pregnant woman

A gestational carrier, also known as a gestational surrogate, is a person who offers to carry a pregnancy and give birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple. The couple or person who intends to raise the child are called the intended parent, or intended parents. Besides being an individual who is sharing the miraculous gift of life with a hopeful family, a gestational carrier volunteers sometimes up to a year of her life undergoing pre-testing, screenings, interviews, medical procedures such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and embryo transfer, as well as post-partum care. It is one of the most beautiful and selfless acts one person can bestow on another, and thus gestational carriers are incredibly appreciated and revered in the fertility world.

Gestational Carrier vs. Surrogate  – what’s the difference?

Before the vast technological advances in reproductive medicine that are available today, traditionally speaking a surrogate was a woman who carried the child for someone else, while simultaneously sharing a genetic link with that child. This was usually done through insemination, since the technology for IVF wasn’t as progressed as it is now, and didn’t always yield as successful results. With the onset of cutting-edge reproductive technology, nowadays a surrogate – otherwise known as a “gestational carrier” – is able to carry a pregnancy, and through advancements in IVF, not share any genetic makeup with the baby. This is also sometimes referred to as a “host surrogacy” or “full surrogacy.” In most cases, at least one intended parent is genetically related to the child, however, the surrogate is not.  This makes gestational surrogacy far less legally complicated than other forms of surrogacy.

The basics of gestational surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is a binding legal agreement in which one person, the gestational carrier, carries a fetus through pregnancy and gives birth to a baby on behalf of the intended parents. The gestational carrier does not provide the egg that’s used in the conception, so the baby is related only to the intended parents. 

Let’s take a look at the gestational surrogacy process for both intended parents and gestational carriers: 

  1. Pick the right surrogacy agency.
  2. Complete the initial consultation. 
  3. Meet all the requirements
  4. The agency helps intended parents find the right gestational carrier
  5. Intended parents meet the pre-screened carrier candidates and choose. 
  6. Sign the surrogacy contract that’s been drafted by separate attorneys. 
  7. Create a viable embryo for implantation via in vitro fertilization (IVF).
  8. The gestational carrier is impregnated via embryo transfer
  9. Confirm the pregnancy. 
  10. Legal parentage is established via pre-birth orders.  
  11. Welcome the baby!

Working with a gestational carrier can be a costly process for intended parents, especially depending on the state. For example, if you take the average across the whole country, the costs of gestational surrogacy for intended parents are anywhere from $80,000 to $130,000. However, for most intended parents it’s well worth the cost!

How does gestational surrogacy work?

In gestational surrogacy, since the surrogate mother is providing the act of carrying on behalf of the intended parents, she can only get pregnant through the use of IVF, and a subsequent embryo transfer. IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization, which is a type of assisted reproductive technology where the fertilization process is performed outside the body. The merging of the egg and the sperm occurs inside a petri dish in a fertility laboratory, hence why in vitro means “in glass” in Latin. These ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Labs are facilities where the embryos are fertilized, and then develop prior to a transfer into the uterus. The embryologists who work in the lab tend to the embryos as they grow into “blastocysts” – the final stage of the embryo before it is prepared for implantation.

Since IVF occurs entirely outside the uterus, it’s most commonly used with gestational surrogacy, or for couples who need fertility treatment. In some cases, a traditional IVF procedure may not be successful due to a variety of reasons, such as advanced maternal age, genetic conditions, or unexplained infertility. For intended parents who are considering using the services of a gestational carrier, it’s good to keep in mind that egg and sperm used in the IVF cycle can be provided either by your and your partner, or from creditable donors.  Regardless where the egg and sperm originate from, modern reproductive medicine has given people many options when it comes to IVF and gestational surrogacy.

What are the benefits to working with a gestational carrier? 

Gestational surrogacy has become more common than traditional surrogacy, with most agencies only offering this form of family building. This is largely due to its significant benefits, including: 

As a result, Surrogacy By Faith only works with gestational carriers and only offers gestational surrogacy for intended parents. The surrogacy journey can create some complex and delicate emotions, so adding a biological connection between carrier and fetus will only make it that much messier and more complicated

What are the requirements to become a gestational carrier?

The ASRM has developed some basic requirements for gestational carriers, although these might vary from agency to agency. They may also depend on the state – for example, California’s Requirements for gestational carriers tend to be stricter than other states. 

