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Why Be a Surrogate Mother?

First of all, you need to be clear about your reasons for making this decision so you can have a ready answer to the question of why be a surrogate mother. The benefits of being a surrogate mother are many. Probably the most frequently cited reason surrogate mothers have as their primary motivation is being able to give the absolutely invaluable gift of a child to someone who would not have been able to have a baby on their own.

Of course, being a surrogate mother entitles you to a very generous compensation and benefits package, although compensation is usually never the primary reason a woman considers embarking on this journey. If you are considering doing this, then you have already carried a successful, healthy pregnancy to term and are raising a child. Most likely you enjoyed the experience of being pregnant, so surrogacy lets you experience the joy of pregnancy again without adding to your own family.

In addition, when you become a surrogate mother, you will step into an incredibly close and supportive network of both surrogates and professionals. Plus, by becoming a surrogate mother, you will have accomplished something that few other people can say they have done.

For more information on both the benefits as well as the disadvantages of becoming a surrogate mother, see our page on pros and cons here.

Research Surrogacy Well

Yes, it’s important to do your research and do it well. Many women who are considering surrogacy are concerned with issues regarding termination, how many embryos will be transferred and so forth, but please, discuss your questions and concerns with a medical professional, not Dr. Google!

Then, consider such factors as your physical limitations, your overall health, and the family that already relies on you, as well as your belief system and your values. When you are sure about these variables and are sure about your boundaries and have been educated about them, stay firm on them.

Understand the Surrogacy Process

Possessing a good understanding of the medical and biological processes involved in becoming a surrogate mother is essential. No, you don’t have to become a fertility specialist, but you will find that the more you understand about the process, the easier it is to make the necessary decisions. Plus, you will undoubtedly be educating family members and close friends as well who may be concerned about your decision, so you need accurate information.

Particularly important for the potential surrogate mother to understand is that surrogacy does not use your egg, so your individual genetics are not involved. You will not be at all genetically related to the baby you carry, although because you do provide the environment for the baby’s growth and development, you do have an environmental effect, known as epigenetics. Plus, contrary to what you may have heard, the surrogate mother does not share blood with the baby.

You also need to have an understanding of why certain medications are given to prepare you for the pregnancy, as well as how the embryo transfer process works. We have more information for you on becoming a surrogate here and also more detail on surrogacy epigenetics here.

Support Network for Your Surrogacy Journey

We cannot underscore enough the importance of having a strong support system, both emotionally and physically. One that understands both your decision, and something about the process itself as well. Ask yourself if your husband or partner supports you in this? Will you have the support of your family and friends

Is Your Own Family Complete?

For anyone considering a surrogate pregnancy, it’s best that their own family is already complete. Just as in any pregnancy, complications, although they are not common, can happen. If your own family is complete, a complication that leaves you without the ability to have more children would not be as disastrous.

Do You Have the Right Mindset for Being a Surrogate?

The right mindset for being a surrogate is essential. Have you cared for others’ children in such a way that you are able to differentiate between being nurturing to them and bonding to them? Do you have mental safety nets in place, such as a trusted therapist, counselor or other individual to whom you can turn for support?

Are You Financially Secure Without Surrogacy Payments?

Although surrogates are compensated generously for their time, effort and commitment, the money you will receive must not be your main motivation to become a surrogate. You must already be financially secure, which means being employed or being a stay at home mom with a steady household income. You cannot rely on surrogacy compensation as your main income. Please see this page for more information on surrogacy compensation.

Check That You Qualify to Become a Surrogate

Please be sure you understand and meet all the requirements to qualify to become a surrogate. These requirements are there for a very good reason: to keep both you and the baby as healthy and safe as possible. While some surrogate qualifications may be flexible and may differ from one surrogacy agency to another, there are some that cannot be compromised. Please see this page for more information on surrogate qualifications.

Surrogacy Process Needs a 12–18-month Commitment

Even if you meet all the requirements and qualify to become a surrogate, the surrogacy process needs a 12 to 18 month commitment. Do you have an unbroken 12 to 18 months to commit to the surrogacy journey? This means planning to stay in the same geographical area for the 12 to 18 months and not moving, other than locally. This also means you are not planning to change your relationship status during this time, such as getting a divorce or getting married. You’ll need to be in as stable a situation as possible, as this is best for both you and the surrogate baby.

