make healthy choices for eating while pregnant.
5. Be Ready to Track Down Your Doctor and Hospital Records
It cannot be understated how important medical records are for the surrogacy process. If you had 2-3 places where you gave birth, we will need the names and numbers of doctors involved and facilities. This helps us track down your medical records.
We have to have a full medical file on your previous pregnancies, both pre-natal and hospital in order to fully clear you to become a surrogate. If you’re wondering how to become a surrogate, make sure you have your medical information on hand so we can get your records as quickly as possible to get your process moving.
Become a Surrogate with Made in the USA Surrogacy
Becoming a surrogate with Made in the USA Surrogacy means you’ll have unmatched support and guidance every step of the way. We pride ourselves on providing a compassionate, professional, and reliable experience for surrogates and intended parents alike. With our agency, you are never alone in your surrogacy process. From your very first inquiry to the moment you deliver a beautiful bundle of joy, our team is here to ensure your surrogacy experience is positive and fulfilling.
We Help You So You Can Help Others
Our agency handles all the essential details so you can focus on what truly matters—helping a family grow. We assist with everything from finding your ideal intended parents and coordinating medical appointments to managing legal contracts and ensuring you have emotional support throughout the process. At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we value your dedication and commitment, and we are here to make the experience as smooth as possible.
When you choose to work with us, you’re not just another participant in the surrogacy process, you’re treated like family. We take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences, so we can provide personalized matches tailored to you and the intended parents. Trusting our agency means choosing a reputable partner who genuinely cares about your well-being and the success of your surrogacy journey. Together, we can help you achieve something truly extraordinary—creating families and building futures.
What Should You Expect When Becoming a Surrogate
Understanding What to Expect as a Surrogate
When becoming a surrogate, it’s important to prepare yourself for a unique and rewarding experience, but also one that comes with specific expectations. The process involves emotional, physical, and logistical factors that you should consider as you enter this life-changing role.
Financially, surrogates can expect compensation for their time, commitment, and sacrifices. This may include a base payment along with reimbursements for medical expenses, travel, and other surrogacy-related costs. The compensation is designed to support you in the process, not necessarily to serve as a sole motivation.
Emotionally, you should expect to develop a connection with the intended parents. Collaborating with them throughout the process can be a deeply fulfilling experience, but it may also bring challenges as you align expectations and build trust.
Finally, be ready for the ultimate reward of helping a family grow. While the surrogacy process requires dedication and perseverance, the joy of seeing the intended parents meet their child is a moment many surrogates describe as life-changing. Understanding these expectations ahead of time will help you approach surrogacy with confidence and a clear vision of the incredible impact you’re making.
Why You Should Consider Becoming a Surrogate
Becoming a surrogate is one of the most selfless and rewarding decisions you can make. For families struggling with infertility or medical conditions that prevent them from carrying a child, you become their beacon of hope. By choosing to become a surrogate, you have the chance to create a life-changing impact, giving intended parents the gift of a family they may never have had otherwise.
Surrogacy allows you to experience the profound joy of helping others in one of the most meaningful ways possible. Many surrogates share that being part of a family’s journey to parenthood brings them a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. It’s an opportunity to turn your ability to carry a healthy pregnancy into a powerful act of generosity and compassion.
Beyond the emotional rewards, surrogacy provides financial benefits that can help you and your family achieve personal goals. Compensation for surrogates can be used to improve financial stability, pursue education, or fulfill long-held dreams, all while giving the gift of life to others.
Frequently Asked How to Become a Surrogate Questions
What disqualifies you from becoming a surrogate?
Certain factors can disqualify someone from becoming a surrogate. These may include having a BMI over 30, as maintaining a healthy weight is essential for a safe pregnancy. Additionally, a history of severe pregnancy complications, multiple miscarriages, or untreated medical conditions can make someone ineligible. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol consumption are also disqualifying factors, as they can pose risks to both the surrogate and the baby. Lastly, not having at least one successful previous pregnancy is often a requirement, as it demonstrates the ability to carry a child to term safely.
How are surrogate mothers chosen?
Surrogate mothers are chosen through a comprehensive screening process to ensure they meet the necessary physical, emotional, and medical criteria. This includes a review of their medical history, background checks, psychological evaluations, and interviews to determine their readiness and suitability for the surrogacy experience. The goal is to select candidates who are healthy, responsible, and fully dedicated to providing a safe and positive environment for the baby they will carry.
How much do surrogates get paid?
In California, surrogates typically earn an average base compensation of $50,000 to $60,000, depending on their experience and individual circumstances. Additional benefits such as allowances for maternity clothing, medical reimbursements, and travel expenses can further increase the total compensation. These financial incentives aim to recognize the dedication and effort surrogates put into helping families grow.
Conclusion
Choosing to become a surrogate is a deeply impactful and life-changing decision both for you and the intended parents. It is a journey filled with emotional rewards, financial benefits, and the unparalleled joy of helping create a family. By understanding the qualifications, expectations, and processes involved, you can confidently embark on this remarkable path.
At Made in the USA Surrogacy, we are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel supported, valued, and empowered throughout your surrogacy experience. Together, we can make a lasting difference by building families and shaping futures, one incredible act of generosity at a time.
