Surrogacy Medical Process | American Surrogacy Blog

What Does Alabama’s IVF Ruling Mean for Surrogacy?

The Alabama Supreme Court’s recent IVF ruling has raised questions among intended parents in the state about whether their surrogacy journey will be affected.

On February 16, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos created through IVF can be considered children under the state’s Wrongful Death of a Minor Act.

“…to all unborn children without limitation. And that includes unborn children who are not located in utero at the time they are killed.” Read more about the ruling.

Following the ruling, many fertility clinics in Alabama suspended IVF services until it is clear how the ruling would affect IVF patients, clinics and providers. Because IVF is a significant part of the surrogacy process, there have been concerns about how this ruling may affect those pursuing surrogacy in Alabama.

Below we’ll break down what you should know about IVF in Alabama following the ruling and how your journey may be affected.

This is an ongoing story that will be updated upon new developments.

The IVF Process for Surrogacy

IVF and surrogacy are both popular family building methods utilized by couples struggling with infertility, same-sex couples or single individuals who are ready to have a family.

In gestational surrogacy, a gestational carrier or surrogate carries and gives birth to a baby for the intended parents. Because of the role IVF plays in the surrogacy medical process, one or both parents can be biologically related to their child.

Embryo Creation

Intended parents create their embryos using their eggs and sperm or a donor’s. This process involves retrieving multiple eggs from the intended mother, or acquiring donor eggs, which are then fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor.

The egg retrieval portion of IVF makes up the bulk of the cost, which makes it more economical to create multiple embryos at once. If you tried conceiving through IVF before surrogacy, you may already have frozen embryos.

Embryo Transfer

One or more embryos are selected and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. Since her eggs are not used, the baby does not share DNA with the surrogate.

The first transfer doesn’t always take. Being able to freeze multiple embryos increases your chances of success.

How Does the Ruling Affect IVF and Surrogacy in Alabama?

The ruling did not ban IVF in Alabama nor mention surrogacy explicitly. However, it does set a precedent that IVF providers and patients could face criminal and civil penalties if unused embryos are destroyed.

Many times after an embryo transfer is successful and the parents do not intend to have another child, the unused embryos are discarded.

In the days following the ruling, the many fertility clinics in Alabama paused IVF services out of concern that staff and patients may face criminal or civil liabilities. In an attempt to resume IVF services, Alabama legislature approved bills that would legally protect IVF providers and fertility clinics.

What Can I Do With Leftover Embryos After IVF in Alabama?

When it’s confirmed that your surrogate is pregnant with your child, there’s a chance you will have unused frozen embryos. If you feel your family is complete but you are worried about the legal implications of frozen embryo disposal, you have two options:

You have two alternative options:

Indefinite storage: You have the option of keeping your embryos frozen indefinitely. If this is the route you take, you should be aware that it can become expensive over time. Fertility clinics might have a storage fee of $500-$1,000 a year.
Donation: You can donate your unused embryos to an infertile or gay couple, or an individual who intends to use surrogacy and/or IVF to grow their family. This can be done through an agency or your fertility clinic.

How We Can Help

If you want to grow your family through surrogacy in Alabama, we can provide you with the necessary support and resources for your journey.

All of our intended parents partner with an ART attorney when creating their surrogacy contract. Your attorney will be able to advise you on matters pertaining to how to handle your unused embryos.

If you are prepared to travel for your surrogacy journey, we can connect you with a fertility clinic in a nearby state such as Florida, Georgia or Tennessee.

If you have questions about IVF in Alabama and your journey to parenthood, we’re here for you. To get the support you need, fill out our easy form or call 1-800-875-2229.

You can also learn more about surrogacy from intended parents and surrogates on our Instagram.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional regarding specific legal matters related to in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How Embryos are Handled in Surrogacy and IVF

In IVF and surrogacy, life is created from embryos created outside of the body. Learn more about how these embryos are handled.

Surrogacy is becoming an increasingly popular way to start and grow families, and IVF is an important part of the process.

Read on to learn the details of how IVF in surrogacy works, and how embryos are handled during and after the surrogacy IVF process, or click here to get help from a surrogacy professional now.

