Surrogacy can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it’s important to be realistic about the physical, emotional, and logistical demands involved. While what qualifies as “hard” varies from person to person, anyone considering this journey should spend time considering all the factors and asking questions. With careful preparation, the right support system, and an agency you trust, you can set yourself up for a manageable and meaningful experience.
The Physical Challenges of Surrogacy
Surrogacy presents unique physical challenges, starting with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. Achieving pregnancy involves hormone treatments, administering injections, and an in-office procedure where a fertility specialist places embryos into the uterus. Like any medical procedure, this process comes with potential side effects and risks, including bleeding, cramping, and infections. However, with careful monitoring, side effects are easily treatable, and infections are rare.
Once pregnant, surrogates can experience a wide range of physical symptoms that can range in severity, such as:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Backaches
- Morning sickness
- Swelling
Surrogacy agencies and medical providers work together to ensure surrogates are regularly monitored and treated promptly if serious complications arise.
The Emotional Complexities of Surrogacy
It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions during the surrogacy journey, just as many people go through emotional highs and lows in a traditional pregnancy. Common feelings include:
- Personal health concerns
- Worry about the well-being of the baby
- Anxiety about the medical processes involved
- Grief and loss after delivery
- Mood swings due to hormonal changes
- Emotional fatigue
Many resources are available for surrogates during their pregnancies, including support groups, mental health care, and additional support from their surrogacy agency.
The Logistics of Surrogacy
Surrogacy requires a significant time commitment, spanning from the matching process to postpartum recovery. The entire surrogacy journey can take over a year and involves numerous doctor appointments and ongoing communication. During pregnancy, surrogates often need to make lifestyle changes requiring adjustments to their daily routines.
Additionally, the legal aspects of surrogacy can be complex. To make this process easier to navigate, surrogacy agencies help connect surrogates and intended parents with experienced fertility lawyers who can clarify rights, responsibilities, and expectations, ensuring everyone is well-informed. This process may also necessitate significant financial planning for all parties involved.
Finding Support Throughout the Surrogacy Journey
Having a strong support network throughout your surrogate pregnancy can make any obstacles easier to overcome. Your surrogacy agency can guide you through each step of the process, so you know what to expect at every stage. They also have connections to industry professionals, including lawyers and mental health experts specializing in fertility. Your medical team also serves as a strong support system, offering transparency, answering your questions, and working to ensure the best outcomes for you and the baby.
When considering surrogacy, it’s crucial to have strong support from family and friends at home. They can provide emotional encouragement, assist with daily tasks to alleviate your physical burden, and help manage appointments and logistics.
Navigate Surrogacy With an Experienced Team
The logistical, emotional, and physical aspects of surrogacy, while challenging, often pale in comparison to the joy of helping a family fulfill their dreams of parenthood. At the International Surrogacy Center, we’re dedicated to navigating surrogates through this process. With decades of experience and a team of former surrogates, we offer support, guidance, comfort, and compassion every step of the way.
For more information about becoming a surrogate, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices (619) 591-9113 (CA) or (303) 539-9345 (CO). If you’re ready to start your journey, we invite you to complete our initial contact form.