Surrogate FAQ
We know that you have a lot of questions, and new terms to learn when it comes to the surrogacy process. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision when it comes to starting your surrogacy journey.
If there is a question that you still have after reading through the information on this page, please reach out to us anytime.
When you are ready, you can complete your surrogacy application and a Family Makers Surrogacy team member will send you a personal note within 24 hours.
Becoming a Surrogate FAQ
Becoming a Surrogate FAQ
What is a gestational surrogate?
A gestational surrogate is a woman who carries and delivers a child for another family. She is not biologically related to the child she carries. The embryo is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus through a process called in vitro fertilization.
Why do women choose to become surrogates?
Women choose to become surrogates because they want to help others experience the same joy of being a parent that they have with their own families. Many women have had a personal experience with infertility in the lives of someone they love, a friend or relative. There is a special sisterhood of women who become surrogates who enjoy sharing their stories and support with each other.
What are the qualifications to be a surrogate?
First and foremost, a surrogate should be a woman who loves to help others. Additionally, Family Makers follows current ASRM guidelines for surrogate qualifications.
- 21 to 40 years of age
- Healthy BMI of 32 or less
- At least 1 full term, health pregnancy
- No more than 2 c-sections
- Financially stable and not receiving government assistance such as food stamps, WIC, cash assistance, or gov’t housing.
- Not currently taking anxiety / depression medications
- Live in a surrogacy friendly state
For more information and our application, check out our Requirements to be a Surrogate Page.
Do I need insurance to be a surrogate?
Yes, you will need an insurance policy that covers a surrogate pregnancy. If the surrogate’s insurance does not cover a surrogate pregnancy, there are options for Intended Parents to purchase a policy for the surrogate.
Can I be a surrogate if I had my tubes tied?
Yes! A gestational surrogate does not use her own eggs in the surrogacy process. An embryo will be created using the biological material of the Intended Parents and/or a donor, and be implanted into the surrogate’s uterus through in vitro fertilization.
Does a surrogate use her own eggs?
With gestational surrogacy, a surrogate does not use her own eggs and instead uses the biological material of the Intended Parent(s) and/or a donor to create the embryo. In traditional surrogacy, a surrogate uses her own eggs to create the embryo. Family Makers Surrogacy only works with Intended Parents who are going through the gestational surrogacy process.
Is surrogacy legal?
Yes. Surrogacy is legal in most states, even though the laws vary based on the state – and sometimes the county! If you are unsure if your state is legal for gestational surrogacy please reach out to our team and we can point you in the right direction to learn more.
Do I need to be married to become a surrogate?
It is not a requirement that a surrogate is married. If you are married, or in a committed relationship, it is important that your partner is 100% in support of your decision to become a surrogate. If you are a single mother, you will need a strong support network in place that can help you during your surrogacy journey. Your support network can include friends and family!
Surrogacy Process FAQ
Do surrogates get paid?
Yes. While many women say that they simply want to be a surrogate to help someone, there is also a significant amount of dedication to becoming a surrogate both mentally and physically. A first time surrogate can expect to receive a base compensation of $55,000. Additionally, surrogates receive a monthly allowance, payments for medical procedures, paid lost wages, maternity clothing, and other fees for multiples or complications.
What is the difference between a traditional surrogate and a gestational surrogate?
A traditional surrogate uses her own egg to create the embryo, and a gestational surrogate uses the biological material of the Intended Parents and/or a donor. A gestational surrogate is not related to the child she is carrying.
Are Intended Parents involved in the surrogacy process?
Intended Parents are always involved in the surrogacy process with Family Makers. You can expect that Intended Parents will attend the embryo transfer and as many doctor appointments as possible during the journey. Intended Parents also plan to be at the delivery to support their surrogate, and to have initial skin to skin contact with the baby immediately after delivery. Surrogates can expect an organic relationship to develop with their Intended Parents during the course of their journey, staying in contact with each other through the methods that are most convenient for all parties. Many surrogates and Intended Parents become close and remain in each others lives after delivery.
Where do the Intended Parents live, are they in my state?
Family Makers Surrogacy only works with Intended Parents who live in the United States. While your Intended Parents may not live near you, they will still be involved and supportive in the journey.
What should I expect at the clinic appointment for the medical clearance?
Each clinic has different protocols. However, you should expect to have a physical, bloodwork, urine sample, breast exam, saline ultrasound (SHG) and HSG. Some clinics will also require a mock transfer cycle.
What medications are required for the surrogacy process?
In addition to birth control pills to prevent a natural pregnancy birth control pills allow the clinic to control the surrogate’s menstrual cycle. Surrogates will also take additional medications and hormones as part of the IVF process including, but not limited to estrogen, lupron, antibiotics, steroids and progesterone. For more detailed information, visit our Surrogate IVF Information Page.
Do I have to pay any of the bills associated with being a surrogate?
As a surrogate, you will not be responsible for any of the costs associated with being a surrogate.
Will I have legal representation as a surrogate?
Yes, surrogates and Intended Parents have separate legal representation during the surrogacy journey. The Intended Parents will pay for the surrogate’s attorney. You can check out www.aaarta.org for more information on ART attorneys.
Will I be required to deliver in a hospital?
Most Intended Parents prefer for the surrogate to deliver at a hospital with a level III NICU in the event of a medical emergency. Some Intended Parents may be willing to have delivery take place at a birthing center.
Surrogacy Terms
Surrogacy Terms & Abbreviations
ART – Assisted Reproductive Technology
BCP – Birth Control Pill
BETA – Blood Test for Pregnancy after Transfer
DET – Dual Embryo Transfer
DPT – Days Post Transfer
ED – Egg Donor
EDD – Estimated Due Date
FET – Frozen Embryo Transfer
GC – Gestational Carrier
HCG – Human chorionic gonadotropin
HPT – Home Pregnancy Test
HSC – Hysteroscopy
IF / IM – Intended Father / Intended Mother
IP – Intended Parent
IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
LMP – Last Menstrual Period
OBGYN – Obstetrics & Gynecology
P4 – Progesterone
PBO – Pre Birth Order
PIO – Progesterone in Oil
RE – Reproductive Endocrinologist
SET – Single Embryo Transfer
SubQ – Subcutaneous Injections
TS – Traditional Surrogate
VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