Surrogacy IVF Process

While you can use IVF without a surrogate, IVF and surrogacy go hand in hand—surrogacy in the United States almost always uses IVF. Once you have chosen surrogacy and gotten matched with a surrogate, the medical process of surrogacy can begin.

In this medical process, your surrogate will have a final screening and begin pre-pregnancy medications, then your surrogacy medical team will help you complete the following steps:

Retrieve Gametes

To create an embryo, you will need sperm and eggs, otherwise known as gametes. Your medical team will help you retrieve these and preserve them until they are used, or you can use gametes that have been saved previously. You may be able to use your gametes, or you can use donor sperm or eggs.

Create an Embryo or Embryos

Next, your medical team will combine the gametes to form an embryo or embryos.

Embryo Transfer in Surrogacy

The surrogacy embryo transfer process comes next. During surrogacy embryo transfer, the embryo or embryos are placed in the surrogate’s uterus by a medical professional using assisted reproductive technology.

Confirm Pregnancy

After embryo transfer, your medical team will confirm pregnancy, and the rest of the exciting process can begin.

Do you Use All Gametes and Embryos in Surrogacy?

In both IVF and surrogacy, there is a possibility of having unused gametes or embryos at the end of the process.

Some families choose to freeze gametes or embryos for future use as a couple. Some others may choose to discard unused gametes and embryos. Others still may choose to donate unused gametes or embryos to another couple that is struggling with infertility.

How Do You End Up with Unused Embryos or Gametes?

It is not uncommon to have 15 or more eggs and many (possibly millions) more sperm after gamete retrieval.

As your medical team combines gametes to form an embryo, you may lose some embryos or sperm—not all gametes can become a healthy embryo.

In some cases, you may end up with only a single healthy embryo, or with no healthy embryos. In some cases, you can end up with multiple healthy embryos without using all of the gametes that were retrieved.

Can I Use All of My Embryos?

If you have multiple embryos, you may have the option to transfer all embryos at the same time, but in some cases, this may not be possible because it can result in an unsafe pregnancy of multiple embryos.

If you choose to transfer a smaller number of embryos, a healthy pregnancy may happen, resulting in unused embryos. In some cases, though, the pregnancy can be unsuccessful.

In cases of an unsuccessful pregnancy, having more embryos ready and waiting can mean you have another chance at conception with another embryo transfer.

What Happens to Unused Gametes and Embryos in Surrogacy?

Each medical provider has their own procedures for handling gametes and embryos, and some medical providers may already ask each patient what their preferences are for unused embryos or gametes and give you options.

These are some of the common options:

Discard gametes and/or embryos: Choosing to discard gametes or embryos means that they will be handled as medical waste. Processes for this option may vary among medical providers.

Freeze gametes and/or embryos: Freezing gametes or embryos can mean you have the option to have another child by IVF or surrogacy in the future.

Donate gametes and/or embryos: If you know that you will not have another cycle of IVF or another surrogate pregnancy, but you don’t want your embryos or gametes to be discarded, you can choose to donate the gametes or embryos to other individuals or couples who may want or need gametes or embryos.

This may mean that you will have another genetically related person in the world in the future, which deserves consideration.

I am Against Having Unused Embryos. Can I Still Do Surrogacy?

Some people see embryos as simply tissue, or a few cells that have divided, while others believe that life begins at conception—when the gametes meet and form an embryo—and that each embryo is a life. If this is an ethical or moral concern, both IVF and surrogacy may still be possible.

One option for those who are against having unused embryos is to do IVF or surrogacy with a donor embryo. When other couples complete IVF or surrogacy, they may freeze unused embryos and offer their embryos to other couples who are struggling with infertility. If you do this, you will help others use embryos that have already been created, and you will not create any embryos that you do not use.

Another possibility is to find a medical provider who can handle your gametes and embryos in a way that you find ethical. Each medical practice may have slightly different processes for gamete and embryo storage and usage, and you can find a medical provider who shares your concerns or is able to work with you to find a solution.

What Should I Do If I’m Concerned about Having Unused Embryos in Surrogacy?

Ultimately, this decision is yours and comes down to your personal ethical and moral convictions.

The good news is that you can always talk through this part of the process with a surrogate professional and your medical team, or even other intended parents to find a solution if you have concerns about the use of embryos in surrogacy. Get help now here.

How Does a Surrogate Get Pregnant?

