Becoming a surrogate mother is a brave and rewarding experience. You will be giving a couple an invaluable gift by offering to carry their baby, and while there are many benefits to being a surrogate, carrying a child can understandably come with various risks in any context. Not only does surrogacy come with similar risks to traditional pregnancy, but it comes with unique risks of its own.
If you are considering becoming a surrogate, it is important to be aware of the medical risks as well as the emotional risks. At Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc., we will prepare you for your surrogacy journey so that you feel confident and excited about what is ahead of you. We want you to have a healthy relationship with the intended parents and be knowledgeable before moving forward.
Possible Medical Risks of Being a Surrogate
The unique risks that come with being a surrogate are related to embryo transfer or, when dealing with gestational surrogacy, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure as a whole. IVF involves fertility injections, and the embryo transfer will require a tube to be inserted into your uterus. IVF preparation may lead to allergic reactions, and the procedure can cause cramping or, in rare cases, infections.
The medical risks associated with surrogacy itself are the same risks associated with traditional pregnancy. There is always a chance of uncomfortable side effects throughout pregnancy, as well as miscarriage, preterm labor, placental abruption, and the possible need for a cesarean section. In rare and severe cases, birth complications can also lead to death, so it is important to know this going in.
Emotional Preparation for Surrogacy
You will need to emotionally prepare for carrying a child, because it will be a physically challenging experience, but aside from the physical aspect of surrogacy, it can be challenging because you are carrying a child who is not your own.
You will need to deal with the intended parents and communicate with them throughout your pregnancy, which may feel frustrating at times while your hormones are flowing. It is important, however, to keep a healthy relationship with the parents of the baby you are carrying and understand that they have both you and the child’s best interests at heart.
Because of pregnancy hormones, you may also experience depression or signs of grief during and shortly after the birth of the baby. You may feel that you have developed an emotional attachment to the child you just carried for nine months, but usually, these emotions subside when your hormones go back to normal levels.
Contact Our Surrogacy Agency to Schedule a Free Consultation
Being a surrogate can be an extremely fulfilling experience, but it is important to prepare fully before committing to such an important decision. At Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc., we will take you through a thorough screening process to ensure that you are both physically and mentally prepared for the journey ahead.
If you would like to discuss the surrogacy experience in greater detail, call our agency at 412-281-9906 or click the button at the top of the page.