What is a Gestational Surrogate Mother?

Gestational surrogacy is increasing in popularity. But what is it, exactly?

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

Sometimes called “host surrogacy” or “full surrogacy,” gestational surrogacy is where the embryo is created with in-vitro fertilization by using the sperm and eggs of the intended parents or donors.

What Is the Difference Between Gestational Surrogacy & Traditional Surrogacy?

Gestational carriers are not genetically related to the child, while a traditional surrogate would be the biological mother of the child.

So, for gestational surrogacy, the sperm and egg of the intended parents or donors would be combined, while, in traditional surrogacy, the sperm would be combined with the surrogate’s egg.

What Does the Process Look Like?

Surrogacy requires commitment, regardless of what form it takes. Here are the basic steps involved:

1. Determine whether surrogacy is a good fit for you.
2. Prepare for surrogacy – you may need to find an agency and attorney.
3. Find a match (intended parents).
4. Discuss all the legal details with your lawyer.
5. Go through the fertilization and embryo transfer process.
6. Give birth and welcome a new life to the world.

How Are Surrogate Mothers Compensated?

There are a lot of factors that can play into how much a surrogate mother is paid. It’s essential that you work with a surrogacy lawyer when determining your compensation.

There is generally a base compensation for commercial surrogacy, and more other factors will be considered. Your expenses may also be covered during the process.

Again, your pay can vary a lot from one situation to another, so it’s best to do a bit of your own homework going into it.

Pros & Cons of Gestational Surrogacy

Pros and cons vary significantly, depending on the experience of the individual and their understanding of the process.

But let’s start with a couple of items many mothers would consider a pro:

Pro: Fulfillment

Many surrogates find the process of giving birth to a child rewarding, particularly when they are doing it to help another family.

Pro: Experience

Surrogate mothers get the opportunity to be pregnant, which is a true joy for many women.

Now, here are a couple of aspects some surrogate mothers consider a con:

Con: Demanding

Surrogacy can be demanding on many levels, whether it’s physical or emotional. Surrogates must keep doctors’ appointments and cope with everything that comes with being pregnant.

Con: Lengthy

Becoming a surrogate is generally a long-term proposition, from completing the application all the way to delivering the baby, which can take up to a year or longer.

Joy of Life® is a professional surrogacy agency located in California and has worked with many surrogate mothers in the past two years. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we support surrogate mothers on their important journey.