For couples who are struggling to get pregnant or maintain pregnancy, there are a few alternative options for getting a child of their own. One is surrogacy, which is when another female carries and delivers a baby for the intended parents.
There are numerous things that you should keep in mind if you are considering surrogacy, as there are risks involved.
Types of surrogacies
The Cleveland Clinic discusses that there are two types of surrogacy. One is gestational surrogacy, which is the most common type. This surrogacy uses an egg from either the intended parent or a donor, which means the surrogate has no genetic ties to the fetus.
Traditional surrogacy uses the carrier’s egg, which means there is a genetic relation. In this type, the carrier must surrender parental rights after the baby is born, and it is illegal in many states.
Choosing the right surrogate
Because the woman will be carrying your baby, you want to take the time to choose the right person. Friends or family members may be willing to be the surrogate, and this situation can be successful. However, there are more emotional complications involved. Many people use an agency to find a surrogate, and they have often already screened the available surrogates. However, a surrogate should:
- Have had delivered at least one previous full-term, healthy baby
- Be of a healthy weight
- Be younger than 35 and healthy
- Have adequate emotional support
- Be free from sexually transmitted diseases and other medical conditions
Risks of using a surrogate
Using a surrogate comes with similar risks as other pregnancies, such as there is a chance of miscarriage, or the pregnancy may not be successful. However, there are additional risks, such as the ones that accompany fertility treatments. Another risk is that the intended parents may feel like some decisions are out of their control. There are also financial risks for both the surrogate and intended parents.