Understand Your Wishes, Rights, and Obligations

Once you have understood everything that goes into becoming a surrogate, now is the time to be really honest with yourself. What is really important for you in your journey? Having everything sorted out and being sure you understand all aspects of surrogacy, including your wishes, your rights and your obligations is critical. When you reach this point, you can sign your surrogacy contract with complete confidence and certainty that you are doing what is right for you and your family. At Pinnacle, Surrogacy, we provide your legal representation at no cost to you, you will be supported by an attorney experienced in surrogacy laws. For more information on surrogacy contracts and legal considerations please see this page.

How to Prepare My Body for Surrogacy?

The answer to how to prepare my body for surrogacy is the same as in any pregnancy. You want to be sure you are in the best health possible, both physically and emotionally, so as to make the pregnancy healthy and safe for you and the surrogate baby.

Good nutrition is at the heart of a healthy pregnancy and that begins as soon as you make your decision to become a surrogate, even before the transfer of the embryo and actual pregnancy. Here at Pinnacle Surrogacy, we take this preparation process seriously and offer free counseling, nutrition consultations and also arrange deliveries of fresh fruit and vegetables to all of our pregnant surrogates. Here is more information on nutrition in surrogate pregnancy to help keep yourself as healthy as possible.

Preparing to Be a Surrogate

The very best way to start preparing to become a surrogate is to speak to us. Each one of our surrogacy coordinators have been surrogates themselves, multiple times, and can speak from their personal experience. They are true experts who can and will guide and support you throughout your surrogacy journey in a way that is unparalleled.

If you are ready to apply to become a surrogate, please complete and submit our short online surrogate application online here.

For even more information we invite you to explore our website where we have a library of resources at your fingertips, including our page on becoming a surrogate, as well as our surrogate FAQ.

Plus, some of our surrogates who have completed their journeys share their personal insights into their experiences and you can read those surrogate stories here

If you have questions or need more information, please contact us online or call us at 877 261 0392. We would be delighted to speak with you!

Understanding IVF

Understanding the IVF process can help clarify how babies get their genetic material. In IVF, embryologists inject one sperm into one egg. This process results in an embryo, which is a fertilized egg. Each sperm and egg cell provides 23 chromosomes to the embryo. Together, these 46 chromosomes make up the embryo’s entire genome, and the surrogate never contributes genetic material to the embryo. An embryo’s genome contains approximately 20,000 genes, which are responsible for the growth and development of the fetus and beyond.

After embryologists create an embryo in an IVF lab, they transfer the embryo to the surrogate’s womb. The embryo then develops and receives nutrients and oxygen through the surrogate’s placenta. Interestingly, in addition to not sharing DNA, the surrogate and the baby also never share blood. Nutrients and oxygen diffuse through the placenta from the surrogate to the developing fetus, and the surrogate’s and fetus’s blood never mix.

Surrogacy Epigenetics

While the surrogate does not provide DNA directly to the embryo, her health and the uterine environment she provides to the growing fetus are critical to the baby’s healthy development. Surrogacy epigenetics refers to the effects of the surrogate’s health and uterine environment on gene expression. For example, if the surrogate has a poor diet, the fetal genes involved in metabolism may express in a way that increases the baby’s lifetime risk of obesity and diabetes. Some studies suggest that surrogate stress and mental health issues may have epigenetic impacts on the baby’s brain development.

Although most of the human data on this subject comes from observational studies, animal studies have shown a link between pregnancy and offspring’s metabolic and brain development that can last over several generations. More research on this topic is being published each year, so if you are concerned about possible epigenetic effects during your surrogacy journey, talk with your doctor to learn more.

While a gestational surrogate does not directly contribute DNA to the baby, she can still influence gene expression and normal fetal development. We encourage and expect surrogates to adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle throughout the pregnancy, and our team provides each surrogate with support resources to ensure the surrogate and baby’s wellbeing.

Genes vs. Genetic Expression

How can a surrogate influence a baby’s genes if she does not contribute DNA to the baby?. To understand the answer to this question, it is important to understand the difference between genes and genetic expression.

