By Gargi Joshi       

Becoming a surrogate or gestational carrier can feel daunting. There are many steps involved in the screening process before you can become a surrogate. Even after the process ends, you might have to take careful steps to ensure your physical or mental health. Being transparent during this process not only ensures a healthy journey for you but for all parties involved as well. 

Our community platform, Surrogacy Choices, can connect you to the right surrogacy agency. If based in Kansas, Surrogacy Choices of Kansas is a surrogacy agency designed to help you understand the process better. Our agency’s services include a screening and matching process for families, alongside legal and medical management. If you are unsure about the ins and outs of the surrogacy process, we will help you through.

The Initial Screening Process for Surrogate Mothers 

You may be wondering about what the process of becoming a surrogate mother looks like. The surrogate screening process consists of various different steps to ensure the healthiest outcome for everyone involved. The initial screening process includes:

1. Filling out an application – You will be required to apply before becoming a surrogate. You will answer some general questions about yourself and state your reasons for surrogacy. A specialist will then contact you for more detailed information. 
2. Medical and social information – Questions about your personality, family history, and medical history will be asked in your application.
3. Physical exam – Medical work such as fertility tests, physical tests, bloodwork, and other required lab work will be conducted.
4. Home exam – Your social worker will assess you and your home environment to learn more about you. 
5. A Background check – Assessing your criminal record and other standard background information is necessary before we proceed. 
6. Evaluation of Mental Health – Meeting with a mental health professional will be necessary to understand if you can psychologically handle a pregnancy. 

The need for background checks and evaluations is so that the surrogacy process can go smoothly for everyone involved. Being a surrogate mother involves so much more than just the physical necessities of carrying a child. You have to be mentally, financially, and in a safe place to carry a child. 

Medical Procedures for Surrogate Mothers 

There are a few medical exams that will need to be performed before you can successfully be a surrogate. The tests can consist of:

1. Physical and lab testing – You must undergo a medical screening as part of the initial screening process. You will also undergo tests for sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, viruses, and infections. 
2. Fertility treatment – This can include, ultrasounds, blood tests, ultrasounds, and other treatments as you move forward with the embryo transfer process. To get ready for IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), you may need to take hormones, birth control pills, and other medications. 
3. The transfer of the embryo – The fertilized embryo with the intended parents’ egg and/or sperm will be transferred to your uterus once it is ready. The process is usually painless and quick. You may need to rest for some time after the transfer. 
4. Prenatal care – Blood tests and ultrasounds at the surrogacy clinic will be required until a heartbeat is found. You can then go to your own OB for routine checkups and appointments once you are cleared for a healthy pregnancy. 

Once you have completed all the necessary medical requirements, you will be ready to embark on the surrogacy journey. 

Remembering Your Rights and Individuality Throughout the Surrogacy Process

Throughout the screening and medical processes, one of the most important aspects is legality. We at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Kansas stress that you must be completely aware of all the surrogacy process entails. You have the right to surrogacy compensation and be in the loop regarding any medical necessities. A legal document must be signed by you and the intended parents. Potential risks, compensation, responsibilities as a surrogate, relinquishment of the child, and other aspects will be covered in the document. The conditions and details outlined in the document will vary depending on your relationship with the intended parents.

Your surrogate agency should be transparent and set you up for success. Surrogacy Choices of Kansas is an agency that will be there every step of the way. Through our Surrogacy Choices community platform, we provide insight into the process and connect you with our affiliated surrogate agencies. We stress the importance of your individual needs and that you are completely aware of the process as a whole. The safety and health of everyone involved is our top priority. We will be there to guide you through initial screening questions, medical requirements, and legal requirements. Contact us ASAP if you are interested in becoming a surrogate mother.