For most agencies (including Surrogacy by Faith), if you want to become a gestational carrier then you must:

  • Be between 21 and 40 years old. 
  • Have at least one successful pregnancy with minimal complications.
  • Not have more than five previous deliveries or three previous C-sections.
  • Not have had any premature births (under 36 weeks). 
  • Be in overall good health with a healthy body mass index (BMI), usually 19 to 33. 
  • Have a healthy heart, kidneys, and low blood pressure.
  • Have no new piercings or tattoos one year before the pregnancy. 
  • Not be a smoker or exposed to second-hand smoke.
  • Have no history of drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Not be at high risk for HIV or STIs.

However, it’s important to remember that these are just general qualifications for gestational surrogates. Agencies approve applications from gestational surrogates one by one and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.  

What are some risks gestational carriers face?

Pregnancy is always hard on the body. There are lots of possible complications and plenty of things that can go wrong. As a result, gestational carriers face some risks during the surrogacy journey, including: 

  • Gestational diabetes
  • Damage to reproductive organs
  • Preterm labor
  • High blood pressure (resulting in liver or kidney damage)
  • Iron deficiency 
  • Miscarriage (loss of pregnancy)

 

All of these risks can be effectively minimized or managed by providing gestational carriers with high-quality care from a certified OB/GYN clinician. Surrogacy by Faith always ensures that the gestational carriers we work with are well taken care of and looked over by qualified medical professionals. 

Additionally, there are emotional and psychological risks for gestational carriers, including: 

  • Postpartum depression
  • Emotional attachment to the unborn baby
  • Familial and inter-familial tension or conflict
  • Opposing views on how best to carry out the pregnancy

To avoid these potential complications, counseling is usually provided during the surrogacy process, although these expenses are covered by the intended parents. Interpersonal conflict can also be minimized by finding the right matches between gestational carriers and intended parents. Additionally, some gestational carriers like to have a doula on hand to avoid other potential complications and as a source of moral or emotional support. 

There are many steps that gestational carriers can take to prepare for the surrogacy journey as long as they communicate with both the intended parents and the surrogacy agency that’s mediating the process.

Does a gestational surrogate share DNA with the baby?

This is one of the most common questions regarding surrogacy, and understandably so. For decades, traditional surrogates did share a genetic connection with the child they were carrying, since the reproductive technology just wasn’t there yet. Now, due to significant technological gains in modern medicine, the need for traditional surrogacy has diminished. In fact, there are very few professional surrogacy agencies that would even consider providing services for a traditional surrogacy. Unlike surrogacy in the past, a gestational carrier is only the facilitator of the pregnancy, and it is only her “gestation” that ties her to the baby – an incredibly selfless and big-hearted gesture, to be sure. Therefore, there is no shared DNA between the surrogate mother and the child she is carrying, and no way for it to be passed on through the gestation. 

By nature, the surrogacy process can entail a lot of emotions, and is complex and delicate. Adding a direct biological connection to the baby could make things much more complicated and difficult, for intended parents and surrogate mothers alike. Gestational surrogacy, through the use of an intended parent’s or donor’s reproductive cells, creates a helpful separation for everyone involved.

How many times can you be a gestational carrier?

If you want to apply to become a gestational carrier, there is a pretty long list of requirements you’ll have to meet!

While you may think that having already had a baby would disqualify you from becoming a gestational carrier, you would surprisingly be wrong. In fact, according to Surrogacy by Faith’s requirements, at least one prior successful pregnancy is actually a compulsory requirement. 

In fact, Surrogacy by Faith has a few requirements regarding prior pregnancies for gestational carriers: 

  • At least one successful pregnancy with no serious complications.
  • No more than five (5) previous deliveries or three (3) previous C-sections.
  • All births occurred after 36 weeks (unless it was multiple pregnancies).

As you can see, there is an upper limit: five conventional deliveries or three C-sections. As long as those upper limits are not exceeded, then a gestational carrier can hypothetically carry as many pregnancies for intended parents as she wants.

Who needs to use a gestational carrier?