Genes are the building blocks of everything that makes a person unique. Genes influence peoples’ hair color, height,  chances of developing certain diseases, and more. Each of a person’s 46 chromosomes contains hundreds of thousands of genes. As a whole, the human genome contains about 3 billion genetic base pairs!

Gene expression refers to the process of the body using genes to develop a biological product, such as a protein. The body does not express all genes in a person’s genome, and differences in gene expression can result in important differences in people’s physical and mental characteristics. While a surrogate’s health does not impact the DNA that makes up a baby’s genes, it may impact the baby’s gene expression.

A Healthy Lifestyle is Key

A healthy lifestyle can help surrogates create the best possible uterine environment for fetal development and optimal gene expression. At Pinnacle Surrogacy, we thoroughly screen all potential surrogates to make sure that they are physically and mentally healthy and that they live in a safe and nurturing environment. The surrogate then works with a doctor throughout her pregnancy to ensure that the baby develops normally. Focusing on wellness helps to protect the health of the surrogate and the baby.

Does A Surrogate Mother Share Blood With The Baby?

Epigenetics is just one of the many parts of surrogacy that people may misunderstand. While gestational surrogacy – and fertility treatments in general – are safer and more common than ever before, some myths persist. One of the most common myths is that the gestational surrogate is somehow related to the baby she carries or that the surrogate share blood with the baby. The fact is that a gestational surrogate does not share DNA with the baby she carries, and she is not related genetically to the baby in any way. The baby and the surrogate do not share blood either; instead the nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the baby through placenta that also prevents the blood sharing.

Knowing the facts behind gestational surrogacy can help surrogates and intended parents feel confident in the surrogacy process. It also helps to explain the surrogacy journey to friends and family who might misunderstand the process.

Does a surrogate baby have the mother’s DNA?

A surrogate baby may have its mother’s DNA but it depends on the source of the egg. A baby born through gestational surrogacy only inherits DNA from the sperm source and the egg provider and not the surrogate mother. This means that if the eggs used in the surrogacy process are intended mother’s, then yes; a surrogate baby will have the mother’s DNA. This is not the case when donor eggs are used. We invite to you explore our  using donor eggs for your surrogacy journey.

Will the baby look like surrogate mother?

No, the baby will not look like a gestational surrogate. A baby born through surrogacy process will have a combination of physical characteristics (looks) of the egg and sperm provider since the baby’s DNA only comes from the egg and sperm used to create the embryo, and not the surrogate.

Is a surrogate mother related to the baby?

No, a gestational surrogate mother is not related to the baby she carries. A baby born through gestational surrogacy only inherits DNA from the sperm and egg provider and is never related to the surrogate mother in any way.

How does surrogacy affect the child?

The uterine environment of the surrogate provides nourishment for the baby’s growth and development. A healthy environment also supports proper function of the baby’s DNA, a process called epigenetics. Simply put, when a baby develops in a good environment, DNA receives epigenetic signals from the surrogate mother that help it to work properly especially when it comes to brain development and metabolism. The DNA comes from the sperm and egg provider and remains unchanged but can be modified to express differently based on the epigenetic signals from the surrogate mother. This is analogous to a computer where DNA is like hardware and epigenetic signals are like software.

Is a surrogate baby biologically yours?

Yes, a surrogate baby is biologically yours if your eggs are used in the surrogacy process. The baby’s DNA is only inherited from the egg and sperm provider and not the surrogate mother. This means that if intended parents’ eggs and sperm are used, biologically, the baby is only related to the parents and not the surrogate.

Are You Considering Surrogacy?

If you are looking to grow your family or help future parents in need, we can help you on your surrogacy journey. We work directly with exceptional surrogates and intended parents to make the process as safe, comfortable, and straightforward as possible.

To learn more or to start your surrogacy journey, contact us or call us directly at 877 261 0392.

For additional information and resources, we invite you to explore our site, where you can learn about surrogacy success rates, the cost of surrogacy, view examples of surrogate profiles, learn how we screen our surrogates and more!

