When is the Best Time to Become a Surrogate?

Becoming a surrogate is an amazing way to help others create their families, and in order to have the best experience possible, it is important to make sure that you are in the right place in your life. We all go through different stages and phases of our lives and some women are in a better place than others to be a surrogate.

So, when is the best time to help a family have a child? Is there a perfect time? Every potential surrogate has a different set of circumstances, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer -- but generally it is when you are feeling healthy and stable, and when you are the right age.

Here are some helpful guidelines below so you can determine if it is the right time for you to be a surrogate.

You're in Good Physical Health

Anyone interested in carrying a child for a hopeful family should make sure that they are in good physical health. Good physical health helps reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and ensures that you will be able to provide the best possible care for your surrogate child.

If you are not in the best physical health, you might want to wait to be a surrogate until your body is ready. Additionally, being in good physical shape helps you feel your best during pregnancy and will give you the energy you need to have the best experience possible. 

If the specifics below sound like you, then you are in a great place to be a gestational carrier.

You’re 23-42 Years Old

It’s recommended that potential surrogates are between the ages of 23 and 42 at the time of applying to become a surrogate. This is because your body is in the prime of its childbearing years and you're most likely to have an easier pregnancy.

At this stage in life, your body is strong and healthy, and you're likely to have fewer fertility issues than someone who is older. You'll have the energy and stamina needed to have an amazing pregnancy and delivery process. This age range ensures that surrogates and intended parents both have the best pregnancy experience possible. 

You Have Previously Given Birth

Part of being in the right physical condition includes already having had your own child, so that you have already gone through the pregnancy and delivery process before. This means that you are familiar with what to expect, and can better prepare yourself for your journey as a surrogate. It helps prove to intended parents that you know what to do in order to have a successful surrogacy experience. 

Most clinics and providers now recommend waiting at least 12 months after a vaginal delivery and 18 months after a c-section for an embryo transfer. At Vermont Surrogacy Network, we let the clinics drive the decision-making behind how long to wait before an embryo transfer. 

Your Lifestyle is Stable

Carrying a child for a family is an amazing journey, and it is important to have a stable lifestyle before you begin this adventure. If you are in a good place emotionally and financially, you will be able to focus on the positive aspects of surrogacy and enjoy the experience.

Consider what lifestyle you will need to be a surrogate so that you can make any necessary changes during your pregnancy, such as altering your work schedule or making travel arrangements. Do you have the following set up for yourself?

A reliable support system

If you are considering becoming a surrogate, make sure that you have a strong support system in place first. Having people who you can rely on to offer advice, support, and understanding can make all the difference when it comes to having a positive surrogacy experience.

Your support system can be made up of your family, friends, or even an online community of surrogates.

Financial Stability

While you will receive payment and medical support for being a gestational carrier, it is a good idea to double-check that you have a stable financial situation to cover any costs associated with being a surrogate and having a baby. This can include medical expenses or lost wages if you have to take time off work.

It is important to have a solid financial plan in place so that you can focus on enjoying the amazing surrogacy experience. Being financially stable helps reduce any stress during the process.

The Foreseeable Future is Planned Out

Becoming a surrogate is an amazing way to help another couple have the family they’ve always dreamed of, so it’s important to make sure your own future is planned out. There are a few things to consider, like whether you're stable in your current residence and job.

If there's any chance that you might want to move or change jobs in the near future, it's best to wait until after your surrogacy journey to make those changes. That way, you can be sure that you'll be able to commit to the pregnancy and focus all your energy on being a surrogate.

The same goes for anything else that could potentially disrupt your life during the surrogacy process. Of course, there may be some surprises along the way but, overall, it is important to have a good understanding of what your day-to-day life will look like before embarking on this journey.

You Feel Ready

If you want to become a surrogate and are wondering if it is the right time, listen to your heart. Trust your gut; if you feel like surrogacy is the right path for you, then go for it!

Remember, this is an incredible opportunity to change lives, including your own. As long as you enter into it with an open heart and mind, there's no doubt that you'll have an amazing experience.

There are different reasons that you feel it is the right time to be a gestational carrier, like:

You Want to Help Someone Else Have a Child

For many women, becoming a surrogate is about more than just carrying a baby for nine months. It's an opportunity to give the gift of life to someone who may not be able to have children on their own. And there's no greater feeling than knowing you've helped create a family.

If you have a close friend or family member who is struggling to conceive, you may want to help create the family they've always wanted. Surrogacy can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and it's an amazing way to be there for someone you care about.

You Simply Feel Called

You may have found yourself in a position where you feel called to help someone else have a child. Maybe you simply want to make a difference in the world. You will be helping create a family while also creating beautiful memories for yourself.

If you feel called to become a surrogate, now is the time to take that leap of faith and pursue your calling.

The Right Time

If you are in a good place mentally and emotionally, have support from your family and friends, and feel like you can handle the physical demands of pregnancy -- then it might be the perfect time for you to become a surrogate.

If it is the right time in your life to be a surrogate, please contact us, as we would love to help you with the next steps.