Creating families with hope and love
Apply To Be a Surrogate Mother. How To Become a Surrogate Mother
We have grown accustomed to infertile couples, desperate to have a child of their own, seeking help from surrogate mothers. Their work no longer surprises us and is well-compensated. However, women considering the role of a surrogate mother still have many questions: how to protect themselves from various risks, who will support them, and who will provide guarantees?
What Are the Requirements for a Surrogate Mother?
A surrogate mother must be a woman between the ages of 18 and 43, who has given birth to at least one child of her own and is physically and mentally healthy. Marital status does not matter.
Surrogacy is a time-intensive commitment, so the ability to reside continuously within the United States is a mandatory requirement
Surrogacy is a time-intensive commitment, so the ability to reside continuously within the United States is a mandatory requirement
How Many Times Can a Woman Be a Surrogate Mother, and What Is the Required Interval?
The interval between participating in surrogacy programs should align with the recommended recovery period after pregnancy: one year after the most recent birth or at least six months after the cessation of lactation to allow the menstrual cycle to normalize. Women who have had a cesarean section are generally not considered for surrogacy due to the high risk of uterine scar complications.
Lets talk about your surrogacy journey
Contact us and fill out the form.
How Is the Health and Well-Being of a Prospective Surrogate Mother Assessed?
The scope of medical examinations is regulated by current legislation. Testing below the prescribed standard is not allowed, while additional checks may be conducted at the discretion of the medical center.
In terms of physical health, the primary focus is on the condition of the uterus. We evaluate the endometrium during both phases of the menstrual cycle to determine the woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy. Once the surrogate mother meets this criterion, we proceed to laboratory tests. These include an extensive range of analyses, from blood type and Rh factor to tests for blood-borne infections (HIV, hepatitis), coagulation studies, and consultations with specialists such as a mammologist and a general practitioner.
For mental health, certificates from psychiatric and addiction treatment clinics are mandatory. Additionally, our clinic provides psychological support for surrogate mothers, as the emotional demands of surrogacy can be significant.
In terms of physical health, the primary focus is on the condition of the uterus. We evaluate the endometrium during both phases of the menstrual cycle to determine the woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy. Once the surrogate mother meets this criterion, we proceed to laboratory tests. These include an extensive range of analyses, from blood type and Rh factor to tests for blood-borne infections (HIV, hepatitis), coagulation studies, and consultations with specialists such as a mammologist and a general practitioner.
For mental health, certificates from psychiatric and addiction treatment clinics are mandatory. Additionally, our clinic provides psychological support for surrogate mothers, as the emotional demands of surrogacy can be significant.
Who Pays for the Preliminary Examinations of a Prospective Surrogate Mother and How Long Do They Last?
All examinations are paid for by the clinic, as we are invested in ensuring that the surrogate mother is fully qualified for her role. The examination process takes at least a month. It requires testing during two phases of the menstrual cycle: days 2–4 and days 14–16. Afterward, tests are conducted, and we wait for the results, which takes additional time. If a prospective surrogate mother comes to us, for example, on the 20th day of her cycle, we start with psychological evaluations and involve medical specialists as soon as the appropriate phase of the cycle begins.
What Are the Health Risks for a Surrogate Mother?
Pregnancy and childbirth are natural physiological processes. Only women who have already given birth and whose bodies have successfully undergone these processes can become surrogate mothers. It’s important to understand that for a surrogate mother, pregnancy does not involve the same procedures as IVF. Hormonal stimulation is not typically used, and synchronization of cycles with the biological mother through hormonal therapy is now a rare practice. Most embryos are transferred after cryopreservation. Since the surrogate mother carries the baby, she receives exceptional care throughout the process.
What Happens During and After Delivery?
The surrogate mother is admitted to the maternity hospital alongside the intended parents, though they stay in separate rooms. When the baby is born, it is not given to the surrogate mother. During delivery, the surrogate mother is supported by our psychologist to help her navigate the emotional aspects of the experience. The biological parents take the baby immediately and stay with the newborn in a separate room.
Preferences are discussed in advance. Some surrogate mothers prefer only the biological mother to be present during delivery, while others are comfortable with the biological father’s presence.