There are so many reasons turn to a surrogate pregnancy to be able to have a baby. Some of the most common reasons include women who are in an advanced maternal age, women who have a medical condition that prevents them from carrying a pregnancy, or even women who have already undergone several failed IVF cycles. Surrogate pregnancy is also a great way for single dads and male gay couples to have a baby. For these people, and many others, surrogacy is an excellent solution that enables them to have a baby they simply could not have had on their own.

What is a surrogate pregnancy? Surrogate Pregnancy Meaning

When you are starting to look for information on surrogacy all these new terms can understandably be quite confusing. So what exactly is a surrogate pregnancy?

The word surrogate comes from the Latin word surrogate, which means “to substitute” or “to put in another’s place.”  A surrogate pregnancy, also called surrogacy, is the process where a woman (the surrogate) carries a baby for someone else (also known as the intended parent/s).

There are two types of surrogates: traditional surrogacy, and gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy involves using the surrogate’s own egg, inseminated by sperm from the father or donor. In this case, the surrogate mother is the actual biological mother of the child. Needless to say, this can result in some rather complicated legal considerations, and most fertility clinics, including ours, do not work with traditional surrogates.

Here at Pinnacle Surrogacy, we work with gestational surrogates, using the intended mother’s egg or a donor egg, which is then fertilized by the father’s sperm or that of a donor. The surrogate mother is not genetically related to the baby and they do not share any DNA.

For more information on exactly what surrogacy is and the meaning of surrogacy, see this page

How Does Surrogate Pregnancy Work?

The actual process of how a surrogate pregnancy works involves multiple steps but is really quite straightforward

The condensed version is this:

• The intended parents create an embryo using different combinations of eggs and sperm (for example, using the intended mother’s egg and the father’s sperm, or a donor egg and the father’s sperm and so forth)
• The embryo is frozen
• The intended parents choose a surrogate, and a match meeting is arranged
• Once the match is confirmed, a surrogacy contract is signed by both the surrogate and intended parents. The embryo transfer calendar is then planned.
• Embryo transfer takes place with subsequent confirmation of surrogate pregnancy
• The surrogate is then released to her own obstetrician for care throughout the pregnancy and delivery.

For more detailed information on the questions of how does surrogate process work, please see this page.

How Is Surrogate Pregnancy Conceived?

The question of exactly how  a surrogate pregnancy conceived is a common one. A surrogate pregnancy is really no different than a “regular” pregnancy when it comes to the actual biological facts: an egg unites with a sperm to form an embryo which attaches to the mother’s uterus and grows into a full-term infant.

In the case of a surrogate pregnancy, an egg (either from the intended mother, or an egg donor) is fertilized in the lab with sperm (from the intended father or a sperm donor) that grows over a few days into a multi-celled embryo capable of attaching to the uterine lining of the surrogate mother once it has been introduced into the uterus by the physician.

For more detailed information on embryo creation and transfer see this page.

What Are the Chances of Surrogate Getting Pregnant?

The chances of the surrogate getting pregnant as a result of an embryo transfer are excellent, with a successful pregnancy being closely tied to the age of the woman who provided the egg. The younger the woman whose eggs are used, the higher the chances of success. Successful birth rates decrease gradually for women over the age of 35 and are at their lowest for women who are over 40.

If donor eggs are used, this results in a 65 to 70 percent live birth rate per embryo transferred. This rate increases to 75 to 80 percent if PGT-A is used, which is a genetic test done on the embryos created through IVF that screens for abnormalities in the chromosomes.

See this page for more information on surrogacy success rates.

Surrogate Pregnancy Symptoms

Once the embryo is implanted into the surrogate mother’s uterus, the pregnancy develops in the same way a regular pregnancy does. 1 week after the donor egg embryo transfer, we perform the first BETA blood test, which is a test that measures the rise in a hormone produced in the body during pregnancy. Then we repeat the test two days later and again one week after that. If the levels of the hormone are rising as expected, the pregnancy will be confirmed by ultrasound at the six week mark of pregnancy.

The surrogate mother should be aware and look for early signs of pregnancy:

• Nausea, which can also include vomiting, can occur any time of the day or night, even though it is known as morning sickness, due to the change in hormones from the pregnancy. Nausea usually subsides as the pregnancy progresses and very likely will ultimately disappear altogether.
• Tender, swollen breasts are also common, again due to hormonal changes in early pregnancy. Like nausea, this will also decrease as hormone levels adjust.
• Another hormone related symptom in early pregnancy is fatigue and is usually due to the rise in the hormone progesterone.

