Are you curious about becoming a surrogate mother, but don’t know whether the journey is right for you?  Don’t worry—you aren’t alone.  It’s perfectly natural to have questions, like would I make a good surrogate mother and is it the right choice for me and my family?  And, it’s important to take the time to do your research, find some answers, and speak with experts who can give you personalized guidance.

Here are five questions we encourage you to think about—designed to help you decide whether to take the next step in the process.

#1. Am I Physically and Emotionally Healthy Enough to Be a Surrogate Mother?

Even the easiest pregnancies are physically and emotionally taxing, so one of the first things you’ll need to assess is your health.  Once you partner with a surrogacy agency, you’ll be guided through a medical screening process to help ensure surrogacy is safe for you and the baby you’ll carry—but that’s down the road.

Right now, you’ll want to think about your general health and your previous pregnancies.  Hopefully, your past pregnancies and deliveries were relatively easy and free of complications.  That’s one of the foundational indicators of whether this journey is right for you.

#2.  What Are the Requirements for Being a Surrogate?

Surrogacy agencies can vary significantly in their requirements for prospective surrogate mothers.  Take care in choosing a reputable surrogacy agency because it will have a major impact on your experience and success as a surrogate mother.

To become a surrogate with Surrogate Parenting Services, you must:

  • Have had one or more easy pregnancies and deliveries.
  • Be between the ages of 21 and 40.
  • Have at least one child of your own living with you.
  • Be a non-smoker.
  • Have reliable transportation.
  • Be financially stable.
  • Have a desire to help another in a special way.
  • …And love being pregnant!

#3.  Am I Ready to Commit to the Process?

A surrogacy journey lasts much longer than nine months—starting with fertility treatments and continuing after the birth.  It’s important to really think about whether you’re able to make this kind of commitment right now.  From the doctor’s appointments to communicating with the intended parent(s) to answering questions from others in your life (and so much more), there is a lot of time, mental focus, physical energy, and emotional stability that will be required.

It’s not our intention to discourage you.  On the contrary, we want you to make educated decisions and set yourself up for success.  This journey is incredibly exciting and rewarding for women who are able to give what’s needed without feeling burdened—but timing is everything.

#4.  Do I Have the Support I’ll Need?

We talk a lot with prospective surrogates about their support systems—and that’s because having a surrogate support system is absolutely essential for a successful journey.  Pregnancy is taxing under any circumstance, but as a surrogate mother, you’ll also be navigating fertility treatments, additional doctor’s appointments, and a natural range of emotions.  Your support system helps to ease that burden and provides the emotional and practical support you’ll need.

#5.  Are My Motivations Coming from the Right Place?

There are countless experiences that inspire women to consider becoming a surrogate.  Maybe you know someone who loved being a surrogate or who grew their family with the help of a surrogate.  Maybe you simply adore being pregnant but feel as though your family is already complete.  Maybe there’s a goal you’re trying to achieve and need help funding it.  Your motivations are incredibly personal, and we’d never judge them.

That said, we want you to have the most positive experience possible as a surrogate, and we know from experience that altruistic motivations are much more powerful and sustainable than financial ones.  Make sure you’re being honest with yourself about what’s inspiring you to consider this life-changing adventure.

Learn More About Being a Surrogate Mother

Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy program that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship.  We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.

Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.