Becoming a surrogate is a great opportunity. Typically, what it takes to carry a baby for someone else usually involves: 

• Completing a thorough screening process 
• Drafting a legal surrogacy contract 
• Finding intended parents 
• And more 

Fortunately, you don’t have to go through any of these steps on your own. A great surrogacy agency will walk you through each one.  

If you’re eager to start making a difference in the life of an intended parent, the how-to guide below will provide the in-depth information you need to get started. But if you have any immediate questions, you can always reach out to a surrogacy specialist to learn more about what being a gestational carrier will entail.  

How to Become a Surrogate [A Step-By-Step Guide] 

The surrogacy process is a little different for everyone. But typically, these are the steps to carrying a baby for another woman, man or couple.  

Step 1: Decide if Surrogacy is Right for You 

With any big life decision, it’s important to start with a list of pros and cons. Becoming a surrogate is something that will affect everyone in your life — not just you. If you’re having trouble deciding, start by asking yourself: 

• Am I excited about being pregnant again? 
• Do I have a strong support system? 
• How does my spouse feel about me being a surrogate? 
• Am I healthy enough to be a surrogate? 
• Why do I want to be a surrogate? 

Surrogacy isn’t right for everyone — and that’s okay. Right now is the perfect time to speak with a specialist to make sure that it’s right for you. They offer free information that can help make your decision a little easier before moving onto the next steps.  

Step 2: Complete the Screening Process 

If you decide that becoming a surrogate is right for you, then your next step is the screening process. Becoming a surrogate is a tough job, so it’s important to make sure that you’re physically and emotionally ready for the journey ahead.  

A few of the initial requirements are: 

• A healthy BMI 
• A least one successful previous pregnancy 
• Raising at least one child at home 
• No use of alcohol or drugs 

You and your spouse will also undergo a psychological screening. We know that this sounds like a lot of steps for becoming a gestational surrogate. But rest assured that your surrogacy specialist will be there during every step to make things a little easier.  

Step 3: Find Intended Parents 

Finding great intended parents means having a great surrogacy experience. When you plan to be a surrogate, it’s important to find people who are a great fit.

When Megan, a surrogate, met Lindsey and Shiloh, she felt an instant connection: 

“It was just a gut feeling. The moment she messaged me there was just something there,” Megan remembers about her first conversation with her intended parents. “It’s just kind of like, when you know, you know, and… I just knew that they were going to be my family.” 

Your surrogacy specialist will help you figure out what you’re looking for  when they go over how to become a surrogate. They’re also help you decide the amount of compensation you’re seeking and the kind of relationship you hope to share with them.  

Don’t feel as if you have to choose the first intended parents you talk to. When you become a surrogate, there are a lot of aspects of this journey that you have control over, and choosing the intended parents is one of them. If you need more time to decide on a family because you’re not sure that you’ve found the right fit – that’s okay. Just be sure to let your specialist know.  

Step 4: Draft a Legal Contract 

Drafting a surrogate contract is one of the most important steps for how to become a gestational carrier. Both parties will have their own attorney who specializes in their state’s surrogate laws. This contract ensures that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.  

You and your surrogacy attorney will meet to discuss a variety of legal topics, including compensation, protection and possible risks. Before you go any further and start the medical process, your attorney will make sure you understand your rights in the surrogacy process.  

Once the intended parents’ attorney drafts their own contract, both attorneys will meet to review the terms. If any adjustments need to be made, they’ll meet with you again to make sure that changes. After the contract is approved and finalized, you’ll be ready to start the medical process. Now you’re well on your way to carrying someone else’s baby!  

Step 5: Prepare for Embryo Transfer 

When women start to think, “I want to be a surrogate mother,” it’s normal for them to have questions about the medical procedure. After all, any medical procedure can be nerve-wracking. During this step, you’ll work closely with a fertility clinic, which will include tracking of your fertility cycle. Expect to also start taking medications to prepare your body for the eventual embryo transfer. 

After the egg retrieval process, the eggs will then be fertilized at the laboratory to create an embryo. Once that’s done, it will be transferred to the surrogate. Once a healthy pregnancy is confirmed, you can start receiving base compensation and a monthly allowance.

Step 6: Prepare for Labor and Delivery 

Most of the time, the intended parents will join you at the hospital. This will usually be decided on before your due date, so you shouldn’t have much to worry about while you’re at the hospital. Your surrogacy specialist will work with you to create a plan that outlines what your specific hospital experience will look like. But if you have any questions, your surrogacy specialist will be available and ready to answer your questions.  

Once you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll all be changed for the better. At this point, you can continue your relationship with the intended parents where you’ll be able to see in real-time the impact of your courageous and selfless decision. Becoming a surrogate may be filled with ups and downs, but when you see the intended parents hold their baby for the first time, you’ll see that it’s all worth it in the end.   

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As you can see, it takes a lot of work to become a surrogate. But with the right surrogacy agency, becoming a surrogate is easier than you might expect. To learn more about how to become a gestational surrogate, please fill out our contact form to be contacted by a surrogacy specialist.