Surrogate Pregnancy Complications

Surrogates are women typically under 40 years old, who have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, so this greatly minimizes the chance of complications. But pregnancy, even under the best of conditions, is still a biological process that does carry some risk, and surrogate pregnancy complications are much the same as in regular pregnancy.

• Preeclampsia: with an embryo formed from a donor egg, there does seem to be a slightly higher risk of developing high blood pressure during the pregnancy. This condition is known as preeclampsia.
• Gestational diabetes is another possible complication; it is diabetes that was not present in the surrogate mother prior to the pregnancy. If this condition is not controlled, it can lead to high blood pressure and a baby that is too large, which increases the chance the surrogate might have to undergo a cesarean section.
• Preterm labor is also possible, meaning labor prior to the 37th week of pregnancy. If the baby is born before 37 weeks of development, this carries an increased risk of health problems for the infant, as the baby’s lungs, brain and other organs have not finished developing. Normal organ maturation occurs during the final weeks of a full-term pregnancy which is 39 to 40 weeks.
• Among the more common, but treatable, pregnancy complications are pregnancy related anxiety and depression. Both can occur while the surrogate mother is pregnant or after delivery and can have a significant negative effect on both the surrogate as well as the baby.
• Some pregnant women can develop a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which simply means severe and persistent nausea and vomiting which persists far beyond the relatively normal morning sickness of early pregnancy. For some unfortunate women, this can even extend into the third trimester. Sometimes, if the symptoms lead to weight loss, dehydration and feeling faint, hospitalization for treatment may become necessary.
• A common complication of pregnancy is iron deficiency anemia in which the red blood cell count becomes too low due to not having enough iron in the body for the red cells to function properly. If not treated with supplemental iron by the medical provider, iron deficiency anemia can lead to preterm births as well as low birth weight.
• Miscarriage, or an early pregnancy loss, is also possible. This is a pregnancy loss due to natural causes that happens before 20 weeks. Signs of a miscarriage can include vaginal spotting or bleeding, cramping, or fluid or tissue passing from the vagina. Vaginal bleeding or spotting alone does not necessarily mean that a miscarriage is occurring or will occur. If the surrogate mother experiences any of these signs she should see her obstetrician immediately
• After 20 weeks, a pregnancy loss is known as a stillbirth. In about half of all stillbirth cases, no cause can be found for the loss. Some of the factors that lead to a stillbirth can include problems with the placenta, an infection, chromosomal abnormalities, and health problems in the surrogate mother.

Surrogate Pregnancy Success Stories

We have helped many couples as well as individuals over the years to become parents via a surrogate. It’s understandable that many patients don’t necessarily want to share in public the details of their fertility journeys, including using a surrogate to have a baby. However, we can share this recent testimonial from one of our patients as an example of our surrogate pregnancy success stories:

“We are so grateful and ecstatic to have our new son in our family. We experienced heartbreaking miscarriages and were told we could not have another pregnancy. Our other son wanted a sibling so bad, that he wrote a note to “the storks” asking for a brother or sister to lay with and help take care of. Thanks to Premium Surrogacy, Dr Jain and his wonderful staff, we have been blessed with a beautiful baby boy! We feel that our family is “complete” but we would highly recommend Pinnacle Surrogacy to any family seeking to bring another child into their family. Perhaps it’s not quite “in the usual way” but just as amazing and wonderful. We are forever grateful!” ~ A.

This is the experience one of our surrogates had with Pinnacle Surrogacy:

“Amazing & Supportive agency!!!! I just completed my surrogacy journey and it was hands down something I will never forget. I knew I wanted to be a surrogate but I was a little hesitant and scared. I took a leap just based off the shared stories and reviews of California Pinnacle Surrogacy and I would not change this for anything. This agency has an amazing team (that feel more like really supportive friends) that works with you every step of the way. They are professional, caring and they make the whole journey feel so smooth. They honestly think of everything to make sure you are comfortable and doing good. I honestly felt like top priority with them, not just a transaction. Some members of their team have also been surrogates themselves which is so helpful hearing their experiences and getting guidance. The process was seamless and it was such a pleasure meeting and working with all of them. I would 100% recommend them if you are thinking about becoming a surrogate.” J.