Deciding to use a gestational carrier is necessary for some intended parents and a choice for others. It ultimately depends on the situation. That being said, here are some of the top reasons intended parents choose to work with gestational carriers: 

  • Persistent infertility 
  • IVF and ART that have been unsuccessful
  • A history of recurrent pregnancy loss
  • Previous operations or hysterectomy
  • Medical problems like extensive fibroids or scarring in the uterus
  • Endometriosis
  • Being past optimal or safe child-bearing age
  • Medications or medical treatments that do not allow a safe pregnancy
  • A lack of partner (but still desiring to be a single parent)
  • Physical or emotional trauma, especially as related to pregnancy 

Whatever someone’s reasons for wanting to use a gestational carrier, the intended parents will have to make that decision for themselves. Building a family is always a highly personal process.

This is one of the main reasons why Surrogacy by Faith takes the time and effort to find the best possible gestational carriers and to effectively match them with the right intended parents. We also build relationships with our gestational carriers, treating them as more than just paid employees. We recognize that they are giving the gift of life and we treat that with the utmost reverence!

Can a gestational carrier keep the baby?

For any intended parents who are hesitant to pursue surrogacy because of this question, the answer is a clear and resounding NO – a gestational carrier cannot keep the baby after it’s born. While it is very rare that a surrogate changes her mind, even if that were ever to be the case, there are iron-clad legal protections to prevent such an occurrence, and help intended parents have peace of mind. This is why it’s imperative to work with a surrogate agency that is experienced, and has seasoned attorneys that will take care of all the legal necessities beforehand. It’s also essential to use a surrogate who resides in a surrogacy-friendly state, with laws that are always favorable towards intended parents and their rights. 

To eliminate any possibility of a surrogate challenging custody of the baby after it’s delivered, a parentage order is always procured beforehand. This is a legal process by which the intended parents establish the legality of their parenthood, by filing the necessary documents with the courts. In states that are surrogacy-friendly, you can even file a pre-birth parentage order, before the baby is born. Most of the time, the paperwork to confirm parentage can be started in the fourth month of pregnancy, and finalized by the fifth month. At that point, the intended parents become recognized as legal parents, and the gestational carrier cannot keep the baby under any circumstances. 

How does a gestational carrier get pregnant?

In the past, when a surrogate was a part of the fertility plan, insemination was often the preferred choice of achieving conception; but times have changed, and with advancements in reproductive technology IVF has taken over as the preferred method of fertilization. After the egg has been combined with the sperm, and fertilized –  hailing either from the intended parents or donors – the embryos develop into blastocysts, ready for implantation. Because timing is key, and human bodies are at times unpredictable, the embryos are usually frozen first to help the surrogate’s uterus prepare accordingly, as well as to perform genetic testing on the embryos. This is often required by many surrogacy agencies as a stipulation before allowing  an embryo to be transferred into a surrogate – and it also allows parents to make the informed choice about the best grade embryo, based on the genetic testing results. Once the surrogate’s body is ready for implantation, the chosen embryo is then transferred into her uterus in hopes of attaching, and growing into a healthy, beautiful baby.

How many times can you be a gestational carrier?

While there is no standing rule or specific number for how often a surrogate mother can carry and deliver a child for intended parents, there are some surrogacy disqualifications that can prevent her from going forward in the surrogacy journey. Whether that’s a drastic change in BMI, or an unsafe environment, being past the optimal child-bearing age, or suffering from an underlying health condition, there are many reasons why a gestational carrier that once was able to participate in a surrogate pregnancy, is now unable to do so. However, if all aspects of meeting qualifications remain the same, the decision to again carry a pregnancy for hopeful parents will be entirely up to the surrogate mother, her physician, the surrogate agency, the intended parents, as well as the fertility clinic performing the implantation. It’s important to discuss these details with a surrogacy professional, to determine how many times one should be a gestational carrier.

What are the risks of gestational surrogacy?

Although gestational surrogacy shares many of the same medical symptoms as a traditional pregnancy – such as nausea, weight gain, heartburn, swelling, and muscle/back pain – there are also other risks associated with being a surrogate mother. Some of these may arise when undergoing the preparation for the implantation process, as surrogates almost always have to use medications to prepare their uterus for a transfer. As with any medications, there is always a chance for side effects, and in the case of fertility injections,  there may be some slight bruising at the injection site, or a temporary allergic reaction, in addition to some pressure and possible pain when administering the shots. 

