Surrogate Mother FAQs
At The Surrogacy Source, surrogates are well compensated. First time surrogates are compensated $65,000, and experienced surrogates can earn more compensation which we discuss with each experienced surrogate. For more information on surrogate compensation, please visit our surrogate compensation page which offers complete details.
Traditional surrogacy refers to a surrogacy agreement in which the surrogate is the biological mother of the baby, whereas in a gestational surrogacy agreement the surrogate has no genetic relationship to the baby.
You will be partnered with an experienced case manager that will guide you through the surrogacy process. Surrogates will receive personalized medical care, counseling, and legal resources throughout the surrogacy journey. Learn more about the surrogacy process for surrogate mothers.
For a list of the basic surrogate requirements, please visit out Surrogate Requirements page. If you find that you are able to meet all of the basic requirements, please fill-out the initial surrogate application.
Possibly. If your current insurance covers a surrogate pregnancy then you would be able to continue with the same OB/GYN. If you either do not have insurance or an insurance that does not cover a surrogacy pregnancy, new insurance will need to be obtained. If your previous OB is out of network, a new one will have to be chosen. You will be released from the fertility clinic around 11 weeks so you will have ample time to interview and select a physician you are comfortable with if you should need to switch.
Each fertility clinic is different and requires different protocols. Each surrogate will be required to follow a cycle calendar specifically for their transfer. The typical medications taken are Pre-Natal Vitamins, Birth Control, Lupron, Progesterone, and Estrogen. Some medications are taken orally and others are in the form of self-injections. Learn more about surrogate medications.
We work hard to make sure you have the right match. We cannot specify how long it will take you to get matched. There are many factors that can attribute to the match such as location, willingness to pump breast milk, willingness to carry multiples, etc… Our matches are based on preferences of the Intended Parents as well as our gestational surrogates.
There are no out of pocket expenses to our surrogates. If so, they are usually minor and you are always reimbursed for them. All necessary expenses for the transfer are covered. Should you need travel accommodations there is no out of pocket for that either. You will also receive a $350 monthly miscellaneous fee in order to assist with miscellaneous fees that you incur due to the surrogacy. Learn more on our surrogate compensation page.
Yes this is possible. The Surrogacy Source can manage the surrogacy arrangement if you’re matched with a family member or friend.
Each state has its own laws regarding third party reproduction. It is important to check with your surrogacy agency in order to determine what types of surrogacy agreements are allowed within your home state. Certain states have clear laws that permit compensated surrogacy, whereas others only allow solely altruistic surrogacy to occur. Currently, The Surrogacy Source is accepting surrogates in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Though other states do allow for surrogacy, our agency chooses to work with states whose laws allow the intended parent’s names to appear directly on the birth certificate. For information about a specific state and its laws regarding surrogacy, please contact us at (877) 375-8888.
The Surrogacy Source’s requirements are strict in order to protect the health of our potential surrogates and the newborns that they will give birth to. The risks associated with being a surrogate are typically the same risks as those associated with a traditional pregnancy. For more information about risks associated with being a gestational surrogate, or if you have any questions/concerns, please feel free to contact The Surrogacy Source at (877) 375-8888.
The surrogacy process typically takes about 12-18 months from the initial matching process to delivery. This includes the legal and medical screenings, medication cycles, embryo transfer, and the pregnancy itself. The timeline can vary depending on the surrogate’s cycle, medical considerations, and any unforeseen delays.
Surrogates must meet certain health criteria to ensure a safe pregnancy. This typically includes being in good overall health, having a BMI within a certain range, and having had at least one healthy pregnancy. Surrogates also undergo medical screenings to check for any underlying health conditions that could affect the pregnancy.
A gestational surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF, using the intended parents' or donor's egg and sperm, so she is not genetically related to the child. A traditional surrogate, on the other hand, is inseminated with the intended father's sperm or a donor's sperm and carries a child that is genetically related to her. Most surrogacies today are gestational.
Surrogates often have regular contact with the intended parents, especially through check-ins, meetings, and updates. The level of communication can vary based on the preferences and agreements made between the surrogate and the intended parents. Many surrogates develop a close and supportive relationship with the intended parents, but each surrogacy journey is unique.
If a surrogate decides to withdraw from the surrogacy process, she should communicate her decision to the surrogacy agency and the intended parents as soon as possible. Surrogacy arrangements are guided by legal agreements that outline the steps to be taken in such situations. The agency will work closely with all parties to ensure a respectful and orderly transition, in accordance with the terms of the surrogacy contract. The Surrogacy Source encourages communication from the time the parties agree to work together, helping to build a foundation of trust and support early in the journey.
Surrogates have access to a variety of support systems throughout the process, including counseling, medical care, and monthly support group meetings with other surrogates. These support groups allow surrogates to connect with others who understand their experiences, providing emotional support and shared insights. The agency also provides guidance at every stage of the journey. The Surrogacy Source provides a dedicated case manager that will be your direct contact throughout the surrogacy journey. You will have her direct contact information to help you through anything that is needed through the journey.
Yes, many surrogates continue to work during their pregnancy. However, the type of work must be considered based on the pregnancy and medical advice. For example, a surrogate who has a physically demanding job may be advised to limit certain activities. Surrogates receive a monthly allowance to cover any additional expenses, including lost wages if bed rest is required.