To read more reviews and testimonials about our agency and our services, please see this page.

Surrogacy or Adoption

Having a baby by surrogacy or by adoption are both worthwhile ways of adding to your family. Be assured there is no right or wrong way to go about this journey! Of course, no one but you can make this decision and it has to be right for you and your family.

We do not specialize in adoption, so we have very limited information about the process. What we can do is highlight the main benefits of having a baby via a surrogate:

• The most obvious benefit is that you will most likely have a baby! Our surrogate mothers are in their prime years for childbearing, they are healthy, and they have already carried healthy pregnancies to term.
• Another benefit is that surrogacy removes the risk of carrying a pregnancy for the intended mother, and this is crucial if she is at an advanced maternal age or has underlying medical problems that could put her and the baby at risk. Having a baby via a surrogate also enables the intended mother to continue with her life and work routine without interruption
• In addition, for intended parents, a baby carried by a surrogate can actually be your biological child. If the intended mother can contribute viable eggs that can then be fertilized by the sperm of the male partner, the embryo created is just as closely genetically related to the intended parents as if the baby were created naturally. If the intended mother cannot contribute viable eggs, the male partner can contribute sperm to fertilize donor eggs, making him biologically related to the baby.
• Most states support surrogacy, and many states have laws which are very favorable and protect both the surrogate and intended parents. There are only three states in the U.S. in which surrogacy is completely banned and those states are Michigan, Louisiana, and Nebraska. If you reside in one of those locations, you should consult an experienced surrogacy attorney for advice.
• Having a baby via a surrogate is also an option for male gay couples or single men to become fathers and is the only option that allows them to have a biological child through the use of their sperm and donor eggs.

How much does surrogate pregnancy cost

First of all, it’s important to understand that each person or couple’s journey toward having a baby using a surrogate is different, so the cost will vary from one client to another, as there are so many moving parts.

Having said that, we want to be completely transparent about the costs involved, as this process involves emotional as well as financial costs. Here at Pinnacle Surrogacy, our average cost for our full surrogacy process usually is between $140 and $160k. If circumstances arise such as the surrogate needing to have a c-section or she is carrying twins, costs will increase.

Also, you should be aware that many surrogacy agencies will seem to have slightly lower costs when you first see their pricing, but these numbers do not include all the costs involved, including escrow charges, legal bills, insurance for the surrogate and the payment to the fertility doctor. We will provide you with an initial detailed fee schedule that reflects all of these charges. For more information on the cost of surrogacy, please see this page.

Having a baby via a surrogate pregnancy

As you can see from the information we have presented here, having a baby via a surrogate pregnancy is a wonderful option for many people who would not otherwise have had the chance to have a child. Choosing an agency that is transparent about both the process as well as the financial commitment involved, and who will fully support you throughout your journey is crucial.

For intended parents, you can find out more about the legal considerations involved here, as well as information on finding a surrogate at this page. We also have information on surrogacy epigenetics, that field of science that researches the prenatal environmental influences on the baby’s development, known as epigenetics.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, having a completely supportive, knowledgeable and professional agency behind you can make the difference between a fabulous experience and one that you would rather not repeat. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please complete a short online application here to get started.

If you are ready to begin the process of either exploring having a baby via a surrogate or becoming a surrogate yourself, please reach out to us by contacting us online or calling us directly at 310 566 1487. We are always happy to answer questions and to address any concerns you may have.

The Best Place To Find a Surrogate Mother

Here you’ll discover some best practices for working with a surrogacy agency and finding your surrogate.

A reputable surrogate agency is the best place to find a surrogate mother. Having professional guidance can help you find a great match. Pinnacle Surrogacy’s team will offer you an ethical surrogate matching service, having the best interests of all parties involved.

Unlike most surrogacy agencies, Pinnacle Surrogacy prescreens its surrogates to ensure surrogates are physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially prepared for the responsibility of carrying a pregnancy. Only surrogates who qualify for medical clearance are offered to intended parents, thus expediting the time to match and pregnancy.