Have questions about how a surrogate gets pregnant? We explain how the surrogacy process enables you to be genetically linked to your child.

Many people have questions about how a surrogate gets pregnant and the biology associated between the surrogate mother and the child. We are here to dispute any concerns you may have about the process and explain how you will share DNA with your child.

If you have specific questions, contact us today. We know the process of having a baby is an important and heartfelt journey. Your own path to becoming a parent is deeply personal and our surrogacy specialists are ready to help.

You can also follow our Instagram for insight from intended parents and surrogates about their journey and experiences.

Common Myths About Surrogacy And DNA

Myth #1: The child will share DNA with the surrogate.

No, your child will not share DNA with the surrogate mother. The surrogate mother is solely carrying the embryo to term. The embryo will be created through IVF at a fertility clinic before being implanted in the surrogate.

Myth #2: Surrogacy involves intercourse.

No. Surrogacy will never involve intercourse. The father of the child and the surrogate will not have intercourse to become pregnant. The whole process of pregnancy is achieved through IVF, which will be conducted at a trusted fertility clinic.

Myth #3: The gestational surrogate will grow attached and want to keep the baby.

Your surrogate will fully understand the scope of surrogacy. While surrogacy is an emotional process, the legal process helps protect everyone’s rights throughout the surrogacy. You will not have to worry about your legal right to your child.

Surrogacy and the IVF Process

The IVF process involves taking an egg from the intended mother or egg donor, and fertilizing it with the sperm from the intended father or sperm donor. You will decide whether you are using our own egg and sperm, or whether it will be more beneficial to use a donor’s. This will be something you determine in your surrogacy plan with your surrogacy specialist.

The whole IVF process is done in three steps.

Step 1: Egg Donation – A few eggs are extracted from the intended mother or an egg donor.

Step 2: Fertilization – The eggs are then fertilized with the intended father’s sperm or a donor’s in a lab to create the embryos.

Step 3: Embryo Transfer – Leading up to the step, the surrogate will take fertility drugs to prepare her body for the embryo transfer. Once an embryo has been created, it is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through a simple procedure at a fertility clinic.

Whether you are using your own egg and sperm or a donor’s will determine whether you are biologically related to your child. No matter which route you choose, your gestational surrogate will never share DNA with your child. Many people choose to go through surrogacy over other options like adoption because it means they will have a biological connection to their child. This is another topic to discuss with you surrogacy specialist as you are creating your plan.

Begin Your Journey to Parenthood

The journey to parenthood can be hard, and if you have come to surrogacy, we know you have likely been down a long road. We are ready to help you begin the surrogacy process today.

Contact a surrogacy specialist today.

5 Questions for Infertile Couples About Choosing Surrogacy

Discover how to pursue surrogacy for infertile couples and how surrogacy can be a great family-building alternative when you’re struggling with infertility.

Struggling with infertility can be an emotionally taxing and lengthy journey. After months or even years of fertility treatments without success, you may be wondering what steps to take next.

For some, surrogacy for infertile couples becomes an option when traditional methods like in-vitro fertilization haven’t worked. However, deciding to transition from infertility treatments to surrogacy is a tough choice, particularly if you still hope to experience pregnancy yourself.

You can always reach out to us now to learn more about choosing surrogacy for infertile couples. We’re always here to help you explore your options.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to pursue surrogacy for infertile couples. If you feel stuck and uncertain about the chances of success, you can explore remaining options, such as surrogacy or other assisted reproductive treatments. If you’re contemplating surrogacy options for infertile couples, then here are some factors to consider.

What to Know About Surrogacy for Infertile Couples

Determining whether you’re ready to shift from infertility to surrogacy varies for everyone. Each individual’s infertility journey is unique, influencing the decision to explore alternative treatments.

Often, those who choose surrogacy for infertile couples have already gone through extensive, unsuccessful fertility treatments. This prolonged effort drains their time and energy, leading to stress that can have an impact on their relationship.

If you and your partner feel drained from continuous unsuccessful attempts, you might want to reconsider your current infertility treatment strategy. If you think that you’re ready to explore other family-building alternatives, then here are some answers to the questions you may have about infertility and surrogacy.

