Steps on Finding A Surrogate
There are many steps involved in finding a surrogate, so expect that it will take some time before you end up with the one who best suits your needs. This is where surrogacy agencies come in. You will initially be matched to a couple of surrogate mothers so that you have a good pool to choose from.
There are two kinds of surrogates. There is the traditional surrogate, which is much less favored because the surrogate is the child’s natural mother, who had the father’s sperm artificially inseminated. Basically, she turns over her parental rights to the soon-to-be mom. The second kind is the gestational surrogate, which is the preferred approach, since the child is genetically linked to the intended parents.
Choosing the Right Agency for You
There are many agencies that offer this type of service. They handle the task of finding the right surrogate, so see to it that you get the professional advice you seek.
A single parent or couple usually has a surrogate carrier in mind. Before this, an initial step is to choose the right service provider. There are many agencies that deliver this service, so make sure you choose the one you feel at ease with. You will be working closely with this agency for the next 12 to 24 months, so you must be very confident in your choice.
Do your research; ensure that the agency is established. Pay attention to the reviews of other customers who enlisted the agency’s services. Read about their experiences and learn why they picked this provider. Also rely on your instinct to select the right agency for your needs.
Finding a Surrogate
After choosing a provider to work with, finding a surrogate will be a lot easier. First you’ll want to select a surrogate. The chosen candidate should have had at least one successful pregnancy without any miscarriages, abortions, bleeding, or other medical difficulties that may be risk factors. It’s best to consult with your OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist about the medical background of the gestational surrogate you plan to work with. A comprehensive medical exam must be performed on the gestational surrogate to ensure that any complications are eliminated. This will include, but not be limited to, a physical exam, laboratory work, ultrasounds, an in-depth medical background check, psychological examinations, and diagnostic tests to check for harmful diseases.
The Ideal Surrogate
A comprehensive discussion about the chosen gestational surrogate should take place with your physician. The surrogate must be drug- and disease-free during the pre-natal and post-natal stages, and must be between the ages of 21 and 40 years old. A history of pregnancy that involves the delivery of twins should also be considered. Take note that some couples or single parents may consider a relative for the purpose of preserving genetics associated with the family. The desired reproductive endocrinologist should be agreed upon once you and your partner are willing to undergo in-vitro fertilization.
In Conclusion To Finding A Surrogate
The process of finding a surrogate will take some time. It is best to take this on with plenty of useful information, a full heart, and the promise that your child will soon be in your arms. Keep in mind that utilizing the assistance of a gestational surrogate is not necessarily for everyone, given the complexity involved in the process. Many questions and emotions are bound to run through your head, so it pays to be prepared not just financially but also mentally and emotionally. In the end, all of this will be worth it once you have a child to call your own.
