The Process of Becoming a Gestational Surrogate with Donate-Or-Surrogate
Initial Steps
- Questionnaire: Submit a full-length questionnaire.
Phone Interview: Conducted by a Surrogate Coordinator to explain the surrogacy process and answer questions. This includes discussing your medical and pregnancy history and gathering certain medical records and forms.
GATHERING YOUR INFORMATION
- Medical Records: Recent pap results, a clearance letter from your OB, labor and delivery records, and your full health insurance policy.
- Photographs: Provide digital photos of you and your family.
Background Check
- Criminal Background Check: Complete paperwork for a background check.
Psychological Exam
- Screening: Conducted by a psychologist, includes a multiple-choice test and an in-person interview, for both you and your partner.
Screening Visit
- First Meeting with Intended Parents: Travel to the fertility clinic for a full-day visit for physical screenings and learning about fertility medications.
- Tests: Blood and urine analysis, saline sonogram, and physical evaluation.
Medical Clearance: Once confirmed, you move to the contract phase.
Common Gestational Surrogacy Medications
Birth Control Pills: To regulate your cycle for embryo transfer.
- Estrogen: Taken as a pill, patch, or injection to prepare the uterine lining.
- Lupron: Regulates cycle and prevents premature ovulation.
- Progestogen: Injection to prepare the uterine lining for implantation.
- Medrol: Low-dose steroid to improve embryo transfer success.
- Aspirin: Low-dose to support pregnancy.
- Prenatal Vitamins: To prepare your body for pregnancy.
Medication Timeline
- Birth Control Pills: Start your surrogacy medications.
- Lupron: Next step after birth control pills.
- Estrogen: Added to the regimen.
- Progesterone and Medrol: Prescribed before embryo transfer.
- Additional Medications: As needed after a successful embryo transfer.
Side Effects of Surrogacy Medications
- Possible Side Effects: Headaches, discomfort, hot flashes, injection site irritation, rashes, and breast tenderness.
Common Questions
- Medication Requirement: Yes, you will need to take medications.
- Injections: Generally required for several important medications.
- Hormones: Required for the unique medical process of each surrogate.
- Objections to Medications: Address any concerns upfront, as refusal may lead to finding a different match.
- Can I be a surrogate after menopause: No
- BMI requirement for a surrogate: 19 to 30
This summary outlines the process, requirements, and steps involved in becoming a gestational surrogate with Donate-Or-Surrogate, including the medical and psychological screenings, home visit, and common medications involved in the surrogacy process.