Becoming a surrogate mother is a wonderful journey. The women who choose this patch will help create beautiful relationships with those families hoping to become a parent and also help them in bringing the child into this world. It is a process that is full of ups and downs, but for those who choose this type of path, it will be an experience that they will never forget.
If you are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, you need to first meet the regulations and necessary surrogate qualifications.
3 Basic Qualifications For Surrogate Applicants
Although professionals can set their list of qualifications for surrogate applicants, they still follow the same guidelines that were set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Experts in this field created a set of different standards for surrogate carriers so that the pregnancy procedures will become a success.
- Physical Qualifications- Being pregnant can be quite complicated sometimes and it can also come with risks. A pregnancy that was carried for someone else is not different. Physical qualifications are needed to ensure that the surrogate mother is capable of carrying a pregnancy at low risks to herself and also the baby of the intended parents.
The professionals in this field are the ones who set these physical qualifications to become surrogate mothers. They based this on the ability of the woman to be able to safely carry a child for other people. These are the most common basic required standard that must be met to become a surrogate carrier:
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- Have a healthy Body Mass Index that was determined by your doctor
- Have already carried at least one successful pregnancy
- No complications in your previous pregnancy
- Be at least 21 years old and should be younger than 40
- You should not be on any anti-depressants or any anti-anxiety medication for the past 12 months
- You should have no new piercing or tattoos within 12 months before starting the process
- You should be raising a child of your own in your home
If you can meet the basic physical qualifications, you may be a suitable candidate for surrogacy. But it is always a good idea to try and contact a professional even if you are not able to need some qualification. Most professionals allow surrogates on a case-by-case basis and may even make some exceptions to the rules.
However, if you have not been pregnant before or are not of proper age, you will have a hard time looking for a clinic or a surrogacy professional that will allow you to become a surrogate carrier.
- Psychological Qualifications- To be able to be qualified as a surrogate is more than just meeting the medical requirements. Every woman who chooses to become a surrogate should be aware of the psychological and emotional challenges that will come during the process.
In becoming a surrogate, you are to commit yourself (as well as your family) to a partnership with the intended parents for a year or more. You will need to give up a lot of energy and time to help them in becoming parents. You will need to attend doctor’s appointments before and during the pregnancy, you will also need to set up calls and meetings with the intended parents as your pregnancy progresses. Becoming a surrogate is a full-time job, therefore you must be prepared for the added stress that may cause in your day to day life.
Simultaneous to you handling your responsibilities every day, you will also need to cope up with the hormonal changes of being pregnant. While it is rare for a surrogate to get attached to the baby she is bearing, it is normal for them to feel conflicting emotions during the pregnancy. To prepare for these changes, you need to be in a solid emotional state before starting the process.
To be able to qualify as a surrogate mother, you will need to talk with a professional who can explain to you what you can expect during the process and also prepare you for the challenges you might experience.
- Other Qualifications- To Become A Surrogate Mother Before you can become a surrogate carrier, you will first need to undergo various psychological and medical screening. Both of these screenings will help confirm your readiness in becoming a surrogate mother. First, both you and your spouse must complete a psychological screening with a professional in mental health. During the screening, they will be asking you about your view of surrogacy. They will also ask how you plan on handling the incoming physical and emotional challenges. Once you are partnered with the intended parents, you will need to complete one last screening before starting the process. This will help confirm that you are medically capable of safely delivering the pregnancy.
Becoming a surrogate mother is both an exciting and fun experience. But before applying to become a surrogate mother, you will need to make sure that you are mentally and physically ready for the process.