Surrogates | American Surrogacy Blog

Can I Be a Surrogate After Placental Abruption?

If you want to learn more about if you can be a surrogate after placental abruption, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.

Placental abruption is a pregnancy complication that can impact both the mother and the baby, so it’s natural to have concerns about how it might affect your eligibility as a surrogate.

While this condition may prevent you from becoming a surrogate, it’s important to have a conversation with your surrogacy agency and clinic to assess your specific situation.

Interested in learning more about becoming a surrogate? Contact us today to learn more about our surrogate requirements.

Let’s take a deeper look into what placental abruption is, how it affects pregnancy outcomes, and how this may impact your potential to become a surrogate.

Can I Be a Surrogate After Placental Abruption?

The complications of a placental abruption make it unlikely that you will be able to become a surrogate.

While it is generally unlikely that you would qualify to become a surrogate after experiencing this condition, contact your surrogacy agency or fertility clinic and discuss your specific situation.

Each case is unique, and they can provide you with the most accurate guidance based on your medical history and current health status.

Learn more about our requirements to become a surrogate.

Can You Be a Surrogate If You’ve Had Placenta Previa?

Placenta previa is a pregnancy issue where the placenta grows in the lowest part of the womb, covering all or part of the opening to the cervix.

Similar to placental abruption, it is unlikely you’ll qualify to be a surrogate, but it depends on the circumstances of your situation.

What are the Complications of Placental Abruption?

A placental abruption is a condition that occurs during pregnancy when the placenta separates from the uterus before delivery.

The placenta connects the fetus to the uterus during a pregnancy, acting as the lifeline that transfers nutrients and oxygen through the umbilical cord.

There are different levels of severity when it comes to placental abruption. Here’s how your medical professional may classify them:

Partial Placental Abruption: Occurs when the placenta doesn’t completely detach from the uterine wall.
Complete or Total Placental Abruption: Occurs when the placenta completely detaches from the uterine wall.
Revealed Placental Abruption: Results in moderate to severe vaginal bleeding that’s visible.
Concealed Placental Abruption: Results in little to no visible vaginal bleeding, blood is trapped between the placenta and uterine wall.

Placental Abruption Effects on Baby

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Growth problems
Brain injury from lack of oxygen
Stillbirth

Placental Abruption Effects on Mother

Blood loss
Anemia
Blood clotting issues
Kidney failure

The Requirements to Become a Surrogate

As a prospective surrogate, it’s important that you have a track record of uncomplicated pregnancies.

A history of placental abruption or other severe complications could increase the risk of complications during the surrogacy journey, potentially putting both you and the baby at risk.

When you work with us for your surrogacy journey, there are specific health requirements you must first meet to become a surrogate with us.

Be with an age range of 21-40
Have a healthy BMI
Have carried at least one pregnancy successfully to term
No major complications with previous pregnancies
Be off anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication for 12 months

Intended parents rely on you to provide a safe and healthy environment for their child. Surrogacy requirements ensure your safety as well as the intended parent’s opportunity to experience parenthood.

What if I Don’t Qualify? [Our Surrogate Referral Program]

Even if you do not qualify to be a surrogate, our Surrogate Referral Program offers the opportunity for you to refer potential surrogates who may meet the necessary health criteria.

By referring a friend to become a surrogate, you can earn $5,000 or more as a referral fee.

You can contribute to helping make someone’s dream of having a family a reality.

If you know someone who might be interested in becoming a surrogate, consider the following general steps:

Step 1: Refer a friend who you believe will make a great surrogate.
Step 2: Your friend will go through our initial screening.
Step 3: Once approved, she will join our program and be matched with intended parents.
Step 4: You will receive a $5,000+ referral fee within 30 days of the embryo transfer.

Talk to Your Agency and Clinic

If you have had a placental abruption in the past and are considering becoming a surrogate, the best course of action is to contact your surrogacy agency and clinic.

Reach out today to learn more and to discuss your options.

We will evaluate your health history and review the details of your past pregnancy.

While a history of placental abruption may disqualify you from becoming a surrogate, it’s essential to have a personalized evaluation to make an informed decision.

Can You Be a Surrogate if You Had Preeclampsia?

If you’ve experienced preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, it may impact your eligibility to become a surrogate.

