What Is a Surrogate Mother?

For people facing fertility challenges or other medical issues that prevent them from getting pregnant, a surrogate mother can help them achieve their dream of becoming parents. A surrogate mother is a person who carries a pregnancy and gives birth to a child for another person or couple, known as the intended parents.

This article provides an overview of the role of a surrogate mother.

Reasons People Choose Surrogacy

Many health issues or circumstances can lead individuals and couples to use surrogacy as a way to build their families. Some common reasons include:

Infertility

Infertility is a primary driver for many individuals or couples who may have tried other fertility treatments without success.

Medical Conditions

Certain health issues can make pregnancy unsafe for the intended mother. These might include heart conditions, kidney disease or a history of complicated pregnancies.

Absence of a Uterus

Some women are born without a uterus or have had it surgically removed (hysterectomy), making it impossible for them to carry a pregnancy.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

People who have experienced multiple miscarriages may use surrogacy to avoid that outcome.

Male Couples or Single Men

Surrogacy provides a path to biological parenthood for male couples or individuals.

Types of Surrogacy

Gestational Surrogacy

This is the more common type of surrogacy. The surrogate mother has no genetic connection to the child she’s carrying. The embryo is typically created using the eggs of the intended mother or an egg donor and the sperm of the intended father or a sperm donor through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The resulting embryo is then transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus.

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother uses her eggs and is artificially inseminated with the sperm of the intended father or a sperm donor. This means the surrogate is the biological mother of the child. Because of the potential psychological and legal ramifications, this type of surrogacy is less common and is prohibited in some areas.

Understanding the Surrogacy Process

Surrogacy is a journey that typically involves several stages. After deciding to pursue surrogacy, the intended parents connect with a surrogacy agency or attorney to help them navigate the process, which includes finding a suitable surrogate match.

Once a match is made, legal contracts are signed to protect the rights and responsibilities of both the intended parents and the surrogate mother. Medical and psychological screenings are conducted to ensure the health and well-being of everyone involved.

For gestational surrogacy, the medical process involves creating embryos through IVF and transferring them to the surrogate's uterus. If the transfer is successful, the surrogate carries the pregnancy to term, receiving medical care throughout the pregnancy.

Talk With Your Healthcare Provider About Surrogacy

If you’re unable to get pregnant or maintain a pregnancy, surrogacy is an option for building your family. A good way to start the journey is to talk with your healthcare provider about the challenges you face.

They can provide details on the surrogacy process to help you decide if it’s right for you. You can use our online directory to find a Baptist Health provider if you don’t have one.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Mother and Baby Care at Baptist Health
A Healthy Pregnancy: Preparing for the Blessed Event
How Soon Will a Pregnancy Test Read Positive?
Planning for the Big Day
What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy?