A Quick Look on How to Become a Surrogate Mother Most Effectively

1. September 13, 2017 A Quick Look on How to Become a Surrogate Mother Most Effectively The demand for surrogate mothers nowadays is at an unprecedented rate, thanks to the steps taken both by the government and the science community to make it an easily available option for couples who may need it. Far from being a controversial topic of yesteryears, surrogacy today is an accepted option for those who want to be parents. Page | 1

2. Those interested in the prospect of helping couples start a family would surely have a lot of questions as to how to become a surrogate mother. Here are some helpful tips that future surrogates can look to for guidance. Physical Requirements Surrogate mothers are expected to go through the process of pregnancy. That’s why it’s crucial that the surrogate-to-be is in the pink of health. As with any pregnancy, the state of the surrogate will inevitably affect the condition of the baby, hence there are specific physical requirements. Average age must be anywhere from 21 to 40 years old to ensure the capability of the surrogate to endure the pregnancy, though this requirement may vary on a case-by-case basis. Body mass index must be between 18-35, and most importantly, the surrogate must have previously given birth to a healthy baby. During the process, an embryo from the intended parents will be inserted into the uterus of the surrogate. The need for a surrogate may be due to the age of the biological mother or a pre- existing condition or complication that may prevent her from carrying the pregnancy to full term. The surrogate’s role is to incubate the embryo to the full term so a healthy child comes out. Mental Requirements Apart from the physical requirements, the surrogate must also be mentally sound as the stress and severe hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause a lot of mood swings. The mental effects from the physiological changes can be so drastic that it’s required for the surrogate to be someone who’s already gone through a pregnancy. She will then have an idea of what to expect and what to do. The surrogate mother must have no history of mental illness. Having an optimal mental health is crucial for a possible surrogate to have the capacity to enter into a surrogacy contract willingly and to mitigate the possibility the baby may inherit mental issues. Surrogates also have to be willing to relinquish the rights to the baby after delivery. Page | 2

3. Environmental and Social Requirements The living conditions of the surrogate is also crucial, as this can also affect the development of the baby. If the mother is in a stressful environment, the baby is also more likely to become stressed as well, which could possibly stunt its growth. Ideal surrogate mothers are then expected to lead a stable and responsible lifestyle prior to their application. Every detail of their daily habits and activities will also have to be looked into, from the kinds of food the potential surrogate eats to what kind of day job they have. Travel time, R&R, and other different facets of her social life will also have to be identified to determine how truly ready she is for the responsibility of carrying somebody else’s child. Through a professional surrogacy agency such as Tomorrow’s Parents International, surrogate mothers looking to offer their services can help couples looking to become parents fulfill their dreams of raising a family. About Tomorrow’s Parents International: Tomorrow’s Parents International aims to help deserving intended parents and qualified would- be surrogates find the kind of partnership that best suit their needs. We make it our mission to simplify the surrogacy process by providing all the assistance required to bring people together to turn dreams of motherhood to reality, in an ethical and legal manner. Sources: Surrogates: What are Some Tips for Surrogate Mothers? Surrogate.com. How to be a Surrogate Mother for a Friend. Livestrong.com. Page | 3