1. If you’re infertile, can you use a surrogate?

Yes, if you’re infertile you can use a surrogate to help fulfill your dreams of becoming parents. In gestational surrogacy, the medical process involves using IVF to complete an embryo transfer. If you’re infertile then a donor’s egg or sperm may be used.

Before choosing surrogacy for infertile couples, you’ll need to consider whether your infertility treatment plan is giving you the results you need. Choosing surrogacy after infertility means putting all your focus and determination into the process.

2. Are you interested more interested in experiencing parenthood than surrogacy?

Surrogacy for infertile couples involves someone else carrying your baby for you. IVF or gamete donation can give you a chance at being pregnant while surrogacy does not. If you feel that being a parent is more important than experiencing pregnancy, you may be ready to explore surrogacy as an alternative family-building option.

3. Are you okay with someone else carrying your baby to term?

When you choose surrogacy after infertility, you may experience a loss by not being in control of your baby’s development. Although there will be a contract that will protect the rights and interests of all parties involved, you must be comfortable knowing that you can’t be there for every minute of your surrogate’s pregnancy.

But don’t worry. All surrogates are thoroughly screened to ensure that they’re emotionally and physically ready for the surrogacy process. If you’re ready to relinquish control, then surrogacy for infertile couples can be an option for you.

4. Do you have embryos leftover from your infertility treatments?

Those who choose surrogacy for infertile couples have embryos remaining from their infertility journey. Instead of taking another chance of failure with other infertility treatments, some choose to transfer an embryo to the uterus of a surrogate. Many intended parents see this as a chance to preserve their remaining embryos.

5. Do you and your partner agree on surrogacy?

This is by far one of the most important questions you should ask yourself when considering surrogacy for infertile couples. If you’re not on the same page about the process there will likely be feelings of resentment, anger and disappointment. Make sure you’re both committed to the surrogacy process before you commit to pursuing surrogacy.

Once you’ve taken these questions into account, you’ll be on the right track toward building the family you’ve always dreamed of. Your journey to parenthood can be one of the most beautiful, life-changing experiences you’ll ever have. With our help, you’ll become parents in no time.

Reach out to us today to pursue surrogacy for infertile couples. Our specialists are ready to help you begin the process, and a full online community is waiting to lend you support.

What to Know About Insurance for Your Surrogate Pregnancy

As a surrogate, you won’t be expected to pay your medical expenses. Here’s how insurance plays in to your surrogacy journey.

Figuring out how to get your surrogate pregnancy covered by insurance isn’t easy. Although insurance for surrogate pregnancy is tricky, it’s important to know that most of your medical expenses will be covered by our surrogate compensation package.

As the dynamics of insurance policies can be complex, we’re here to do our best to help you understand how insurance for surrogate pregnancy works so that you can confidently navigate your journey.

Click here to learn more about how much surrogacy compensation you’re eligible for.

Does Health Insurance Cover Surrogate Pregnancy?

The insurance for surrogate pregnancy coverage depends on the type of insurance you have. One of the first things you should do is reach out to an American Surrogacy specialist to discuss whether your insurance covers a surrogate pregnancy.

From there, we will be able to assess whether or not your insurance is covered. Because this is all on a case-by-case basis, there’s no easy way to tell if you have coverage with your surrogate pregnancy insurance.

Who’s Insurance Pays for a Surrogate Pregnancy?

If your policy doesn’t have exclusions for surrogate pregnancy, your provider will cover your pregnancy. Even if there are exclusions, you’ll still have coverage from your health insurance for surrogate pregnancy. It’s important to remember that any out-of-pocket costs will be covered by our surrogate compensation package.

Your surrogate specialist will always be there to help you understand whether your insurance will pay for your surrogate pregnancy.

What Insurance Covers a Surrogate Pregnancy?

Insurance agencies like Blue Cross, Aetna, and Cigna may all be able to at least partially cover your surrogate expenses. As always, make sure to check with your surrogate specialist to learn more about whether your insurance covers a surrogate pregnancy or not. Also, remember that you’ll never have to pay for any expenses associated with the surrogate process.

Our competitive compensation package ensures that all your expenses will be covered and that you will receive the highest amount of compensation for the time, energy and sacrifices you make throughout the process.

What if I Don’t Have Insurance for My Surrogate Pregnancy?

