All About Being A Surrogate Mother

Today, there are several couples as well as individuals who hope to have children. However, some have no chance of doing so because of medical complications, miscarriage, or the biological mother’s age. Throughout the years, the process of using a surrogate mother has become a means by which parents experience the birth of a child through the use of a third party. So, what is the definition of surrogate mother?

Definition of Surrogate Mother Revealed

A surrogate mother can be a woman who agrees, often for pay, to carry another person’s baby. She becomes pregnant using some sort of assisted reproductive technology. She bears a child, either by artificial insemination of the intended father’s sperm or by implantation of an embryo. The surrogate mother carries the baby to term and gives birth. The hospital then hands over the baby to the intended parents. A surrogate mother surrenders any parental rights to the intended parents.

Types of Surrogate Mothers

There are two kinds of surrogate mothers:

• Gestational Carrier: A gestational carrier becomes pregnant through IVF and gives birth to a baby who is not biologically associated with her. In this process, an embryo is created using either the intended parents’ or donated egg and sperm. The embryo is then transferred into the surrogate mother’s womb.
• Traditional Surrogacy: The surrogate mother is biologically associated with the newborn. In this type of surrogacy, an embryo is made using either the designated father’s or donated sperm and the surrogate mother’s egg. This embryo is then transferred into the womb of the surrogate mother.

Today, traditional surrogacy is a lot less common than gestational surrogacy.

Surrogacy Process

There are several steps required to become a surrogate mother. They are different based on location, the physician, and the needs of the surrogate mom and intended parents. Here’s the general framework you can anticipate as a surrogate mom.

Application and Evaluation

When you understand the definition of surrogate mother and decide to take on the role, you must submit a web-based survey that asks questions regarding your lifestyle as well as your pregnancy, medical, and work history, etc.

Matching with Intended Parents

Once cleared, you will complete an application that will help in the process of screening and matching with intended parents. This process is based on aligned values as well as personal, medical, and psychological criteria. When everyone feels comfortable, the business sets up a match meeting to talk about all expectations in your surrogacy engagement. This is an important step, as it establishes a connection between you—the surrogate—and the intended parents.

Medical Work-Up

You’ll be meeting at the IVF clinic with the designated parents’ doctor, who will explain the process in detail and execute a surrogacy information assessment. This assessment often includes:

• Vaginal ultrasound
• Physical and Pap smear
• Hysteroscopy
• Medical instruction about the IVF cycle, injections, medication use, and embryo transfer
• Mental testing

The Legal Process

You will have use of independent attorneys specializing in reproductive and surrogacy law. You can select one to review your legal contract and help with your rights and obligations. The surrogacy contract is drafted by the designated parents’ attorney. As soon as all parties have signed the agreement, you’re cleared to start medications for the embryo transfer cycle as determined by the IVF physician.

Surrogate Firm

The surrogate firm will be with you at every stage and will make the process of learning to be a surrogate mother pretty simple. Its role is to act as a liaison between you and the couple you are working with, helping arrange health insurance and ensure the health and well-being of both you and the baby. The ultimate purpose of these agencies is to provide you and your intended parents with the experience you seek as well as the professionals who can help you achieve your objective.

Struggling with infertility can be devastating for many couples. Helping others can be a powerful motivator for a female considering surrogacy. The surrogacy process can result in strong feelings of self-respect and achievement. Many women who become surrogate mothers are committed to giving the gift of life to folks who could not otherwise have children. Surrogacy will have a positive impact on a surrogate’s self-confidence and self-esteem.