Deciding to start a family is not a decision that one makes overnight. If you are not able to conceive a child naturally, some other avenues are well worth exploring. Adoption and surrogacy are two ideal alternatives to falling pregnant naturally and are often just as fulfilling as having a baby more traditionally.
Choosing the ideal surrogate is not a simple process, and the more control you have over the external variables, the better. There are some vital aspects that you need to consider when you start your journey to finding your perfect surrogate or carrier.
Make a list of what you ideally want in a surrogate - the below eight points will give you something to consider and spend time thinking about. Having a baby is a mammoth decision, and it is not one to be made on a whim.
1. Age
When choosing a surrogate, you must first look at her age. According to the experts, the ideal childbearing age is around 30 years old. The best time to get pregnant is between 20 and 35 years old.
While it is not impossible to fall pregnant when older, the passing years often make it more challenging. Women who fall pregnant past the age of 35 risk their health and the health of the baby.
When consulting a surrogacy agency, be sure to let them know what your exact requirements are in terms of what you are looking for in a surrogate. A gestational surrogate will not use eggs of her own, so age is more of just a general indication of overall health and wellness.
2. Health
Finding a willing carrier is only half of the battle. You must look at her health history; that way you can do your best to ensure that your baby is healthy and that the delivery process is free from any issues or complications.
Ideally, a surrogate should have given birth before and currently live a healthy and stable life. Your surrogate should be sober and a non-smoker, with no history of drug or substance abuse. Remember to check with your surrogate to ensure that she is not on any chronic medications or ensure that her condition can be safely managed throughout her pregnancy - without putting your baby at risk.
3. Family Health
To be well prepared, you should take your surrogate’s family's health into account. Certain diseases and conditions are hereditary. Just because your surrogate has given birth in the past without issues, does not guarantee that
the pregnancy and delivery of your baby will be equally as uncomplicated.
Take a look at the delivery history of your surrogate’s mother and grandmother - this will give you the best indication of what you can expect during the birth of your baby.
4. Understand Willingness
Surrogacy should ideally be a cut and dry process. You want a baby, and then you find a carrier willing to have your baby. Sounds simple, right? As much as this is how things should happen, sometimes the hormones and parental instincts kick in, and, the surrogate, unfortunately, changes her mind.
By using a
California surrogacy agency, they will do their best to ensure that your surrogate remains willing during the entire pregnancy. Make sure that you clear up any concerns before insemination. That way no one is left in the dark, and everyone knows what to expect as the pregnancy progresses.
Your surrogate or carrier needs to demonstrate complete willingness during the entire process. Be sure to discuss these matters in-depth beforehand so that no one is left disappointed or surprised. She needs to make concessions and commit to all the appointments and check-ups.
That is the only way to keep an eye on your baby’s development and health throughout the pregnancy.
5. Pregnancy History
When choosing the perfect surrogate, you need to check their pregnancy history. Make sure that they haven’t had any issues during past pregnancies. The smaller, more expected, things are normal – such as heartburn or fatigue. Be on the lookout for bigger issues like gestational diabetes or hypertension.
Those can be
red flags for future pregnancies, especially if the carrier is older now.
6. BMI
Having a high BMI can significantly reduce the
chances of falling pregnant. Ensure that your surrogate’s BMI falls between the ideal range of 18.5 and 25, which is the healthiest range for having an uncomplicated pregnancy.
A higher BMI puts her at risk of developing problems during her pregnancy. Don’t let her start a diet while pregnant, is not recommended. If your surrogate wants to watch her weight during pregnancy, she needs to consult an experienced dietician.
The BMI cannot be too low either; a lower BMI increases the risk of delivery and post-delivery complications such as preterm delivery.
7. Availability
When choosing a surrogate, be sure to check her and make sure that her schedule aligns with yours. If you want a winter baby, your surrogate needs to be available and willing to fall pregnant at the right time.
While you cannot guarantee that your surrogate will fall pregnant, you can increase her chances by ensuring that she lives in a calm and relaxing environment and takes her pregnancy supplements.
8. Involvement
Before going ahead with a pregnancy, make sure that both parties know what is expected of them, both during and after the pregnancy. Most surrogates are not involved in the baby’s life after the birth or breastfeeding, particularly ones who come from surrogacy agencies.
To End
Finding a surrogate should be an easy and fulfilling experience. Finding your perfect match is just like falling in love with someone – when it is the right person, you will know. For the duration of this journey with your surrogate, it is your responsibility to ensure that she has access to the best medical care available. If you’re ready to begin your journey to parenthood, contact a surrogacy agency today. Good luck on your journey; it will no doubt be an unforgettable one.
