Gestational Carrier FAQ's

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Using an agency gives you an additional level of support that lets you and your intended parents focus on the pregnancy while handling your journey's business aspects.   

Surrogacy and surrogate are the most familiar terms; however, it's an antiquated term because traditionally, a surrogate is related to the baby she carries for someone else. A gestational carrier is simply carrying a baby she is not related to; it's a more accurate term, although they can be interchangeable. We do not participate in traditional surrogacy. Surrogate mother is a term that is no longer used and is sometimes found offensive by both GC's and intended parents because the GC is not the mother of the baby she is carrying for her intended parents. 

Not at all! We encourage organic relationships and support both parents and gestational carriers so you can focus on building a relationship and growing a healthy baby. 

You choose your intended parents! We will present you with a profile for intended parents who we think will be a good fit for you, but it's your decision who you want to work with. 

Your spouse must be supportive for you to become a gestational carrier. If your husband or wife has questions or concerns, please have them reach out to us. 

Your husband will do labs for STDs and infectious diseases. He will also be required to sign the contract and be on board with your journey. 

As often as you would like, we encourage you to connect with them as often as is right for your situation. 

We need to verify your medical history and identity to make sure you can become a surrogate. We also need to complete a background check as part of your screening. 

Abortion and selective reduction are very personal choices. You should never agree to anything you are not comfortable doing. We work with parents who are unwilling to reduce or abort; however, there are fewer of them, and matching could take longer. 

The screening takes approximately 2 - 3 months. A typical surrogacy journey is 12-18 months. 

No, the egg will belong to either the intended mother or a donor. 

We always recommend a single embryo transfer however there may be cases where twins are desired and that is a choice that will be made between you, the parents, and the IVF doctor to make sure it is the best choice for everyone. 

At the hospital that you and your OB select, however, it is recommended that you have access to a level 2 or 3 NICU in most cases. 

Yes, however, your parents will also be involved in choosing who to work with, this is their baby, and we want you both to be comfortable with the care you receive.     

No, we only recommend a c-section when it is medically needed and recommended by your treating physician. Primary c-sections are not performed based on a surrogate pregnancy only. 

No. Any babies born through surrogacy belong to the intended parents. 

You will have labs completed and a saline ultrasound, as well as a psychological evaluation. These may be done in one appointment or spread out. 

Surrogate Guidelines

• Be between the ages of 21-38
• Be a U.S. citizen or have a valid work permit
• Have healthy previous pregnancies and deliveries
• Be parenting at least one child of your own
• Be a drug-free, non-smoker 
• Have a healthy lifestyle
• Have no felony criminal history
• Live in a surrogacy friendly state
• Be in a stable living situation 
• Have dependable transportation
• Have a strong support system
• Have a healthy weight/height ratio

It will depend on the safety of the medication for you and the baby during the pregnancy. This is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the doctor's recommendations and your medication. 

Yes in most cases although some clinics have changed to vaginal inserts. 

It will depend on your clinic's protocol and how the pregnancy progresses. 

Yes in most cases. 

In most cases, yes, you will need to go to the parent's clinic for screening and transfer. Most monitoring can be done locally. 

Yes, birth control pills are actually commonly prescribed as part of the FET protocol. 

Your tubes being tied does not affect surrogacy. 

Esure. Maybe. This is on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the clinic and the springs' current location; most clinics will request OB clearance.

IUD or Nexplanon. You will need to have it removed; if it is medicated, the clinic will determine how long you need to wait before transfer. If it is copper, you can begin right away.  

Yes, although some parents may not be open to working with you, many are, and it is possible to have a safe pregnancy and delivery. 

Your BMI can affect the safety of the pregnancy. Surrogacy is about minimizing the risk. 

Yes, many of our gestational carriers are lesbians as long as YOU gave birth you are eligible.