Once the surrogate mother is physically and emotionally ready to finalize the agreement, the necessary documents are signed. This usually happens one to two days after delivery. Afterward, typically by the third day or later, depending on medical recommendations, the surrogate mother returns to her normal life.
Preferences are discussed in advance. Some surrogate mothers prefer only the biological mother to be present during delivery, while others are comfortable with the biological father’s presence.
Once the surrogate mother is physically and emotionally ready to finalize the agreement, the necessary documents are signed. This usually happens one to two days after delivery. Afterward, typically by the third day or later, depending on medical recommendations, the surrogate mother returns to her normal life.
What Happens if the Surrogate Mother Has a Multiple Pregnancy?
A multiple pregnancy is a wonderful outcome, and the surrogate mother is compensated accordingly. However, this depends on two key factors: first, the surrogate mother must indicate in her application that she is willing to carry twins. Second, our medical team must confirm that she is physically prepared for a multiple pregnancy.
Is There Oversight of the Surrogate Mother’s Lifestyle During Pregnancy?
While there are no formal regulations for this, our center assigns coordinators to work with surrogate mothers. These coordinators, who are trained professionals with backgrounds in psychology and law, assist with answering questions, resolving challenges, accompanying surrogate mothers to appointments, and collecting daily photo reports. These reports track diet and spending of the funds provided for the pregnancy.
Monthly financial support is provided for essentials such as food, vitamins, yoga, or swimming, based on the surrogate mother’s preferences. Photo reports help ensure that the surrogate mother is fulfilling her responsibilities to support a healthy pregnancy.
Monthly financial support is provided for essentials such as food, vitamins, yoga, or swimming, based on the surrogate mother’s preferences. Photo reports help ensure that the surrogate mother is fulfilling her responsibilities to support a healthy pregnancy.
Does the Surrogate Mother’s Lifestyle Change?
Her lifestyle remains largely the same. She continues working, spending time with her family and children, and living at home. The only change is the additional responsibilities related to the surrogacy program.
We also respect individual preferences. If a surrogate mother specifies in her application that she doesn’t need a coordinator and prefers to provide her own updates, we accommodate her request. Conversely, many surrogate mothers prefer to have a coordinator visit monthly to check on their living conditions, attend doctor visits, and report to the intended parents.
Intended parents also fill out a similar questionnaire, and we work to create arrangements that ensure everyone’s comfort and satisfaction.
We also respect individual preferences. If a surrogate mother specifies in her application that she doesn’t need a coordinator and prefers to provide her own updates, we accommodate her request. Conversely, many surrogate mothers prefer to have a coordinator visit monthly to check on their living conditions, attend doctor visits, and report to the intended parents.
Intended parents also fill out a similar questionnaire, and we work to create arrangements that ensure everyone’s comfort and satisfaction.
What Guarantees Does a Surrogate Mother Have? How Does the Law Protect Her?
The surrogacy agreement is a legally binding document that outlines all the terms and conditions agreed upon by the surrogate mother and the intended parents, including compensation, timelines, and responsibilities. This contract protects both parties, ensuring that if the surrogate mother fulfills her obligations — carrying and delivering the baby—the intended parents are legally required to take custody of the child and provide the agreed-upon compensation.
Whose Egg Cells Are Used in Surrogacy?
A surrogate mother cannot simultaneously be an egg donor. In our agency, surrogate mothers carry children for other parents, and all genetic material comes from the intended parents. Our surrogate mothers are gestational carriers, meaning they are not biologically related to the child.
Who Becomes a Surrogate Mother? What Motivates Them?
Surrogate mothers are determined, responsible women who fully understand the commitment they are making. They are motivated by the opportunity to help a childless couple and receive fair compensation in return.
By giving the gift of life to a child and its parents, a surrogate mother also transforms her own life — achieving a new financial level and solving personal challenges.
The stories of women who join surrogacy programs vary greatly. Some are young mothers facing difficult circumstances, others are mothers of multiple children, and some are experienced moms who have nearly raised their own children. Each surrogate has her unique journey, but all share the desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives.