If you don’t have any health insurance, the intended parents will either cover all your costs out of pocket or will get you insurance for a surrogacy pregnancy. Some surrogacy insurance companies are able to cover your medical costs. It’s always crucial to work with your surrogate specialist to understand what you can do if you don’t have insurance coverage.

Navigating the Complexities of Surrogacy Insurance

If you are considering insurance for a surrogate pregnancy, you won’t need to bear any expenses associated with the surrogacy process directly, as these costs are usually covered by surrogate compensation. surrogate compensation covers various expenses, including medical bills, prenatal care and other relevant costs.

We’re committed to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring that you embark on your surrogate journey with peace of mind. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of insurance for your surrogate pregnancy or securing the highest amount of surrogate compensation available, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Resources like our social media is made to help you learn everything you need to know about the surrogacy process.

Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to ensure that your surrogacy experience is not only fulfilling but also financially secure. With our comprehensive assistance and expertise, you can navigate the path ahead with confidence.

To speak with a specialist about the intricacies of insurance for surrogate pregnancy, contact us online now.

4 Benefits of Using a Known Egg Donor

Using a known egg donor allows you to know more about your baby’s potential genetic makeup.

The process of finding the right egg donor in your surrogacy journey can be an emotional journey. With the growing popularity of using a known egg donor, anonymous egg donors are a thing of the past.

Now that DNA tests are readily available, more intended parents are exploring the possibilities and advantages of choosing a known egg donor over an anonymous one.

Below, we dive into the four key benefits of using a known egg donor and provide guidance on how to find the perfect fit.

To learn more about the surrogacy medical process, check out this article

1. Establishing a Personal Connection

One of the most significant advantages of using a known egg donor is the potential for establishing a personal connection. This choice allows you to foster a relationship with the donor, leading to a deeper understanding of their personality, values and beliefs.

Choosing a known egg donor can foster a sense of trust and ease, creating a more emotionally supportive environment throughout the process.

2. Comprehensive Knowledge of Medical History

Understanding the medical history of the egg donor can significantly impact the health and well-being of your child. Known egg donors provide you with a comprehensive insight into their family’s medical background, including any hereditary conditions or genetic predispositions.

This can help you prepare for any potential health challenges that may arise throughout your child’s life.

3. Shared Genetic Connection

Using a known egg donor can offer the unique benefit of establishing a shared genetic connection between the donor and the child. This shared genetic link can play a vital role in the child’s sense of identity and belonging, fostering a deeper understanding of their biological roots and heritage.

By choosing a known egg donor, you can ensure that your child has the opportunity to learn about their biological origins and family medical history, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. This knowledge enables them to develop a comprehensive understanding of their identity, promoting a stronger sense of self-awareness and emotional well-being as they grow and navigate their own personal journey.

4. Openness to Future Communication

Unlike the anonymity associated with traditional egg donation, choosing a known egg donor allows for the possibility of open communication in the future.

This openness can facilitate a healthy and transparent relationship, enabling your child to have access to information about their biological origins and potentially establish a meaningful connection with the donor later in life.

How to Find a Known Egg Donor

Finding a known egg donor involves careful consideration and planning. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate the process:

Work with a fertility clinic or agency that specializes in known egg donor arrangements.
Network within your community and reach out to friends, family or acquaintances who may be willing to serve as an egg donor.
Consult with legal professionals to ensure that all aspects of the donation process, including legal agreements and rights, are thoroughly understood and documented.

The decision to use a known egg donor comes with its own set of considerations and benefits. While weighing the pros and cons of different options, you’ll want to find a suitable and trusted known egg donor who aligns with your values and aspirations for your future family.

To speak with a surrogacy specialist about the process of using a known egg donor, contact us online now to get more free information. You can also connect with a community of intended parents just like you through our Instagram page.

What Surrogate Medications Will I Take?

As a surrogate, you’ll take a variety of medications to prepare your body for pregnancy. Here’s what you can expect.

When you consider becoming a surrogate, you likely have questions about what goes into the surrogacy medical process. Gestational surrogacy is a common way of becoming pregnant and one of the important aspects of that process is the surrogate medications you’re required to take.

Whether you’re thinking about beginning your journey as a gestational surrogate or exploring options for surrogacy without medications, understanding the various medications, timelines and potential side effects can help you prepare for what to expect.

