How Does Surrogacy Work? 5 Things to Know

How does surrogacy work? This is an incredibly important question if you’re considering becoming a surrogate. How long does the entire process take? How much does surrogacy cost? What can I expect? You may have a lot of questions when you’re trying to figure out how surrogacy works, and it’s important to do your research to ensure you’re ready for this journey. We’re here to give you insight into what to know about surrogacy and how to successfully prepare.

The Types of Surrogacy

If you’re asking how surrogacy works, the first things you need to know are the types of surrogacy available. There are two types: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy.

Traditional Surrogacy

This type of surrogacy isn’t as popular as it once was, but it is still an option for some couples. In this method, the surrogate is also the egg donor. Sperm is donated by the father for intrauterine insemination.

What to know about traditional surrogacy? This method can be incredibly complicated. Because the egg comes from the surrogate, there is a lot of legal paperwork involved. It is far less common these days because it can potentially be more stressful for mothers and couples.

Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is the most common method of surrogacy these days. Often called a partial or host surrogacy, it is a much simpler method. It can also be easier for the surrogate emotionally. How does surrogacy work in this case? The egg and sperm are taken from the intended parents and an embryo is created with in vitro fertilization.

After the embryo is created, it is implanted into the surrogate. This process requires far less paperwork, so most couples opt for this method.

Make Sure You Are Qualified

Not everyone can be a surrogate. It depends on the surrogacy program, but most agencies require the surrogate to be between the ages of 21 and 40 and have already had a child. Knowing how surrogacy works and the pre-qualifications you need can make the entire process much smoother.

Common additional criteria for surrogates:

• Be a non-smoker
• Be financially stable & independent
• Have reliable transportation

These may not be mandatory, but be sure to do your research beforehand to know how surrogacy works at your preferred agency.

Key Terminology to Understand How Surrogacy Works

With every medical process, be sure to brush up on key phrases that will be involved. The terminology to understand how surrogacy works can be complicated. The more familiar and comfortable you are with certain definitions, the better off you’ll be.

There’s a vast vocabulary regarding what to know about surrogacy, but some of the most common terms include:

• Surrogate: the woman carrying the fetus.
• Intended Parent(s): the people who will legally be the child’s parents after the child is born through surrogacy.
• Primary Support Person(PSP): the primary person who will support the egg donor/surrogate throughout the journey.
• Amniocentesis: a testing process to test for chromosomal problems in the cells of the amniotic fluid around the baby.

Get Ready for Paperwork

Depending upon the surrogacy method you choose, there can be a lot of paperwork. Knowing how surrogacy works in this respect will make the process flow more smoothly. The specific required paperwork will depend upon your state, but two key terms to remember are pre-birth order and post-birth order. Both are court-ordered documents. The pre-birth order allows the surrogate to have access to the child while in hospital and the post-birth order replaces the surrogate on the birth certificate with the intended parents.

Prepare Emotionally

While surrogacy is a beautiful process that brings joy to many, it can be challenging. Being confident in what you know about surrogacy is crucial for your health and the health of the baby.

When you’re considering surrogacy, be sure to have a support system, including a PSP (primary support person). They can help answer questions about how surrogacy works, advocate for you, and provide you with the love and support you need.

So, how does surrogacy work? Well, it’s a complex journey that takes a lot of emotional resilience and communication with the intended parents. It’s up to you and them to decide how the process will work. In doing so, you’ll be able to give them the cherished gift of a new family member.