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can impact a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy to full term. If you’ve experienced preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, your surrogate eligibility may be impacted.

If you’re considering surrogacy after preeclampsia, this blog will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.

A surrogacy professional can explain the surrogacy requirements in detail, including how your medical history may impact your candidacy. Contact us today.

Can You Be a Surrogate If You Had Preeclampsia?

It is unlikely that you will be able to become a surrogate after having preeclampsia, but it depends on your individual health history, the severity of the condition and medical clearance.

Before making any decisions, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider. A thorough discussion with your doctor about your risks and the potential for complications will help you evaluate your options.

In addition to consulting your doctor, it is equally important to speak with a surrogacy professional about their surrogate requirements. Surrogacy agencies are experienced in managing the process and can help guide you through the eligibility criteria.

Surrogate Health Requirements

Your choice to give intended parents a chance at a life-changing opportunity is nothing short of incredible. The following requirements help ensure the safety and success of everyone involved:

Be with an age range of 21-40
Have a healthy BMI
Have carried at least one pregnancy successfully to term
No major complications with previous pregnancies
Be off anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication for 12 months

Learn more about surrogate requirements and how your medical history can impact your eligibility.

Preeclampsia and Surrogacy: What are the Risks?

Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that can develop during pregnancy. It often results in high blood pressure and high levels of protein in urine and usually develops after the 20^th week of a pregnancy.

Although not super common in the U.S., impacting between 5-8% of all births, it is responsible for around 15% of all premature deliveries and getting treatment is required to avoid life-threatening complications.

These risks not only affect your health but can also complicate the pregnancy, impacting the outcome for the intended parents and their future child.

Potential Preeclampsia Complications

Here’s how preeclampsia complications can impact you and your surrogate pregnancy:

Eclampsia: Eclampsia is a severe complication that can develop after preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. It causes seizures that can harm both the surrogate and the baby.
Damage to your liver and/or kidneys: Damage to these organs can result in severe complications, including kidney failure, fluid retention and jaundice. If the organs fail, it may result in the need dialysis or early delivery, putting both your and baby’s health at risk.
Fetal growth restriction: Preeclampsia can prevent adequate blood flow to the placenta, resulting in fetal growth restriction. This can lead to a range of complications, such as low birth weight, developmental delays or organ damage.
Premature birth: Premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is associated with numerous health risks for the baby, including respiratory distress syndrome, brain bleeds and developmental delays.
Low birth weight: Babies born with low birth weight (under 5 pounds, 8 ounces) are more likely to experience complications, including difficulty breathing, feeding problems and an increased risk of infections.
Placental abruption: Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely, cutting off the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients. This can cause severe bleeding and can be life-threatening for both you and the baby. The risks include hemorrhage, shock and fetal death.

What Are the Long Term Effects of Preeclampsia?

If preeclampsia has been or could be a risk for you as a potential surrogate, you should know of the long term effects of preeclampsia such as:

Kidney disease
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Stroke
Developing preeclampsia in future pregnancies

Each situation is unique and if you are unsure of if the circumstances of your situation may allow you to still become a surrogate, contact your surrogacy agency or fertility clinic to get a clear cut answer.

What if I Don’t Qualify to Be a Surrogate? [Our Referral Program]

Surrogate requirements exist to ensure the safety of you and the child you are carrying.

If preeclampsia complications have made you ineligible for becoming a surrogate, you can still earn meaningful compensation through our surrogate referral program.

By referring a friend to become a surrogate, you can earn $5,000 or more as a referral fee. If you know someone who might be interested in becoming a surrogate, consider the following general steps:

Step 1: Refer a friend who you believe will make a great surrogate.
Step 2: Your friend will go through our initial screening.
Step 3: Once approved, she will join our program and be matched with intended parents.
Step 4: You will receive a $5,000+ referral fee within 30 days of the embryo transfer.

To hear directly from other surrogates, follow us on Instagram.

Reach out today to talk with a surrogacy professional who can guide you through the next steps. We’re here for you every step of the way.

How Long Does Medical Clearance Take for Surrogacy?

Thorough medical screening and clearance means that you are well-prepared and more likely to complete your surrogacy journey successfully.

