If you love the experience of being pregnant and are compelled to make a positive impact in the world, becoming a surrogate may be something you are considering. While you may have considered the physical aspects of pregnancy, understanding the surrogacy process is another thing entirely. Before committing to becoming a surrogate for another family, it is important to be fully prepared.
Emotionally, being a surrogate mother can be draining. Not only are you dealing with your personal emotions of carrying a baby who is not your own, but you will also have to deal with the emotions of the intended parents. Additionally, there are legal aspects of the process you will need to deal with; however, surrogacy can still be extremely rewarding.
At Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc., our goal is to help both surrogate mothers and intended parents feel at ease in their decision to create a family together. We will ensure that all parties involved feel comfortable with their decision before moving forward with any treatment. As a surrogate mother, you will want to prepare for the experiences before, during, and after pregnancy.
Before Pregnancy
When applying to become a surrogate mother, the screening process will be lengthy, so it is important to be patient if you are truly committed. This screening process will involve both physical and emotional tests to ensure you are fully ready for what is to come. Once the agency has deemed you eligible for surrogacy, you will need to wait to be matched with the perfect family.
You will sort out a legal surrogacy agreement with the intended parents regarding what is expected of you before and during the pregnancy. This contract may discuss selective reduction of embryos, financial compensation, prenatal appointments, abortion and miscarriage, and the birth itself.
Before the pregnancy, you will go through fertility treatments to trigger your body’s production of eggs. You may have to administer daily fertility shots that can be uncomfortable. Oftentimes, it can take multiple tries before a surrogate mother becomes pregnant, which can make the initial stages of surrogacy one of the hardest times.
During Pregnancy
Once it is confirmed that you are pregnant with the intended parent or parents’ child, the process may become physically easier, because you have been through a typical pregnancy before. You will have to remember not to become emotionally attached to this child; however, most surrogate mothers do not have significant issues with this because they are vetted for this on the front end.
Hormones may cause you to feel emotional about the baby at times, but if you remind yourself that pregnancy hormones are causing your change in emotions, these feelings can be handled more easily. Understanding that the intended parents are also dealing with difficult emotions may make you feel better.
After Pregnancy
After the pregnancy, you will likely be relieved and excited for the intended parents who you have given this amazing gift to. You may also feel emotional, but again, this can be due to pregnancy hormones. As time moves forward, the transition should become easier.
Reach Out to Schedule a Free Consultation
Each surrogate will have a different contract with her intended parents, which will be written up before ever starting the pregnancy process. At Baby Steps Surrogacy Center, Inc., we make sure all parties are fully aware of what will transpire before moving forward. If you have any questions or would like more information about becoming a surrogate, call 412-281-9906 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.