6 Surprising Facts about Gestational Surrogacy
6 Surprising Facts about Gestational Surrogacy
For those of you who are considering becoming a gestational surrogate, you have probably spent a significant number of hours researching everything you can about the subject. Throughout your search, you have found a considerable amount of information that has been helpful and some that has not. Doing your own research is an important step in helping you figure out whether or not this is the right path for you.
Before you make a decision that can change your life, make sure that you have done everything in your power to collect as much information as possible. At Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas, we know that this is not an easy choice, and we want to help you do what is best for you. Here are seven surprising facts about gestational surrogacy we thought you might enjoy!
1) You Must Have Your Own Legal Council
Nevada’s Surrogacy Law states that a gestational carrier and the intended parents must have separate legal councils. The reason for this is the potential cost of conflict of interest it might cause. Everyone is entitled to equal representation. Your lawyer should be looking out for your best interests.
2) Gestational Surrogacy is Not Legal Everywhere
Another surprising fact about gestational surrogacy is that, despite the progressive times we are living in, it is still banned or considerably limited in several states. Before moving forward with this decision determine whether you live in a surrogacy-friendly state.
3) Gestational Carriers Must Have Successfully Carried a Pregnancy to Full-term
Many women are unaware that to become a gestational carrier, you must have had a successful pregnancy beforehand — particularly one that didn’t have any complications. During your medical screening, you will be asked a series of questions concerning your eligibility to become a gestational surrogate, and your doctor will ensure that your body is prepared for another healthy pregnancy. A history of healthy pregnancies means that it’s more likely your gestational surrogacy journey will be successful.
4) It is Not Just for the Young (Post-Menoposal Surrogacy)
Though the ideal age for a woman to become pregnant is before you hit 35, there have been cases in which a woman over the age of 39 has become a gestational surrogate. Though the likelihood of women having children after the age of 35 has increased, the fact remains that many doctors consider this kind of pregnancy high-risk. This can result in preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), premature labor and even complications during childbirth.
Back in the year 2016, a Greek woman by the name of Anastassia Ontou became the world’s oldest surrogate. At the age of 67, she successfully gave birth to her granddaughter!
5) Gestational Carriers can Become Pregnant While Carrying a Baby for the Intended Parents
As mind-blowing as it may seem, a woman can get pregnant while already carrying another child. This rare phenomenon is known as superfetation, which occurs when two or more fertilized eggs are present in the uterus at the same time. However, the embryos have different gestational ages. The second pregnancy can even occur weeks after the first one!
6) Gestational Carriers do not Become Emotionally Attached
Before being considered a gestational surrogate, potential carriers must undergo a psychological evaluation. The agency wants to make sure that the women that have chosen to become gestational carriers are of sound mind. Many believe that because a woman is carrying a child, she will automatically form an unbreakable bond with the baby. However, this is not always the case. The women who go into gestational surrogacy have a clear understanding that the child she will be carrying for the next nine months does not belong to her.
Note for Gestational Carriers
Remember to do extensive research before going into gestational surrogacy. Do not be afraid to ask for help or let your casework know if you have any questions you are still not clear about. We are here to help you make this process go as smoothly as possible.
Stay positive and take care of yourself!
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Las Vegas has been providing adoption and surrogacy services across in Las Vegas since 2012. For information more general to Nevada, please visit our mother site Adoption Choices of Nevada. For information specific to Reno, please visit our sister site Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Reno. You can also call us to speak to someone now. Contact Us 24/7: CALL OR TEXT 702-474-4673
Melissa N. Martínez is exceptionally hard-working, creative, and passionate about her writing. From a very young age, she found the writing gave her the voice that she needed. Currently, she is working on writing a fantasy novel which she wished to publish someday. She hopes to one day share her writing with others and create worlds that can comfort them in their time of need.
When she is not curled up with a good book you can find her spending time playing with her dog Zelda, watching television, or baking. She has recently moved from the island of Puerto Rico to Minnesota with her husband and dog.