Medical clearance for surrogacy helps assure that you are fully prepared for your surrogacy journey. The process can take weeks to months, but ultimately, medical screening can help you avoid health risks and wasted time down the road.

This article will help you understand medical clearances and the timeline to completing medical clearance.

There’s no need to be nervous – plenty of surrogates have gone through this process. You can hear more of their stories through our Instagram.

Read more about medical clearance here or fill out this form and find out if you are qualified to be a surrogate.

How Long Does Medical Clearance Take for Surrogacy?

The timeline for surrogacy medical clearance can vary depending on several factors:

Collecting Your Medical Records: 1-3 Weeks

This step often takes 1–3 weeks, as it depends on how quickly your healthcare providers can send your medical history to the clinic.

To speed up this part, follow up with your provider to ensure the records are sent promptly.

Fertility Clinic Review: 1-2 Weeks

Once the clinic has your records, the review process typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Clinics carefully examine your medical history to confirm that you meet their surrogacy guidelines.

In-Person Evaluation: 1-3 Weeks

After the initial review, you’ll be scheduled for an in-person medical screening. This is usually completed in 1 day, but scheduling the appointment might take 1–2 weeks but can take up to a month, depending on the clinic’s availability and your location.

Read more about the surrogate screening process or contact us today to get answers to your questions as soon as possible.

What is Surrogacy Medical Clearance?

In addition to meeting your surrogacy agency’s requirements, you will also need to be approved by the intended parents’ fertility clinic, who often have their own standards.

The process usually involves:

A review of your complete medical records, particularly from previous pregnancies.
An in-person evaluation at the intended parents’ clinic, which may include a physical exam and uterine health assessment. Your travel and lodging will be covered and arranged on your behalf.

Since agencies and clinics often follow the guidelines provided by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, clinics may have more specific medical standards tailored to ensure the success of the surrogacy process.

This evaluation is thorough because it’s designed to prioritize your health and the success of the surrogacy journey.

What Can Affect the Timeline?

Several factors may impact how quickly you receive medical clearance for surrogacy, including:

Clinic workload: Some clinics process clearances faster than others based on their caseload.
Missing or incomplete records: If your medical history is incomplete, it may delay the process.
Travel for the in-person exam: If you live far from the fertility clinic, coordinating travel plans might take extra time.

How Can You Prepare for Medical Clearance for Surrogacy?

To keep the process moving smoothly:

Organize Your Records Early: Start gathering your medical records as soon as possible.
Be Responsive: Stay in touch with your surrogacy agency and the clinic to promptly address any requests or questions.
Be Patient: While waiting for clearance can feel long, it’s an essential step to ensure everyone’s safety and success.

If you have any questions about how long your medical clearance for surrogacy is taking, reach out to your surrogacy specialist and we can follow up with the intended parents’ clinic for an estimated timeline.

What Happens After Medical Clearance?

Once you’re medically cleared, you’re ready for the next steps in your surrogacy journey, including getting to know the intended parents over a mediated Zoom call and finalizing the match if you’re both comfortable moving forward to the legal process.

Next Steps

While it requires patience, medical clearance for surrogacy is essential to protect your and the baby’s health and ensure a smooth surrogacy experience.

If you have questions or need help navigating this process, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to learn more? Contact us today to start your journey.

Understanding Symptoms After Embryo Transfer

Knowing the symptoms surrogates may experience after an embryo transfer, including the typical timeline for the first week, signs of implantation, and early pregnancy symptoms can help you prepare for the journey ahead.

The embryo transfer is one of the most crucial steps in the surrogacy journey, marking the beginning of a potential pregnancy.

Understanding the symptoms you might experience after the embryo transfer can help you feel more at ease during the process.

If you’re curious about the first steps of becoming a surrogate, contact us online now or check out this article to learn more.

We’ll cover common early pregnancy symptoms, post embryo transfer symptoms and tips to help manage any discomfort.

What Happens During an Embryo Transfer?

For surrogates, the embryo transfer involves placing a fertilized embryo (or embryos) into the uterus, where it will hopefully implant and lead to pregnancy. This is a short procedure and is the key moment that turns hope into reality for the intended parents.

