A surrogate helps everyone to enjoy the gift of children. They allow for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to conceive children for whatever reason get a loving bundle of joy to call their own. Agreeing to be part of the process for an individual or couple in need is one of the most selfless and admirable things that a woman can do. You may be wondering what the timeline for surrogates looks like, so let’s take a look.
1. Begin the Application Process
The first stage in the journey to surrogacy is applying to become a surrogate mother. You can apply online by filling out a questionnaire to assess whether or not you meet the requirements necessary to become a surrogate. The questions will look at things like your lifestyle, medical status, past experiences with pregnancy, and citizenship or legal resident status.
2. The Interview Process
Once you pass the application, you’ll need to have a phone, Skype or in person interview with someone from the surrogacy agency. This helps the agency to get a better and more personal understanding of you as a person and your motivations for becoming a surrogate. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions you might have about the process.
3. Screening
The screening process involves a background check and a review of medical records. It can take some time to gather all of the information, so you should consider getting in touch with your doctor or your OB/GYN ahead of time to keep things moving.
4. Matching
The time now comes to start matching you with potential couples/individuals. Your profile is presented to intended parents that would be a good match for you. The matching is done based on medical and physical characteristics, as well as shared personal values. If you and the intended parents consider it a good match, you’ll be introduced and can start getting to know each other better.
5. Medical and Psychological Screening
Upon a successful match, you’ll be asked to complete a medical and psychological evaluation performed by a licensed mental health professional who has experience with fertility counselling. You are evaluated to determine the best medical protocol for preparing the uterus for implantation. The medical screening can include a physical, vaginal ultrasound, pap smear, hysteroscopy, and other tests.
6. Legal Contract
Once you pass the psychological and medical exams it’s time to write up the legal surrogacy contract. You and your legal representative work together with the prospective parents and their own lawyers to officially outline the terms and conditions of the surrogacy process.
7. Cycle Preparation
After the legal issues are handled, it’s time to begin preparing your cycle. You’ll receive a cycle schedule from the fertility clinic. The schedule contains information on when you should take your medication and any upcoming appointments with medical staff. You’ll also be informed of the lifestyle changes and limitations that you may need to make to ensure the pregnancy goes smoothly.
8. Medications
You’ll be given medications such as birth control to help prepare the uterus for the embryo transfer. The medications you are given include progesterone and estrogen medications. You’ll also get ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure everything is running as it should.
9. Embryo Transfer
The embryo transfer is performed at this stage and you’ll need to have 24 – 72 hours of bedrest and continue taking your medications. A catheter that leads to the uterus is placed in your vagina. The embryos are fed into the uterus through the catheter, where they will hopefully implant for a successful pregnancy.
10. Pregnancy
You’ll need to wait until two weeks after the transfer to confirm the pregnancy through blood work, then a heartbeat can be confirmed by ultrasound after four weeks. You’ll continue receiving ultrasounds and blood work, with more tests being done than with a standard pregnancy. You’ll continue to receive gifts, support, personal care management, and retreats during the pregnancy. They are one way to help you get through the process and have a healthy and happy pregnancy.
While you won’t be able to go through surrogacy without changing some parts of your life, the process is a powerful, emotional, and rewarding process. You’ll be giving someone the single greatest gift they could possibly receive; a selfless act they will never forget and will be eternally grateful for. If you believe you would be a good surrogate mother and you want to help someone to become the parent they’ve always dreamed of being, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our surrogacy agency in Oregon and start your own surrogacy journey.