Roughly 750 babies are born through surrogacy every year. This procedure is becoming more common as a way to give couples and singles a chance to become parents.

If you are thinking about starting a family and wondering what is surrogate then you have come to the right place.

Read on to discover everything there is to know about using a surrogate to have a baby.

What is a Surrogate?

If you and/or your partner are having trouble conceiving or you are a same-sex gay couple then you might be considering a surrogate pregnancy. You may have heard of this term, but what exactly does it entail?

There are two different ways to use a surrogate.

1. Traditional Surrogacy

In this type of surrogacy, the woman carrying the baby is the biological mother. Her egg is inseminated with the male partner’s sperm. Donor sperm can also be used to fertilize the egg.

2. Gestational Surrogacy

Using in vitro fertilization, this process allowed for both the mother and father to be biological parents. The egg and sperm are collected from the parents and fertilized outside the womb. Then the embryo is placed in the surrogate’s uterus.

The second option has become more common since it involves less legal liability. Plus, both parents get to have a genetic connection to their baby.

Why You Might Use a Surrogate

In most cases, a surrogate mother is used if you are a woman with fertility or medical issues that prevent you from getting pregnant.

After trying several methods of getting pregnant using fertility treatments and holistic approaches you may decide to use someone as a surrogate.

Other reasons may include that you are a gay couple that needs an egg and uterus to have a baby. Or you are not able to adopt a child if you do not meet certain qualifications.

How to Find a Surrogate

Your best options for finding surrogate mothers are the ones who are close to you. Ask your friends or distant, non-blood related family members if they would consider surrogacy.

If you are a friend or relative thinking about becoming a surrogate then read more here about its responsibilities.

Another option is to go through a surrogate agency. They will help you locate surrogates in your area and assist with the legal paperwork.

Choosing a Surrogate

Now that you know what is a surrogate it is time to choose one.

You want to select a healthy individual who is at least 21 years old, preferable has already given birth to at least one baby, and that doesn’t have issues giving up the baby after the birth.

They will also go through a medical and psychological examination to make sure they are free from diseases and genetic disorders.

Legal Procedures

Every state has different laws on surrogacy. In many cases, there is a gray area of who is considered the parent of the child.

That is why it is important to hire a lawyer or go through an agency to have a clear legal contract. You may struggle with adoption procedures to obtain rights to your child if the law or contract is unclear.

Preparing for Your Baby

Knowing what is a surrogate is just the first step in starting your family. Once you find a surrogate it is time to begin the most important step: preparing for your bundle of joy.

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