At American Surrogacy, we make sure that you’re supported throughout every step of the process, from the initial consultation to post-pregnancy care. If you have questions about preparing for the procedure or need guidance, our team is always available.

7 Days After Embryo Transfer Symptoms: What to Expect

The first week after an embryo transfer is important, as it is during this time that implantation may occur. Here’s a brief timeline of what surrogates might experience:

Day 1-3: The embryo travels within the uterus and may begin attaching to the uterine lining.
Day 4-6: Implantation may begin, potentially causing some mild symptoms like cramping or spotting.
Day 7: By this time, the embryo may be fully implanted, and the body starts producing pregnancy hormones, such as hCG, which can lead to early pregnancy symptoms.

However, know that these symptoms can also be caused by the medication you’re taking and not all women experience them. The best way to know for sure is to confirm with a pregnancy test.

Post-Embryo Transfer Symptoms

As a surrogate, you may notice some symptoms during the implantation phase. These symptoms can be exciting as they might indicate that the embryo is successfully implanting into the uterine lining:

Light Cramping: Some women report mild cramping, similar to period cramps, during implantation.
Spotting: Light spotting or “implantation bleeding” may occur around 6-12 days after the transfer. This is usually pink or brown and typically lighter than a period.
Fatigue: Early pregnancy hormones can make you feel more tired than usual.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms After Embryo Transfer

Once implantation occurs, early pregnancy symptoms may begin. These can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:

Nausea: Morning sickness can start early, though it is usually mild in the beginning.
Breast Tenderness: Swollen or tender breasts are often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy due to rising hormone levels.
Frequent Urination: As your body starts producing more hCG, you may notice an increased urination.

No Symptoms After Embryo Transfer Is That Normal?

It’s important to distinguish between normal and potentially concerning symptoms. While some cramping and spotting can be normal after an embryo transfer, there are other symptoms to look out for:

Normal Symptoms: Mild cramping, light spotting, breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea.
Concerning Symptoms: Heavy bleeding, severe pain, high fever, or sudden dizziness.

If you experience any concerning symptoms after the embryo transfer, contact your fertility clinic immediately.

Tips for Managing Post-Embryo Transfer Symptoms

To help manage any discomfort or early pregnancy symptoms, here are some things you can do:

Give your body the time it needs to heal and adjust. Light activity is fine but avoid strenuous exercise.
Drinking plenty of water can help alleviate some symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
If you’re feeling overly tired or experiencing discomfort, it’s okay to take it easy.

The period after an embryo transfer can be filled with anticipation and excitement. While it’s natural to focus on every post embryo transfer symptom, remember that each surrogate’s body is different.

Whether you experience common signs of pregnancy or none at all, staying in close contact with your fertility clinic and surrogacy team can help you navigate the process with confidence.

If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate, then contact us online now to begin the pre-screening process.

Find out more about what being a surrogate is like by following us on Instagram. You can hear from surrogates who have been through the process themselves.

French Fries After Embryo Transfer: Surrogacy Superstitions

You’ve probably heard it somewhere—the odd superstition that eating McDonald’s French fries after an embryo transfer boosts your chances of a successful pregnancy.

Whether you’ve seen it shared in surrogacy communities or talked about in forums, this tradition has been gaining some popularity in the IVF community. But what’s the deal? Could a serving of fries really help? Or is it just a fun way to ease nerves?

Here’s what you need to know.

Why French Fries After the Embryo Transfer?

The origins of this French fry superstition are fuzzy, but many believe it started within IVF and surrogacy support groups as a way to find comfort during the often-nerve-wracking process of embryo transfer.

Some suggest it’s because fries contain salt, and salt is thought to help with implantation—though there’s no actual science behind that.

Despite the lack of scientific proof, eating McDonald’s fries after the embryo transfer has become a good-luck ritual for many intended parents and surrogates. If grabbing fries after the embryo transfer helps you feel more optimistic, there’s no harm in indulging.

At the end of the day, this journey is full of emotions, and sometimes, a little superstition can help you feel control in an uncontrollable situation.

To learn how you can improve your chances of success, fill out this form to speak with a specialist or read tips on what to do after an embryo transfer.

You can also follow us on Instagram to hear directly from intended parents and surrogates alike about their experiences.