Pre-screening includes the following safeguards:

• A thorough medical screening, including a review of the potential surrogate’s health and obstetric history and a current medical exam.
• A mental health evaluation by a qualified psychologist.
• A home assessment conducted by a qualified social worker.
• Background checks on both the applicant and her spouse or partner.
• Verification of the surrogate’s national residency status (Pinnacle Surrogacy requires all surrogates be US citizens).
• An evaluation of the applicant’s financial situation and stability.

Surrogate Matching Service

Aligning parent and surrogate expectations is vital for all surrogacy pregnancies. The experience of bringing a child into the world through surrogacy has a permanent impact on the family and the child’s life, which is why we take steps to ensure both parents and surrogates fully understand the surrogacy process and agree on how they want to collaborate and interact during the pregnancy. After creating your profile, we will select surrogate profiles that are most compatible with each person’s goals. The selection process minimizes the time spent and the improves the chance of finding the right match.

It’s important to note that surrogate and intended parent matching is a two-way street. We want both our surrogates and intended parents to have a positive relationship and benefit from good communication. Thus, both sides must ultimately agree to work together. This helps to ensure a joyful pregnancy and a clear understanding of what role, if any, your surrogate will have in your child’s life over the years.

How To Choose a Surrogate Mother?

As you consider surrogacy, it’s essential to understand your values and preferences. Write down the qualities you would like in a surrogate and the kind of relationship you want to have with her. Your spouse or partner should do the same, so you can compare notes and come to a joint decision.

Here are some things to think about:

• Location: Location matters when selecting a surrogate, partly because some states have surrogacy-friendly laws that streamline the process and protect the rights of everyone involved. Other states are less friendly to surrogacy. At Pinnacle Surrogacy, we only work with surrogates that live in states with laws that support the surrogacy process. Surrogate location also determines how large a role you can play in the pregnancy and your chance of being at the hospital for labor and delivery. If travel is difficult for you, consider choosing a surrogate who lives nearby.
• Personality and interests: Surrogacy requires a working relationship between the surrogate and intended parents. While you don’t need to have a considerable amount in common, it’s important to get along and ideally enjoy the pregnancy journey. A positive relationship encourages a positive pregnancy and parenting experience.
• Expectations: Surrogates and intended parents may have very different ideas about how they want to relate to each other in the future. Some surrogates are open to keeping in touch after the pregnancy, whereas others prefer no contact after birth. All parties must agree on whether they want to stay in contact and other relevant issues before signing the surrogacy contract.

How To Find a Surrogate Mother For Gay Couples

Many Surrogates we work with are eager to help gay couples and individuals fulfill their dreams of parenthood. While most surrogacy agencies start surrogate screening process after she is matched with intended parents, at Pinnacle Surrogacy, we pre-screen all our surrogates. This means that our surrogates go through a thorough medical, psychological and socio-economical testing and are cleared for their surrogacy journeys, before we present their profiles to intended parents. This not only decreases the time a surrogacy process takes but helps avoid disappointment. Should a surrogate fail the screening, the intended parents would need to start the whole process over.

At Pinnacle Surrogacy, we believe that Love Is Family. We are uniquely qualified to not only help gay individuals find their perfect surrogate, but through our network of fertility clinics, an in-house embryology lab and Donor Egg Bank, can support their family building journey from beginning to the end. This integrated approach has been appreciated by many of our gay surrogacy clients, who prefer the personal relationship of working with one team. We invite you to learn more about our approach to LGBTQ family building by heading to Surrogacy and Egg Donation Process, and Surrogacy FAQ.

Start Your Surrogacy Journey

Once you have an idea of your preferences (and deal-breakers), you can discuss them with your Pinnacle Surrogacy coordinator who will help you match with a compatible surrogate.

Finding and choosing the right surrogate is a complex yet rewarding process. A quality surrogacy agency will greatly facilitate the process of selecting a surrogate mother.

Interested in learning more about how to choose a surrogate mother?  We can help. Please contact us online or call us at 877 261 0392. Our team can answer your questions and help you learn how to choose the right surrogate mother for your needs. For additional information, you can visit our frequently asked questions page, surrogacy success rates and the cost of surrogacy.