Surrogate Q&A

What is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy uses in Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to create an embryo or embryos, using the eggs from the intended mother or egg donor and sperm from the intended father or sperm donor that is then implanted into the gestational carrier’s womb. Gestational surrogacy allows the intended parents to have a baby that is genetically related to them and not the gestational carrier.
What does it take to be a Surrogate Mother in your program?
Becoming a Surrogate Mother is a big responsibility. Once you are officially matched with a couple or individual, the screening process will begin. There will be several appointments in the beginning that you will be responsible for attending. You will also be responsible for taking IVF medications and following an IVF protocol accordingly. You will be on IVF medications anywhere between 8-14 weeks depending on the IVF physician’s protocol. This is why having an agency for guidance is important.
How long does it take to be matched with a couple?
Once you turn in your completed application, consent forms and pictures, we can sit down with you and go over the entire process and answer any questions you may have. If you live out of San Diego County, we can skype or facetime with you. At this time, we are getting to know you so we can then get an idea on the right couple or individual to match you with. We want to be sure to do our best to find that right match for you, to ensure you are comfortable. It could take anywhere from 1-3 months to find the right couple or individual for you. We have a saying here at Positive Surrogacy, it’s not about the fast match, it’s about the Right Match!
Do I have the final say when an intended parents profile is presented to me?
Absolutely! We will never pressure you into working with a couple or individual you are not comfortable with. We want your first experience with Surrogacy and your first experience with our company to be pleasurable and exciting! Intended parents also want their surrogate to be comfortable and happy working with them.
To simplify how our program works, is that once you are immediately accepted into our program, your profile becomes “Available”. We will then begin to present your profile to couples or individuals that we feel would meet each other’s needs. Once we know future intended parents are interested in you as their surrogate, we will then send the intended parents profile directly to you. Once you receive their profile, this is a time to learn about the couple or individual. If you feel you want to move forward with meeting the couple or individual, we will then set up the match meeting. The match meeting is important because it’s a time to get to know one another. You can share with them details about your family and your hobbies. It’s also a great time for everyone to share with each other the expectations for contact during the journey.
What happens after I am matched?
Once you agree to work with your couple or individual, the screening process will begin. The first step will be your psychological screening, the second step will be your medical screening, and the third step will be the legal process. Our team will do our best to move the screening process quickly, so be sure to keep all your necessary appointments. We know how excited everyone is to get started, we have been in your shoes too! Once the screening process is completed, and the legal contracts between you and your intended parents are signed and notarized, then you and your future intended parents can attempt your first IVF cycle together. Your legal clearance will be sent to your IVF center. Then the IVF center will proceed with writing up an IVF cycle calendar for all parties.
What is the psychological screening?
The psychological screening is a meeting you will have with a licensed psychologist that specializes in our specialty field of
This appointment usually takes about 2-3 hours. You will be given testing as well. This is a very important screening as it’s required by IVF clinics.
What is the medical screening?
After you pass your psychological screening, you will then be instructed to schedule your medical screening. The IVF nurse may have to reach out to you prior to your appointment to see what day of your cycle you are on. Once you are at your appointment, anticipate a pelvic exam to check your uterus. The IVF physician is also checking at this time for scar tissue, fibroids etc. He wants to make sure you are healthy and can proceed with future IVF. You will also have blood work completed, and if your spouse, partner or boyfriend, cannot attend, they will give you a lab slip for completion. You will also speak with the IVF physician and his nurse to go over any questions you may have about the IVF process.
What is the legal process?
Once your medical screening results come back approved. Then the legal process will begin. The attorneys will draft the legal contracts between you and your intended parents. The attorney will schedule an appointment with you to review your legal contracts with you. The legal process is the last step in the screening process.
What is the Surrogate IVF cycle?
After you finalize the legal contracts with your intended parents, then you will move forward with the IVF cycle. The IVF clinic will ship medications to you. At this time, you be contacted to discuss injection training if necessary. Or you will be sent specific instructions. If you have questions about any of the medications or how to use them, please call your IVF clinic immediately and call Positive Surrogacy. The medications you will be taking will be synchronized with your intended mother or an egg donor cycle and help your uterine lining to thicken, so that your body will be prepared for the upcoming embryo transfer. That is why it is very important to ask any questions, if you are unsure with the medications or how to take them or inject them. After you embryo transfer, some IVF clinics require you be on bed rest for three days. Be sure to go over the entire calendar and requirements before you leave the embryo transfer appointment. Remember that communication is key and ask questions!
How does the surrogacy compensation work?
Once you sign your legal agreement with your future intended parent’s or parent, you will be paid according to the legal agreement in monthly installments. You will be responsible to turn in a reimbursement form by the 15th of each month in order to receive your check on the first of each month upon finalization of legal contracts.
Does it cost me anything to be a Surrogate?
No, the surrogate mother is not responsible for any fees. The intended parents are responsible for paying all fees and costs, in association to the surrogacy arrangement.
How much contact will I have with the intended parents?
This depends on many factors. You may work full time, or the intended parents may work full time, everyone typically has busy schedules in life. We are very thankful for today’s technology. You can skype, facetime, text, and email to build the friendship. We feel through that through a typical journey communication begins slow and then progresses as the intended parents start to feel comfortable and secure about their pregnancy. At this time, you may start to see them open up more. You may also start to open up more. At Positive Surrogacy our goal is to support the friendship you have with your intended parents. We love to give your intended parents support and ideas on how to sustain the friendship and we will always be there for you to guide and support you through this new journey. So please, ask questions!
Are there any health risks at a Surrogate Mother?
A surrogate pregnancy has the same health risks that a normal pregnancy will have. We ask that you schedule an appointment with your physician to make sure you are healthy to become pregnant again.
Do I have to take medications as a Surrogate Mother?
Yes, this is one of the most important responsibilities as a surrogate. You will be instructed by your IVF physician on what medications you will have to take. Every IVF clinic has a different protocol to prepare your body to accept the embryo or embryos. Some medications are injectable, some are not.
What happens once I become pregnant as a Surrogate?
If you become pregnant after having your embryo transfer, you will continue your medications and instructions by the IVF clinic. During this time, you will want to contact your OB and schedule your first appointment. OB’s usually book out a few weeks that is why it is good to call as soon as you know you are pregnant. You will still be going to your IVF physician until he feels it’s necessary to release you from his care. You will also still be taking the medications until he feels it’s safer to stop the medications. Please make sure that your OB is in your insurance network. Once you attend your first appointment with your OB, you will continue to update your intended parents with the progress of the pregnancy. We hope at this time that you will start to adjust to the surrogate pregnancy and enjoy the journey ahead.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions as a Surrogate Mother. Everyone is different and may have other questions. We are here to guide you throughout the entire surrogacy process. Please contact us with any other issues or concerns you may have. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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