Does Eating Fries After the Embryo Transfer Really Work?

There isn’t any scientific evidence to support the idea that French fries after embryo transfer, or any specific food, can increase your chances of embryo implantation.

Focusing on medically backed methods for supporting embryo implantation can help contribute to the overall success of IVF. If you’re looking to give yourself the best chance at success, here are some things you can do before and after your embryo transfer:

1. Pre-Transfer Care

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can contribute to general reproductive health as you’re gearing up for the embryo transfer.

Stress management techniques before the procedure like meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises can help create a calm environment for embryo implantation.

Leading up to the embryo transfer, make sure to work closely with your fertility specialist to follow any prescribed medications or recommendations.

2. Post-Transfer Care

After the transfer, light activity is fine, but some doctors recommend avoiding strenuous activities for a day or two to give the embryo the best chance of implanting.

Eating foods rich in folate, iron and omega-3 fatty acids may support a healthy pregnancy. Proper hydration also helps support all of your body’s systems, including those needed for embryo implantation.

Learn more about what to expect after the embryo transfer.

Should You Eat Fries After Your Transfer?

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. If enjoying a salty snack like McDonald’s fries after the embryo transfer helps you feel calm and brings you comfort, go for it!

There’s no scientific harm in it, and if it’s become part of your IVF or surrogacy ritual, it can be a fun way to mark an important moment in your journey.

Whether you’re indulging in French fries for luck or sticking strictly to your fertility doctor’s recommendations, the most important thing is that you feel supported and empowered throughout your journey.

Fertility treatments like IVF and surrogacy can be filled with uncertainty, but with the right mindset, preparation and a little comfort food, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Ready to start your surrogacy journey? Contact us online now to learn how you can prepare for your embryo transfer.

Do Surrogate Mothers Share DNA With The Baby?

Do surrogates share DNA with the baby? We answer our most asked questions about genetics and surrogacy.

As you go through the surrogacy process you, and maybe even family members and friends, may have questions about the DNA of your child. Many people may choose surrogacy due to the genetic factor. But people still have questions about DNA and the genetic process. Common questions we get asked include:

Does the surrogate mother share DNA with the child?
Will the baby look like the surrogate mother?
Do surrogates share blood with the baby?
Does a gestational surrogate have a right to the baby?

To get answers to these questions and more, you can contact a surrogacy specialist today by filling out our online form or call 1-800-875-BABY.

You can also hear directly from surrogates and intended parents alike by following us on Instagram.

Use this easy guide to understand the difference between traditional surrogacy vs. gestational surrogacy, and help those with questions understand your surrogacy process as well.

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate contributes her own egg to the in-vitro process. Once her egg is artificially inseminated by the intended father’s or donor’s sperm, an embryo is created which she will then carry to term in her uterus. In this form of surrogacy, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the child. This genetic relationship can come with unique challenges. Due to the higher level of legal risk with traditional surrogacy, it is rarely done today.

Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate and baby do not share any genetics. An embryo is created from the intended parents’ and/or donor’s egg and sperm. Once the embryo is created, it is transferred to the surrogate’s womb and she then carries the baby to term. This process is the most common form of surrogacy today, and the only form of surrogacy American Surrogacy completes.

Now, let’s answer those questions from above. We understand that many of the questions may be from well-meaning family members and friends who have a ton of thoughts on the process. However, we are here to offer you the information to make it clear that your child will not be genetically related to the surrogate.

Does the surrogate mother share DNA with the child?

Many people may think of traditional surrogacy when it comes to the surrogate process. They assume it’s her egg being used. This, of course, is not the case. You will use your egg or a donor’s egg to create the embryo that will be carried by the surrogate. The DNA will come from the egg that was used in the embryo. It will have nothing to do with the surrogate.

Will the baby look like the surrogate mother?

Again, the appearance of the baby comes down to who provided the sperm and the egg to create the embryo that results in a child.

Do surrogates share blood with the baby?

When people talk about “blood relation” they may be thinking of literal blood. While yes, a surrogate’s blood is used to help grow your child, they are not of “blood relation.”

Does a gestational surrogate have a right to the baby?

No. With gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not have any rights to the child. There will be a legal process that will allow you the legal rights of parenthood while the baby is in the womb.