If you want to learn more about the steps in the surrogacy medical process, check out this article.

Check out our Instagram to learn more about surrogacy from our surrogates.

What Medications Does a Surrogate Take?

Gestational surrogacy, the most common form of surrogacy, involves the use of medications to prepare your uterus for embryo implantation. These medications typically include:

Oral Contraceptives – Often the first step, oral contraceptives are used to synchronize the menstrual cycles of the surrogate and the intended mother or egg donor.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormones – These hormones stimulate the development of multiple eggs in your ovaries.
Lupron- This surrogacy medication prevents your natural cycle from interfering with the surrogacy process by limiting the secretion of hormones that control your cycle.
Progesterone – Administered through injections, vaginal suppositories, or gels, progesterone supports the development of the uterine lining, preparing it for embryo implantation and supporting early pregnancy.
Estrogen – a vital hormone for uterine lining development is often administered as a surrogate medication to support the preparation of the uterus for embryo implantation during the gestational surrogacy process.

Surrogate Medications Timeline

The surrogate medications timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific IVF protocol used. However, a general timeline for the administration of these medications typically follows this pattern:

Preliminary Screening and Evaluation: Before starting any surrogate medications, both you and the intended parents will undergo comprehensive medical and psychological screenings.
Synchronization of Cycles: You and the intended mother or egg donor may start with oral contraceptives to synchronize your menstrual cycles.
Ovarian Stimulation: Injections are administered to stimulate the development of multiple eggs.
Egg Maturation and Retrieval: Following the administration of injections, the eggs are matured and subsequently retrieved from your ovaries.
Embryo Transfer Preparation: Progesterone supplementation begins to prepare your uterus for embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer and Post-Transfer Care: After the embryo transfer, progesterone supplementation continues for about 10-12 weeks to support the early stages of pregnancy.

Potential Side Effects of Surrogacy Medications

While surrogacy medications are generally well-tolerated, they can potentially lead to certain side effects, including:

Mood Swings and Emotional Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during the treatment can affect the surrogate’s mood and emotional well-being.
Physical Discomfort: Side effects such as bloating, abdominal discomfort and breast tenderness may occur due to ovarian stimulation medications.
Injection Site Reactions: Progesterone injections may lead to localized reactions at the injection site, including pain, redness, and swelling.

The side effects of surrogate medications can vary from person to person. Communicating with your healthcare provider can help manage these side effects effectively.

Learn More

Understanding the surrogate medications, the associated timelines and potential side effects can help you understand what to expect throughout the medical process. With proper guidance and support your surrogacy journey can be a positive, fulfilling experience.

Can I Be a Surrogate if My Tubes are Tied?

If you’ve been wondering “can I still be a surrogate with my tubes tied” the answer is yes. We tell you how.

Maybe you’re done having your own children, but you want to help other intended parents achieve their goals of parenthood. While tubal ligation or having your ‘tubes tied’ can be a permanent solution to preventing you from having your own children, you can still carry an embryo to term.

If you’ve been wondering “can I still be a surrogate with my tubes tied” the answer is yes.

To get more information about our surrogate requirements, you can contact us today by filling out our online form or calling 1-800-875-BABY.

You can also learn more about surrogacy from our surrogates. Our Instagram can give you insight into the journey ahead from those who have been through the process.

What Does it Mean to Have Your “Tubes Tied?”

Tubal ligation, commonly referred to as “getting your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure performed on individuals, typically women, as a permanent method of contraception. During this procedure, a surgeon seals or blocks the fallopian tubes, which are the pathways through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

By obstructing or cutting these tubes, the procedure prevents sperm from meeting an egg, thereby making pregnancy highly unlikely. Tubal ligation is considered a highly effective and irreversible method of birth control, providing individuals with long-term reproductive control and freedom from the need for ongoing contraception. While it is a significant decision due to its permanent nature, it offers peace of mind for those seeking to end their fertility journey or prevent unintended pregnancies.

How Can I Be a Surrogate With My Tubes Tied?

While many women who choose to have their tubes tied believe they can’t get pregnant on their own again, you may still be able to carry an embryo to term. A tubal ligation just prevents your own eggs from coming down from the ovaries to the uterus. You can still have your period and ovulate through you cycle, though. Some potential surrogates who have gone through the procedure ask “can I be surrogate mother after tubal ligation,” especially those who are seriously considering getting it reversed. The answer is that you are a great candidate for surrogacy when you have your tubes tied.

