Are you thinking about becoming a Gestational Surrogate? Are you wondering what a surrogacy process is like and how it all unfolds?
Each surrogacy process is unique, depending on your needs as a surrogate, the situation and needs of the future parents and the natural development of each stage. We have created a detailed timeline explanation that will take you through the steps of a typical journey to help you get a clear picture of a surrogacy journey.
These steps may vary in sequence, as well as in time, depending on your individual case.
First steps
Choose an agency that suits your needs
Surrogacy is a life-changing experience. This choice must be made with consideration and care to ensure you choose the right Agency to meet your needs. When comparing agencies, we believe there are three main factors you should evaluate:
- The support that the agency offers you during your trip
- Compensation packages and the benefits that are attached to them
- How well the agency’s values align with your own individual values
It is important to work with an agency that respects your rights, values and beliefs. An agency that will be professional, courteous and caring all at the same time.
Request a consultation
At this point, you can call or write us a message and a member of our team will contact you and review the details and assess whether you would like to continue with Gestacy and schedule a consultation. Your consultation is not an obligation, this is where you can resolve all your doubts and concerns.
After your consultation, we will ask you to fill out a form to help us get to know you. We will gather information about why you have decided to become a surrogate, what type of healthcare you want to receive, what you are looking for in your potential future parents to make sure we can help you find the best possible match.
Once you decide to start
Initial filters
The selection criteria to enter our agency are divided into three essential stages:
- Medical evaluation: This first stage is carried out by our team of obstetricians. Their goal is to ensure that surrogacy will be a safe process for you.
- Home visit: A social worker will visit your home to verify that the living conditions are adequate and conducive to pregnancy.
- Psychological evaluation: This last stage is crucial to understand your motivations and see if you are emotionally prepared for the process.
Our admissions team will accompany you during all these stages, guaranteeing the correct scheduling of your appointments and answering all your questions. We are here to support you every step of the way
Meet your case coordinator
There are many people who will help you during your surrogacy journey. Your coordinator does the paperwork, sets your appointments and coordinates everything so that the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying the journey. You will have the opportunity to meet with your coordinator before formally joining Gestacy.
To be matched
Choose your future parents
Once you have formally joined Gestacy, we will work to find the perfect match for you. The pairing process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Share with us what is the ideal type of person/couple you would like to help start a family with. They are waiting for you! We will show you the profiles of possible future parents that fit the needs and expectations you have expressed. Once you have chosen a profile, we will arrange a Skype call so you can meet them or, where possible, so you can meet them in person. A member of our team will be on the Skype call with you, to ensure a smooth conversation and to translate. if required. After the meeting, we will contact you and answer any other questions you may have to help you make a decision. You are not obligated to choose the first partner you speak to, we want you to be sure of your choice and we are here to help you in any way we can.
Celebrate the match and communicate with your intended parents
Once you have been matched, we encourage you to communicate freely with the parents-to-be. Some surrogates already have in mind how much contact they would like to have with their families, while others simply prefer to let the relationship take its own course. We will help you in these first steps with future parents, we want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable.
During the trip
medical examination
At this stage, medical analyzes begin to guarantee a safe process and a positive experience. We will support you with all private car transfers and/or reimbursement necessary so that you can travel to these medical appointments with ease.
Insurance review
A safe surrogacy journey means that all medical care costs are borne by the intended parents and that you do not bear any costs. We will make sure you have the right insurance so that you or your family are not at risk.
Contracts
You will have your own legal advisor who will ensure that you have a fair contract that meets your needs and expectations. Your contract will address any situations or disputes that may arise during the trip and will protect both you and your family. Intended parents are responsible for all legal costs incurred during their surrogacy journey.
Previous to pregnancy
Fertility medications
Once the contracts are in place and you have received medical and psychological authorization to begin the trip, the obstetrician will prescribe the necessary medication to prepare the body for the embryo transfer. This usually includes birth control (to regulate the cycle) and fertility medications. We are here for you throughout the process to answer any questions you may have about the medications, how to administer them, or any side effects you may be experiencing.
Embryo transfer and pregnancy testing
At this point, the clinic and the intended parents will work on preparing the embryos for transfer, if they are not ready beforehand. When the obstetrician believes that your body is at the optimal level for a successful transfer resulting in pregnancy, the embryos will be ready and implanted in your uterus. About 10 days after the transfer, a pregnancy test will be performed and hopefully you will see a positive result. We’ll keep our fingers crossed with you! Don’t be discouraged if the first transfer does not result in pregnancy, this can happen. We will support you in this, as will the intended parents.
During pregnancy
Medical follow-up
Once the pregnancy is confirmed, you will be monitored in a private clinic in Mexico City with one of our trusted obstetricians. Don’t worry, we will take care of the car transportation so that you arrive safely and calmly at the clinic. Your case manager will help you schedule all medical appointments and our team will help you make medical decisions together with the intended parents.
Follow up with lawyers
Part of the process is being informed of the legal aspects of Surrogacy, as well as what you can expect from both the agency and the intended parents. We do this to make sure you both feel comfortable and prepared when these issues arise later in the pregnancy. One aspect of this is discussing the legal process for establishing parental rights for parents. Most jurisdictions we operate in provide prenatal orders, these orders are created and filed around 24 weeks of pregnancy. This court order relinquishes your responsibility for the child when it is born, transferring custody to the intended parents to ensure that, as the birth approaches, you are not left with responsibility for the baby.
Birth arrangements
As your due date approaches, we will begin working with you to resolve all the details of your delivery to ensure you are 100% protected and that it happens in the way and place you are comfortable with. We will discuss all the options available to you. We will also discuss emergency plans for possible premature or high-risk births.
Birth
The day comes and everything will be in its place for you. The decision is yours as to whether or not you will have parents in the room and who will be there to support you. We understand that when the time comes, you may have different desires than originally planned, so we understand that if you wish to change this when it is happening, it is your right and your choice. Births can be long and difficult, but we will try to make this a day you are proud of!
After birth
Bed rest
After birth. All of our benefits packages include bed rest, housekeeping, and lost wages so you can recover from this incredible journey with the time and assistance you need. We want you to have peace of mind while you recover and adjust to your “normal life.”
Support and postpartum
The first few days after giving birth can be very emotional and there is a big hormonal adjustment, your body doesn’t know what an amazing thing you just did, it just knows that you just had a baby. Hormonal and physical changes may surprise you, but we do not want you to go through this alone, our team will be there supporting you and your family. We are also there to help you navigate this new relationship (if you wish) with parents and baby.
Invoice and compensation review
The end of your trip has arrived, bed rest has ended, all financial refunds and compensation have been received. You don’t have to worry about any of the financial audits or outstanding bills that may arise (some medical bills can take months, even up to a year to arrive), we take care of this part.
Follow-up
Whether it’s a month or years later, we’re here for you! We hope you continue to leverage the support of our community and check in with us from time to time to let us know how you’re doing.