When people ask if the baby is related to the surrogate mother, the answer is simply no. You will share the genetics with your child through your egg or sperm, or you can choose to use a donor if using your own is not an option for you.

If you want more information on surrogacy, contact us today at 1-800-825-2229 (BABY) or fill out our online form.

Surrogate Pregnancy Vs. Personal Pregnancy

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, then here’s everything you need to know about how a surrogate pregnancy compares to a personal pregnancy.

It’s common to wonder how a surrogate pregnancy compares to a personal pregnancy. Many potential surrogates ask if the experience is any different from when they carried their own children, especially when it comes to the emotional aspects of the process. Will I miss the baby? How can I go through the process without becoming attached?

These concerns are normal, but know that a surrogate pregnancy significantly differs from a personal pregnancy. Although there are some similarities in the process, here’s what you can expect from a surrogate pregnancy.

To learn more about the journey toward becoming a surrogate, check out this article.

Check us out on Instagram to hear directly from surrogates who have helped intended parents realize their dreams of parenthood.

Surrogate Pregnancy vs. Personal Pregnancy [3 Key Differences]

There are many differences between a surrogate pregnancy and a personal pregnancy. From emotional aspects to financial differences, we’ll help you understand everything you need to know to help you embark on a surrogate journey with confidence.

Physical Aspects

When you become a surrogate, there are certain surrogate requirements you must meet to qualify. Unlike a personal pregnancy, surrogate pregnancies often involve a screening process that ensures you’re prepared to complete a successful surrogacy journey. These surrogate requirements are meant to protect everyone involved, providing peace of mind as you navigate this journey.

Also, a gestational surrogate pregnancy often involves in-vitro fertilization to create embryos using the intended parents’ own genetic material or an egg donor’s. This means that as the surrogate, you won’t share any DNA with the baby like you would with a personal pregnancy.

Because the process uses IVF to achieve a pregnancy, there are also certain fertility medications you’ll need to take to prepare for the embryo transfer process. After becoming pregnant, the physical symptoms are similar to those that occur during a personal pregnancy.

Financial Aspects

Unlike personal pregnancies where you’re responsible for medical and pregnancy expenses, surrogate pregnancies include surrogate compensation that covers every step of your journey. You’ll also receive additional compensation that recognizes your commitment to helping a couple build their family.

First-time surrogates have the chance to earn $50,000-$90,000 while second-time surrogates can earn $60,000-$110,000. Although your cost of living and current income can affect how much you earn, our goal is to help you get the highest surrogate pay possible.

Mental and Emotional Aspects

Personal pregnancies come with a lot of preparation, from picking out names to getting the nursery ready. With a surrogate pregnancy, the emotional experience is completely different than if you were preparing to give birth to your own child. For some gestational carriers, the main focus becomes sharing all the important milestones with the intended parents.

Whether that’s facetiming during appointments or sending sonogram pictures, you’ll have a front row seat watching a family grow right before your eyes. If you happen to experience difficult emotions post-partum, your specialist will be there to help you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to become a surrogate or have questions about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. With over 30 years of experience building families, we know what it takes to help you feel confident as you embark on this life-changing journey.

What to Know About Egg Donor Surrogacy

If you’re interested in growing your family, working with an agency that has an egg donor and surrogacy program can help prepare you for a successful surrogacy journey.

As surrogacy gains popularity as a family-planning option, many egg donor and surrogacy programs are starting to move to the forefront of the conversation. If you’re intended parents struggling with female infertility, a same-sex couple or a hopeful single parent, utilizing an egg donor and surrogacy can help you achieve your dreams of parenthood.

If you’re trying to grow your family and have questions about egg donor surrogacy, you can get connected with our surrogacy specialists today.

Finding the right egg donor and surrogacy program is a big component of the surrogacy journey, so it’s important that everyone involved feels confident and informed. This article will break down the key points of using an egg donor and surrogacy to grow your family.

Egg Donor Surrogacy [What to Know]

Many intended parents utilize an egg donor and surrogacy to start their families. There are typically three parties involved in egg donor surrogacy:

The intended parents
The gestational carrier
An egg donor

To get started, intended parents will need to identify an egg donor for surrogacy. This can be done through a separate fertility clinic or an agency that has an egg donor and surrogacy program. Intended parents want to be as involved as they can in bringing their baby into the world, which is why they’ll be able to choose a donor who has qualities that align with their surrogacy goals.

