The decision to carry a child for someone else starts with honest self-assessment. Check your motivation, support system, and health history, then research whether your state’s laws make gestational surrogacy straightforward or complicated. Most agencies and clinics look for women between 21 and 40 who have had at least one uncomplicated pregnancy, are nonsmokers, and can pass medical and psychological screening.
Begin by filling out an application with a reputable agency or clinic. You’ll share medical records, obstetric history, and lifestyle details.
Next come lab tests, an ultrasound to evaluate your uterus, and a counseling session to confirm you’re emotionally prepared. A background check and home visit may follow. When a match is found, both sides meet (virtually or in person) to discuss expectations about communication, medical decisions, and birth plans.
Attorneys draft two separate contracts: one for you, one for the intended parents, to spell out compensation, insurance, confidentiality, and parentage rights. Do not skip independent legal counsel; it protects everyone. After legal clearance, you start the IVF cycle: several weeks of hormones to synchronize cycles, then an embryo transfer, followed by monitoring until the pregnancy is stable.
Answering how do you become a surrogate mother also means planning for life during and after the journey. Arrange childcare for appointments, clarify time off work, and ensure post-birth recovery support. Keep copies of every document and maintain respectful communication. With clear boundaries and preparation, you can help create a family while safeguarding your well-being.
