Yes, some travel is typically involved. Most surrogates are required to travel to the intended parents’ fertility clinic for two key appointments: the initial medical screening and the embryo transfer. These trips vary in length of time, and the intended parents cover all travel expenses. For other appointments, such as ultrasounds and blood work, arrangements are often made with local clinics closer to home. After a successful transfer and initial monitoring, your prenatal care and delivery will take place at a hospital close to you.

Gestational surrogacy is when a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for someone else, using an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this arrangement, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child; the embryo is made from the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. This process is typically chosen when individuals or couples cannot carry a pregnancy themselves due to medical reasons, infertility, or other circumstances. The surrogate undergoes medical screening and legal agreements to ensure the health and safety of all parties involved. Gestational surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for those who might otherwise be unable to have children, with the surrogate providing the physical means to bring the child into the world.

People pursue surrogacy for various reasons, often due to medical, personal, or social circumstances that prevent them from carrying a pregnancy themselves. Some individuals may have medical conditions, such as uterine issues or previous complications, that make pregnancy risky or impossible. Others may face challenges like infertility, advanced maternal age, or a history of recurrent miscarriages. Same-sex male couples and single men may also choose surrogacy to have a biological child. In these situations, surrogacy offers a path to parenthood, allowing individuals and couples to have a child biologically related to them through the assistance of a surrogate.

Our goal will always be to ensure your safety and have a successful surrogacy journey for everyone involved; potential surrogates must meet specific health, lifestyle, and legal criteria.

• Be between the ages of 21 and 38.
• Have experienced at least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy and currently have custody of your child.
• Have had no more than three cesarean deliveries and no more than five total births.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, free from tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, with no criminal history.
• Possess a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 32.
• Be a U.S. citizen. Demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and strong communication skills.
• Have a stable support system in place

These guidelines align with recommendations from leading reproductive medicine organizations to prioritize the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the baby.

The surrogacy begins with a matching process, where intended parents are paired with a surrogate, typically within 5–6 weeks. This is followed by a psychological screening by an agency-appointed psychologist, often involving both the surrogate and their partner. Next is a medical screening at an IVF clinic to determine readiness for transfer, including physical exams and lab work, taking 1–2 months. Then, a surrogacy contract is reviewed and signed with legal guidance over 3–4 weeks. The IVF cycle and medications stage involves 4 weeks of preparatory medication continuing until 12 weeks of pregnancy. Embryo transfer is a procedure that places the embryo in the surrogate’s uterus, followed by a pregnancy test (HCG) after 10–14 days. If positive, a heartbeat ultrasound is done 10–14 days later to confirm pregnancy (6–8 weeks along). Around 10–12 weeks, the surrogate is released to her regular OB, and the journey continues like a typical pregnancy until delivery, with added monitoring and communication with the intended parents. This is a general outline of a surrogacy timeline; every journey is different.

Once you’re officially matched and the contract is signed, the intended parents take care of all the costs. This includes medical expenses, legal fees, and any other agreed-upon payments. As a surrogate, you won’t need to pay for anything out of pocket; everything is covered through the intended parents’ escrow account. Additionally, certain expenses you incur during the process, such as medical co-pays and prescriptions, may be reimbursed upon submission of receipts.

Yes, you can absolutely be a surrogate even if you’ve had your tubes tied. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm, and then transferred directly into your uterus. This process bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely, so having them tied or even removed does not prevent you from carrying a pregnancy as a surrogate. As long as your uterus is healthy and you meet the other medical and program requirements, tubal ligation is not a barrier to becoming a surrogate.

Having a reliable support system is crucial for surrogates to navigate the emotional, physical, and logistical aspects of the journey. Surrogacy involves medical procedures, appointments, and the emotional experience of carrying a child for another family. A dependable support network—comprising partners, family, friends, and your agency—can assist with daily tasks, accompany you to appointments, and provide emotional encouragement. Additionally, having someone to help care for your children during appointments or travel related to the surrogacy process can alleviate stress and allow you to focus on your health and well-being. Ultimately, a solid support system helps surrogates feel cared for, reduces stress, and contributes to a more positive and fulfilling experience.

Absolutely! Being a single mom doesn’t prevent you from becoming a surrogate. In fact, many single women have successfully embarked on this rewarding journey. The key requirement is having a reliable support system in place. This network—be it family, friends, or trusted individuals—should be able to assist with childcare during medical appointments, accompany you to clinic visits if needed, and provide emotional support throughout the process. Agencies recognize that single mothers often have strong, established support networks and are well-equipped to handle the responsibilities of surrogacy.

We aim to make your surrogacy journey as smooth and timely as possible. Typically, the process—from initial application to delivery—takes about 14 to 20 months. However, it’s wise to prepare for up to two years, as factors like matching, medical evaluations, and legal procedures can introduce some delays. Every journey is unique, so timelines can vary.

Having your partner’s full support is essential when embarking on a surrogacy journey. Not only does their encouragement help you navigate the emotional and physical aspects of the process, but their involvement is often legally required. If you’re married, your spouse may need to participate in medical screenings, sign legal documents, and be listed on the birth certificate until a parental order is established. Even if you’re unmarried, a supportive partner can assist with childcare, accompany you to appointments, and provide emotional support, ensuring a smoother and more positive experience for everyone involved.

Yes, to become a surrogate, you must have given birth to at least one child. This requirement is in place to ensure that you have experienced pregnancy and childbirth firsthand, which helps medical professionals assess your ability to carry a pregnancy to term safely. It also provides you with a personal understanding of pregnancy’s physical and emotional aspects, which is crucial when carrying a child for someone else.

Medication use will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Before beginning your surrogacy journey, it’s important to understand that the medications used during IVF can have significant effects on your body and emotions. These medications, which include hormones like estrogen and progesterone, are essential for preparing your body for pregnancy. However, they can also lead to side effects. Additionally, hormonal treatments could cause significant mental and emotional changes, affecting mood and overall well-being. It’s important to note that these effects can vary from person to person and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any other questions about our program or becoming a surrogate, please email us at info@accelconceptions.com.