By giving the gift of life to a child and its parents, a surrogate mother also transforms her own life — achieving a new financial level and solving personal challenges.
The stories of women who join surrogacy programs vary greatly. Some are young mothers facing difficult circumstances, others are mothers of multiple children, and some are experienced moms who have nearly raised their own children. Each surrogate has her unique journey, but all share the desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives.
Should a Surrogate Mother Offer Her Services to Couples Without an Agency?
The law does not prohibit this, but without thorough medical examinations, both the surrogate and the intended parents may face setbacks. For example, we recently consulted a woman who had participated in surrogacy programs twice, both resulting in unsuccessful pregnancies. Medical investigations revealed an infection that had prevented successful pregnancies. Without professional oversight, determining responsibility in such situations becomes challenging.
How Do Relationships Between Intended Parents and Surrogates Develop During Pregnancy?
Intended parents fill out a detailed questionnaire indicating their preferences: whether they want to meet the surrogate in person, choose her from photographs or video recordings, or proceed anonymously. Some couples prefer not to meet the surrogate at all and entrust the selection process to specialists. Others desire close interaction throughout the pregnancy, particularly parents with a long and difficult journey in fertility treatments for whom the surrogate represents their last hope.
Surrogates also express their preferences, ensuring that both parties are comfortable and cooperative during the process.
Surrogates also express their preferences, ensuring that both parties are comfortable and cooperative during the process.
Are There Fears About Surrogates Keeping the Baby or Parents Abandoning It?
We have never encountered such issues. Our contracts include a clause obligating parents to take custody of the child, regardless of any health conditions. Intended parents are fully informed of this beforehand.
If a surrogate refuses to hand over the child, the intended parents can take the matter to court using the same agreement. With genetic evidence proving parentage, the court will uphold the intended parents' rights, as the surrogate entered the program with full knowledge of her obligations.
If a surrogate refuses to hand over the child, the intended parents can take the matter to court using the same agreement. With genetic evidence proving parentage, the court will uphold the intended parents' rights, as the surrogate entered the program with full knowledge of her obligations.
How Do Surrogates Explain Their Pregnancy and Later the Absence of a Baby?
This question is one of the first to be addressed by a psychologist. Together, they explore how the woman views herself, whose opinions she values, and what level of attention she anticipates. The psychologist helps the surrogate navigate these conversations, crafting explanations for family, coworkers, or even her own children, especially younger ones. Each situation is unique and requires a tailored approach.
However, many women entering surrogacy are primarily motivated by financial benefits and find ways to explain or choose not to explain the situation to their colleagues and friends.
However, many women entering surrogacy are primarily motivated by financial benefits and find ways to explain or choose not to explain the situation to their colleagues and friends.
Is Confidentiality Respected in Surrogacy?
Both parties typically prefer to keep the arrangement private. Confidentiality is explicitly outlined in the contract, and financial penalties are in place for breaches.
What Steps Must a Woman Take to Become a Surrogate?
The first step is making the decision. Next, she contacts us to express her interest. From there, we arrange a personal meeting to discuss her questions and provide information. She fills out a questionnaire, sharing details about herself, her expectations, and her preferences. Following this, we involve psychologists and medical professionals to begin the process.
Surrogacy Journey
We make surrogacy a comfortable and supportive process.
Learn about our comprehensive program designed to make your journey smooth and successful.
Lets talk about your surrogacy journey
Contact us and fill out the form.
Our Mission
We are passionate about helping individuals and couples realize their dream of parenthood through surrogacy. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support throughout the entire process.
-
Qualified and experienced specialistsWe have a team of professionals who are well-versed in all aspects of surrogacy. -
Individual approach to each clientOur goal is to provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs. -
Comprehensive support throughout the processFrom legal advice to emotional support, we're here for you every step of the way. -
Strict confidentiality and privacy protectionYour personal information is safe with us, and we ensure that it remains confidential. -
Successful outcomes and proven resultsTrust our experience and expertise to help you achieve your dreams of parenthood.
Our Team
Our team of doctors is ready to help you with your dream of parenthood.