4 Reasons Why Being a “Tubes-Tied” Surrogate Is Great

You have an extremely low risk of getting pregnant with your own child.
With tubal ligation, you have an almost zero chance of accidentally getting pregnant on your own. This is of course ideal if you’re choosing to become a surrogate mother.
You’re done building your family.
If you’ve made the choice to have your tubes tied, it’s likely that you are done adding to your own family. This may mean you are in a better position to help others build their own family.
You don’t have to worry about how your fertility will affect your own family planning.
Surrogacy can come with many risks, including a loss of fertility. When you choose to take your fertility into your own hands with tubal ligation, fertility loss is likely something you’ve already accepted.
You’re more likely to be emotionally ready for the process.
Due to the fact that you have gone through tubal ligation, completed your own family goals and have chosen to pursue surrogacy, you are probably a better candidate for the emotional process of surrogacy.

If you want to be a surrogate, don’t let a tubal ligation stop you from pursuing your goals. You absolutely do not need to go through getting the tubal ligation reversed to become a surrogate. If you have questions about the procedure or your condition, contact a surrogacy specialist today.

Why Are There BMI Surrogacy Requirements?

The BMI surrogacy requirement can be a factor in your eligibility to become a surrogate. Discover what this means for you surrogacy journey, and why BMI requirements for surrogacy exist.

There are a lot of physical requirements to even begin applying to become a surrogate. Many times when you’re given a list of requirements you may wonder how serious or lenient different agencies may be on different standards. One that comes up often is the BMI requirements for surrogacy.

To get more information about BMI surrogacy requirements with our agency, fill out our online form or call 1-800-875-BABY.

Why BMI is Important

While many people in the health industry have been discussing the relevance of BMI in other areas of the medical field, BMI is still important to surrogate eligibility. We want to make sure that intended parents and surrogates have the best chance possible to have a child. When intended parents are choosing to use their own eggs, we have little room for error to help them achieve their dreams. We have BMI surrogacy requirements due to the risks listed below.

Higher BMI has been associated with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, pregnancy hypertension and other complications.
Complications with the baby after birth have been linked to birth mothers with a higher BMI.
Too high and too low BMI can make it more difficult to get pregnant.
Too high and too low BMI can increase the risk of pre-term delivery.

Required BMI Levels

We currently work with women whose have a BMI range of 19-32. This is based on the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s recommendations and what health professionals have determined is a healthy BMI range for adults. This range is set to exclude women who may be medically underweight or obese, which could cause dangerous situations when carrying a child.

Working with the BMI Requirement

If you are slightly over the required weight or BMI, you should speak with a surrogacy specialist. A reproductive endocrinologist can complete blood and urine test to determine whether you can successfully carry a child to term. If you want to become a surrogate, you can also work with your doctor or a registered dietician to help meet the surrogacy BMI requirements.

It’s important to keep in mind that our BMI requirement for surrogacy is just one of many. Our other surrogacy requirements include:

No smoking or illicit drug use
No tattoos or piercings in last six months
No major complications from previous pregnancies
At least six months since last vaginal or cesarean birth
And more.

When it comes to your health, the best thing you can do is to seek out health and nutrition advice from you physician. If you lay out your goals, including that you want to meet BMI surrogacy requirements, your doctor should be able to help you create a plan and recommend other health specialists who can assist you as well.

The best way to know if you are eligible to become a surrogate is by contacting a surrogacy specialist. If you have questions about the process, the BMI requirements, or anything else, contact us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY). And if you think you meet the requirements and want to proceed, contact us by filling out our quick prospective surrogate form.

7 Tips for a Healthy Surrogate Pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy surrogate pregnancy helps ensure the well-being of yourself and the precious life you carry. As a surrogate, the responsibility of nurturing a developing baby requires special attention to physical, emotional and lifestyle factors to promote a safe and thriving pregnancy.