In the event that more than one embryo is implanted, a gestational carrier may also experience increased side effects and risks if the transfer results in carrying multiples. As far as the actual embryo transfer procedure, there are few medical risks associated with it directly, although you may experience mild cramping and light bleeding, or in rare cases, an infection that can be treated with antibiotics.

After the surrogacy journey is complete, almost every surrogate feels a sense of pride, joy, and relief; however some do struggle with emotional challenges after birth. The hormones are still very much in flux, and postpartum depression may occur, so it’s imperative that the surrogate mother gets all of the emotional support they need during and after the surrogacy process.

Who needs a gestational carrier?

Deciding to use the services of a surrogate mother for some is a necessity, but for others can be a difficult choice to reconcile with. For many intended parents, the decision comes after a great deal of many fertility attempts that didn’t prove to be fruitful. And even though all intended parents are extremely grateful and appreciative of the sacrifice their gestational carrier is making for them, it’s still a complex and highly emotional process that requires the utmost delicacy and care. Here are some of the people who would require the services of a gestational carrier:

  • People who have struggled with infertility
  • Women who have a history of recurrent pregnancy loss
  • Women whose uterus is unable to carry a pregnancy, due to conditions such as  extensive fibroids or scarring of the uterine cavity, or who no longer have a functioning uterus
  • Women who have a medical condition such as Endometriosis, that puts them at significant medical risk if they become pregnant
  • Hopeful single parents
  • Male same-sex couples who want to have children
  • Women over the safe child bearing age threshold
  • People who are on medication or undergoing medical treatments that prevent them from being pregnant
  • Women who have sustained either physical or emotional trauma due to, or around the course of pregnancy
  • Families who choose not to carry due to other personal decisions

Whatever someone’s reasons for wanting to use the services of a gestational surrogate, there are many potential surrogate mothers who cannot wait to share the gift of life with hopeful intended parents. And no matter who carries the pregnancy, the outcome is a beautiful baby and the start of a new family. 

How much does gestational surrogacy cost?

One of the first questions intended parents ask before embarking on a surrogacy journey, is how much does a gestational surrogacy cost? Because the surrogacy process is a long commitment for gestational carriers – often spanning up to a year with all of the pre-testing, screening, fertility treatments and postpartum healing involved – they do need to be compensated accordingly. The average cost for a gestational surrogacy cycle ranges from $80,000 – $130,000, and this is in addition to any IVF treatments that will be needed in order to create the embryos and ready them for implantation. The breakdown in surrogate pricing is usually as follows:

  • Surrogate compensation, or base salary
  • Surrogate benefits package or reimbursement, for travel, medical care, lost wages, etc.
  • Any additional payments to the surrogate, for instance in the event of complications or a pregnancy with multiples
  • Screening costs, including medical, psychological, and background check
  • Medical costs, which includes pre-testing, medical visits during the pregnancy, and postpartum care
  • Embryo transfer, which is the implantation of the embryo into the surrogate
  • Counseling or support, which can greatly help the surrogate with relieving stress and aiding with emotional assistance. 
  • Any extra surrogacy benefits such as meal prep services, massage and acupuncture appointments, a relaxing getaway, etc. –  anything the intended parents choose to provide in order to ensure a relaxing and joyful  experience for the surrogate mother and the baby she is carrying.

The process of surrogacy is quite expensive and a serious financial commitment, but many intended parents will go above and beyond to be able to realize their dreams of parenthood. Intended parents often rely on loans to help cover the costs of surrogacy, whether it be from family and friends, or financial institutions. In addition to traditional lines of credit like home equity loans and credit cards, there are also many organizations that offer financing options specifically for fertility treatments and surrogacy.

How much do gestational carriers get paid?

The average gestational carrier compensation ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. However, this is only for the base salary. There are multiple components to the total compensation, including

  • Base salary as a fixed amount paid regularly, just like a paycheck.
  • Bonuses or benefits, including maternity clothes, lost wages, and related supplies. 
  • Expenses are 100% covered for the gestational carrier during the surrogacy process.
  • Milestones – gestational carriers are also paid per milestone, like a successful embryo transfer.

If you combine all these other forms of compensation, the total amount could end up being between $70,000 to $90,000.

