Thinking about becoming a gestational surrogate? Here’s why it may (or may not) be a great idea for you. Surrogacy can be very rewarding but comes with a great deal of personal sacrifice. Read these tips to decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Guidelines
You can read the entire list of Surrogate Solutions’ requirements here, but general guidelines are that you must be between the ages of 21 and 45, be in good emotional and physical health, have had at least one healthy, successful pregnancy and have given birth to a child you are raising.
Those Are The Basics. What Else Do You Need to Be a Gestational Surrogate?
Physical Health. Any pregnancy can be taxing, but surrogacy pregnancies carry their own set of challenges. Fertility drugs take their toll, the insemination process can (rarely) cause infection and each pregnancy can cause illness or injury. Beginning the process in top physical condition and maintaining your health throughout is key.
Continue or begin a program of regular exercise and healthy eating before your first meeting with the agency. Get enough sleep, manage your stress and ensure that your home environment is clean and safe.
Emotional Health. As a woman who has previously experienced the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy, you know how powerful hormones can be. Starting the process with fertility medications just makes that roller coaster start sooner (and steeper!).
Your support system comes into play here – family and friends can help you to manage your stress and keep you on an even keel. Be honest with yourself, if you are more anxious or easily stressed than the average person, surrogacy may not be for you.
Financial Stability. If you are not in a financially sound position, there are many reasons that surrogacy may not be a good choice for you. Financial woes can add to your stress, you may be tempted to take nutritional shortcuts if money is tight and you may even consider taking on a surrogacy pregnancy for the compensation, even if you know it’s not a good fit for you.
That’s why Surrogate Solutions and most other reputable surrogacy agencies will choose a surrogate who isn’t receiving government assistance, food stamps and who is otherwise self-supporting.
Strong Support System. This may be the most critical factor for a successful surrogacy journey. Your family and friends may see your growing pregnancy and not understand your choice. Your husband could balk at abstaining from sexual activity while you are on fertility drugs. Your children may not understand why mommy is so tired. Any of these factors can make your already frayed emotions too much to bear. Speak frankly with your closest friends and family before you make the decision, so that you know you have the support you need.
Consider all these points carefully before embarking on your surrogacy journey. If you are unsure about anything we have discussed here or have any other questions, we’re here to help. Contact Surrogate Solutions today to find out how you can help infertile couples build families.
We help Intended Parents Create Happy Families via Egg Donation & Surrogacy with the help of
caring Egg Donors & Surrogates.
Why use an agency, Surrogate Requirements, Can I be a Surrogate?, Facts about Surrogacy, Information on surrogacy, What our agency can offer you , Surrogacy FAQs, Families who need you, Learn more, Apply now.