As a surrogate, you’ve been given one of the most important tasks out there: to grow and protect another person’s unborn baby. By prioritizing a healthy and safe lifestyle, you’ll provide a nurturing environment for the unborn child and will offer hope for individuals or couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

Maintaining a healthy and safe lifestyle is crucial as it directly impacts the well-being of the developing child. A commitment to good physical and mental health, regular prenatal care and proper nutrition ensures the optimal growth and development of the baby.

If you have any questions about how to live a healthy lifestyle as a surrogate, then contact us online or call 1-800-875-2229 to connect with a specialist.

In the meantime, here are seven surrogate pregnancy tips to help you have a safe, healthy experience:

1. Attend All Your OBGYN Appointments

Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll need to check in with your OBGYN more frequently than you would for a standard pregnancy. Although you may be tired of going to the doctor so many times, these frequent visits help ensure that there are no complications in your surrogate pregnancy journey. Each appointment tracks your health along with your baby’s health as well.

To help make these appointments more bearable, you can invite the intended parents. Even if they’re unavailable, sending them a quick update, photo or video chatting with them after each appointment can help you feel excited as you navigate your surrogate pregnancy.

2. Stay on Top of Eating Healthy Meals and Hydrating

If you live a busier life, it can be easy to resort to fast food to satisfy your cravings. But, you’ll want to make sure that you (and the baby) have plenty of protein, fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Your health and the baby’s health are of utmost importance, so make sure you’re thinking about ways to eat healthier.

Dehydration is one of the leading causes of premature labor and can cause harm to both you and your baby. Drinking enough water can also provide the essential vitamins and minerals the baby needs. It’s important for both you and the baby that you drink plenty of water to avoid any complications in your surrogate pregnancy.

You’ll also want sure you know what food and drinks to avoid when pregnant and check in with your doctor if you need any tips for eating healthier and staying hydrated.

3. Take your Vitamins

As a surrogate, one of the last things you want to do is add more medications to your routine. But prenatal vitamins are an integral part in your surrogate pregnancy that ensures you and the baby are both getting what you need. Even though vitamins can help contribute to a healthy surrogate pregnancy, you need to make sure to stay on top of your diet at the same time.

Setting a daily alarm to take your vitamins and any other OB-approved medication can be helpful in case you forget.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

Your body is working overtime right now, so it’s important to get at least eight hours of sleep at night and take naps when you can. After the first trimester, try to sleep on your side as sleeping on your back can limit blood supply to the baby and may leave you feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have a hard time sleeping comfortably as your surrogate pregnancy progresses, you can always try a pregnancy pillow or prenatal massages (with your doctors approval) if you’re feeling sore.

5. Try Keeping Stress Levels Low

When you make the decision to pursue a surrogate pregnancy, the link between your cortisol levels and its effect on the baby is pretty strong. Your own physical health is tied to how you’re feeling emotionally, so you’ll want to focus on your emotional health to help keep you and the baby healthy.

Pregnancy often comes with many complex emotions and mood swings that are hard to control. With the added pressures of a surrogate pregnancy, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to talk with your specialist or another qualified counselor if you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Remember to take plenty of time to recharge, breathe and relax.

6. Journal or Scrapbook your Surrogate Pregnancy

Someday, this child may want to learn about the time you spent together and his or her parents won’t be able to tell that part of the story. It can be fun to write about your surrogate pregnancy experience in letters or a journal. If you want to get more creative, you can create a scrapbook with pictures throughout your pregnancy.

This can be a fun way to tell the child about your time together, your time with their parents and how excited you are to meet them and see them grow up with their family.

7. Involve the Intended Parents as Much as you Can

If you’re unsure when the intended parents should be involved, you can always talk with your surrogate specialist for advice. Generally, most intended parents are eager and excited to be included in your surrogate pregnancy experience to whatever extent you’re comfortable with. Many intended parents would love to see sonograms and pictures of your growing belly.

Most communication involves text messages about how you’re feeling and can include invitations to your doctor appointments. If you live nearby the intended parents, having them stop by for a quick visit can be a nice way for you to get to know each other and build a lasting relationship. Having a strong relationship with the intended parents can make the process a beautiful journey for all involved. For help navigating this, or any other aspect of your surrogacy, you can reach out to other experienced surrogates through our social media.

If you need any more advice on how to have a healthy surrogate pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your American Surrogacy specialist. You can always contact us online or call us at 1-800-875-2229 (BABY).