The final payment figure will depend on: 

  • Rates and benefits package of the surrogacy agency. 
  • Gestational carrier’s experience. 
  • Gestational carrier’s state of residence.
  • Gestational carrier’s health insurance

Not all surrogacy agencies offer the best pay. For instance, some may have a higher base salary but will skimp on benefits, and vice-versa. If you’re looking to become a gestational surrogate, try to find a surrogacy agency that offers both a competitive base salary and a generous benefits package.

Additionally, average pay amounts are much higher in certain states, especially if they’re surrogacy-friendly states like California, Oregon, Texas, North Carolina, Washington, and FloridaFinally, the compensation amount may also be affected by the health insurance coverage and if that particular policy covers maternal care. 

Gestational Surrogacy laws: how do they work?

Although there aren’t national laws in place that protect intended parents and surrogates, there are some surrogacy-friendly states with clear laws on the books which serve to protect all parties involved. In the scope of the fertility treatment world, surrogacy is a fairly new process, and laws in place are long away from being caught up. Those that do exist are often vague and complicated. This Is why it’s so important to have the best legal counsel representing both the intended parents and the gestational carrier, so that legally speaking, the stipulations they all agree to are enforced with an iron-clad contract. While surrogacy law can be convoluted, at least the process for gestational surrogacy is often less complex than for other forms of surrogacy, since the surrogate mother has no genetic ties to the child, therefore making any custody challenges a much more clear-cut issue. It’s important for intended parents to familiarize themselves with surrogacy laws in each state from which they’re considering using a surrogate, as they drastically vary across the country, with some states not allowing surrogacy at all. Regardless of where you live, it will be up to your legal counsel or attorneys to walk intended parents through the surrogate legal process

What is the role of the surrogate agency?

Surrogacy by default can be a daunting and complex process, and for many intended parents who have already experienced infertility setbacks and are ready to start a new chapter with a gestational carrier, a surrogate agency that is willing to take the rains and guide them to their dream family, is a godsend. A surrogacy agency is here to help: they iron out any issues that may arise during the surrogacy journey, and are experts in all areas having to do with Third Party Reproduction. With the help of seasoned surrogacy professionals, intended parents are able to focus on the most enjoyable aspects of their family building journey, and prepare for the arrival of their miracle baby.

A full-service surrogacy agency like Surrogacy By Faith, supports and guides the intended parents throughout each and every step of the complex surrogacy journey — from the very first consultation and the screening and matching processes, to the delivery of the baby and return-to-home plans. Although surrogacy programs that are full service tend to cost more, intended parents and surrogate mothers both receive step-by-step service from a professional team which consists of social workers, lawyers, accountants, nurses, program directors, and surrogacy coordinators. In short, there is a whole brigade of amazing, dedicated professionals who are all united in one goal – to deliver a new baby to their eagerly awaiting family, in the most seamless, stress-free way possible. 

Why Choose Surrogacy by Faith to find a gestational carrier?

Choosing surrogacy as a means to becoming a parent is both an emotional and an immensely rewarding process. Intended parents have to put a lot of trust into a team of people who all have a common goal – to give them the family they’ve always dreamed of. And although the surrogacy journey is one of the most challenging experiences for those wishing to conceive, the joy felt when your baby is born, is unlike anything else in this world. 

At Surrogacy by Faith we are truly doing God’s work; we understand the complexities and miracles needed to create the gift of life, and are willing to go to great lengths to ensure a happy, healthy baby is delivered into the arms of our anxiously awaiting intended parents. Connecting hopeful parents with generous and kind surrogate mothers, bound by the goal of bringing a new life to this world, is both our passion, and our purpose. 

Our Christian values drive what we do: we are driven by love and devotion to God’s plan rather than just the dollars and cents. For us, working with a gestational carrier is God’s work of building loving families.

John 16:21: When a woman gives birth, she has pain because her time has come. But when the child is born, she no longer remembers her distress because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.

If you’re an intended parent who is ready to start your surrogacy journey, or if you’re still debating whether the path to parenthood through surrogacy is right for you, please fill out the Intended Parent(s) Initial Inquiry, to start the conversation. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the surrogacy process. And if you’re a potential candidate for gestational surrogacy – welcome! We’d love for you to fill out the Surrogate Initial Inquiry Form, and guide you through steps required in becoming a surrogate.  

Whenever you’re ready to get started on your surrogacy journey, we are here to guide you, assure you, and help you fulfill your dreams. Contact us today!

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