Viable eggs are taken from the donor through the egg retrieval process and then fertilized through the IVF process with the sperm of the intended father or a donor. The embryo will then be transferred to the gestational carrier for her to carry to term.

Benefits of Using an Egg Donor and Surrogacy

Using an egg donor and surrogacy to grow your family is a great option if you:

A couple experiencing female infertility
A same-sex couple
A single hopeful father

When you work with an agency that has an egg donor and surrogacy program, you’ll have both the comfort and convenience of having almost all the necessary services and resources for your surrogacy journey in one place. Your surrogacy specialist will be able to help you find an egg donor that matches your preferences so that you can feel in control of your surrogacy journey.

Choosing Your Egg Donor and Surrogacy Program [Questions to Ask]

When it comes to finding the right egg donor and surrogacy program, you’ll want to make sure you’re adequately prepared for the egg donor and surrogacy process. Below are a few of the questions you should be asking yourself about any egg donor and surrogacy program you’re considering.

What are you Looking for in an Egg Surrogacy Donor?

You’ll want to make sure you have a clear vision of what you’re looking for in an egg donor. Think about medical history, genetics, blood type, background, etc. You’ll also need to think about whether you want an anonymous or identified egg donor.

Are You Prepared for Egg Donor Surrogacy and Cost?

You can’t put a price on family, but because egg donation is such an intricate process, egg donor surrogacy can be an expensive process. In addition to surrogacy costs, you’ll want to have enough money set aside for all necessary costs. When you work with an agency that has an egg donor and surrogacy program, you may pay a lower cost than if you went through a separate agency.

Are you Prepared to Raise a Child Conceived from an Egg Donor and Surrogacy?

We know that you’ll love your child, regardless of their genetic makeup. But it’s important that you’re prepared for the unique challenges that come with raising a donor-conceived child. At some point, your child may ask about their surrogacy story and how they came to be. They may even have questions about who their donor was. You’ll want to be prepared to have these conversations.

Next Steps

If you have questions about the intricacies of egg donor and surrogacy programs, our specialists would be happy to answer them. Get connected with our surrogacy specialist today.

How to Find Couples Looking for a Surrogate

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, you’re driven to help others experience all that parenthood has to offer. We’re here to help you find the perfect match.

Choosing to be a surrogate is the start of making your dreams of parenthood come true. One of the biggest decisions you have to make during this life-changing journey is to find the best intended parents.

As a full-service, national surrogacy agency, we’ve helped create tens of families and we can help you find couples looking for a surrogate. We will:

Create your surrogate profile
Show you profiles of people looking for surrogates
Set up a conference call with potential matches

To find great intended parents, fill out our easy form.

You can also learn more about surrogacy from a surrogate’s point of view as well as the intended parents you’re looking for by following us on Instagram.

How to Find Intended Parents

The easiest way to find intended parents for surrogate mothers is to work with us. That’s because our screening process quickly identifies quality intended parents looking for a surrogate without compromising your safety.

We know you can’t wait to begin life with your new family as soon as possible which is why we’ve designed our screening process to be as safe and efficient as possible. This means our intended parents are:

100% committed to surrogacy
Physically and emotionally ready for parenthood
Living in a safe and viable home in which to raise a child
Free of any criminal or legal troubles
Financially prepared for surrogacy and for raising a child

Here’s how we find the best intended parents:

Surrogacy Planning Questionnaire

The surrogacy planning questionnaire is part of the initial application to work with us and has an extensive list of questions that let us get to know the intended parents looking for a gestational surrogate.

Their answers to the questionnaire will help shape their family profiles, similar to the surrogate profile we create for you. These profiles are what we show to you to help you learn more about their family and situation.

Home Assessment

These are not a legal requirement for you or people looking for surrogate mothers, but it’s something we reserve the right to do.

The home assessment has a licensed social worker visit the home of the intended parents to go more in-depth with them about their lives and the impact it could have on their journey if you were to choose them.

