Key Elements in Finding a Surrogate

Finding a surrogate is easy with the right help. Basically, there are two forms of surrogates: traditional and gestational. Traditional surrogacy is the less favored approach because the surrogate is the child’s natural mother, who had the father’s sperm artificially inseminated and who hands over her parental rights to the soon-to-be mom. A gestational surrogate, on the other hand, acts only as a carrier for the couple or single parent who wants a child but who is unable to go through the process of a normal pregnancy. This is the preferred approach because it provides more legal security, as the child is not genetically related to the carrier.

Choosing Your Agency To Assist In Finding A Surrogate

A couple or single parent usually has a desired surrogate carrier in mind. Before this, however, the initial step is to select the right service provider for you. There are plenty of agencies that provide this support service, so make sure you pick the one you feel most comfortable with. You will be partnering with this agency for the next 12 to 24 months, so you must be very sure about your choice.

Do your homework; find out if the agency is reliable and established. Take note of reviews from other people who have enlisted the agency’s services; assess their experience and why they picked this provider in the first place. Rely as well with what your instinct tells you to get the right agency for your needs.

After selecting a provider to collaborate with, you will find a surrogate. The potential candidate should have had at least one successful pregnancy, without any record of miscarriages, abortions, bleeding, or other associated medical issues that may be risk factors. It’s best to consult with your OB/GYN or reproductive endocrinologist about the medical history of the gestational surrogate you want to partner with. An extensive medical examination must be administered on the gestational surrogate to identify and eliminate any foreseen complications. This will include, but is not limited to, a physical exam, laboratory work, ultrasounds, an in-depth medical background check, psychological examinations, and diagnostic tests for any illnesses.

Finding a Surrogate

Finding a surrogate can be a lengthy process with precautionary measures put in place to guarantee that you get a surrogate who meets your needs. Initially you’ll be provided with information about a couple of surrogate mothers so that you have a good selection from which to choose.

An in-depth discussion about the suitable 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. A relative of the couple or single parent may be considered for the purpose of preserving genetics associated within the family.

In addition, a suitable reproductive endocrinologist should be agreed upon once you and your partner have decided to undergo in-vitro fertilization.

In Conclusion

The process of finding a surrogate may take time, and obtaining the assistance of a gestational surrogate is not for everyone, given the complexity of the process. It is best to take this on with useful research, a patient heart, and the hope that your child will soon be in your loving arms. In the end, this will all be worth it once you have a child to call your own.