Background Checks

Both sides must complete a background check to be eligible to go through this journey. Intended parents looking for a surrogate must pass:

FBI clearances
Criminal background checks
Child abuse records checks

Get to Know Couples Looking for a Surrogate

Our screening process is thorough but only you can know who the right match is for the journey you’re embarking on.

A conference call can only do so much but it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know the people looking for surrogate mothers on a deeper level.

Consider these three steps when getting to know the intended parents looking for a gestational surrogate:

Step 1: Be Prepared: Know what you want to talk about ahead of time, and identify what’s important to you.
Step 2: Know Which Questions to Ask: You want to get to know the intended parents but not interrogate them. Talk with your specialists about topics and questions to discuss, as well as what to avoid.
Step 3: Ask About Their Profile: If the intended parent profile drew you in for a specific reason, follow up on their profile and learn more about them to see if they’re a perfect match.

7 Tips for How to Find Intended Parents and Have a Healthy Relationship

Surrogacy changes the lives of everyone involved. The relationship you have with the intended parents is a partnership, you’re both in it together and having a healthy relationship will help make the process that much easier.

Here are seven tips to keep in mind when building that relationship:

Intended parents have no control over their pregnancy
Create a schedule for updates during the pregnancy
Be open and honest about your needs
Be accepting of the intended parents’ desires
Share your pregnancy experience with the intended parents
Treat the parents as you’d like to be treated
Reach out to your surrogacy specialist

If you’re ready to help someone’s dreams of parenthood come true, contact us today to learn more about our intended parents.

The Best Surrogate Apps in 2024

Learn how you can keep track of your surrogate journey with some of the best surrogate apps of 2024.

Becoming a surrogate involves a lot of moving parts, from managing your fertility medications to keeping track of your doctor’s appointments. Staying organized during your journey creates a smoother experience and can help you confidently move through the process.

If you have any questions about how you can become a surrogate, fill out our form to connect with us today.

You can also follow us on Instagram for additional insight from experienced surrogates about their life-changing journey.

With the advancement of technology, several surrogate apps can help you manage all aspects of your journey with the touch of a button. From calendar apps to fertility apps for surrogates, this guide has you covered.

Here are some of the top-rated surrogate apps of 2024 that can make your path to surrogacy that much easier:

1. Fertility Friend

Fertility Friend is a comprehensive surrogate mother app designed to help you track their menstrual cycles, ovulation and fertility windows. By inputting daily information, such as basal body temperature and cervical mucus observations, surrogates can enhance their understanding of their reproductive health.

Download Fertility Friend on the App Store

Get Fertility Friend on Google Play

2. My Calendar

My Calendar is not just a period app but an overall tool that can be customized to suit your specific needs. It’s an easy-to-use tracker that helps you take control of different aspects of your menstrual cycle like ovulation, fertility, moods and other symptoms associated with your surrogate pregnancy.

Download My Calendar on the App Store

Get My Calendar on Google Play

3. Embie

Managing fertility treatments are a crucial aspect of the surrogacy process. Embie is a surrogate app that simplifies this by sending reminders for medication doses, tracking your medication protocol by cycle and providing educational resources to ensure you stay on top of your medication schedule.

Download the Embie on the App Store

Get Embie on Google Play

4. BabyCenter Pregnancy Tracker

BabyCenter is a widely used app that offers a supportive community and a wealth of information about fertility, pregnancy and parenting. It provides an ovulation calculator and a kick counter to help you track the baby. You can connect with other surrogates and intended parents, sharing experiences, pregnancy tips and stories to gain insights into your unique journey.

Download BabyCenter on the App Store

Get BabyCenter on Google Play

5. Calm

Managing stress and maintaining mental well-being is crucial during the surrogacy process. Calm is the #1 app for meditation and sleep helping you discover a happy, healthier you during your surrogate journey. Calm is for everyone, whether you’re brand new to meditation or are a seasoned expert. It’ll help give you a mental break during your journey to help keep stress at a minimum.

Download Calm on the App Store

Get Calm on Google Play

Remember, the surrogacy journey is a unique experience, and these surrogate apps are here to support you every step of the way. Tailor these apps based on your preferences and needs, and feel empowered as you become the hero in your own story.

If you want to learn more about how to become a surrogate, check out this article or fill out our form to connect with a specialist today.