The Real Story of Gestational Surrogacy

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?. A Complete Guide Inspired by Giving Tree Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is a remarkable reproductive arrangement in which a woman — known as the gestational surrogate or gestational carrier — carries and delivers a baby on behalf of another individual or couple (the intended parents). Unlike traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate is also the biological mother, gestational surrogacy ensures that the surrogate is not biologically related to the child. This is because the embryo is created using the eggs and sperm of the intended parents or donors, and the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

This guide, drawing from the professional expertise of Giving Tree Surrogacy, will explore the full landscape of gestational surrogacy. You’ll gain insight into:

• What makes gestational surrogacy unique, who becomes a surrogate, and why.

• Eligibility and screening requirements.

• The emotional, medical, legal, and ethical dimensions.

• What intended parents can expect.

• The path forward for both surrogates and intended parents.

  
  

By understanding each facet of this transformative process, everyone involved—surrogates, intended parents, professionals—can move forward with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

1. The Basics of Gestational Surrogacy

1.1 Defining the Roles

• Gestational Surrogate: A woman who carries a pregnancy created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using embryos not genetically related to her.

• Intended Parents: Individuals or couples who wish to have a child but cannot carry one themselves—this may include people facing infertility, LGBTQ+ couples, or those with health conditions that prevent pregnancy.

  
  

1.2 The Process in a Nutshell

1. Medical and psychological screening

2. Legal contracts and financial agreements

3. IVF embryo creation (using eggs/sperm of intended parents or donors)

4. Embryo transfer into surrogate

5. Pregnancy monitoring and birth

6. Child placed with intended parents at delivery

   
   

Gestational surrogacy ensures the surrogate is not the genetic parent, avoiding complex lineage questions. Many intended parents cite this clarity as a key benefit.

2. The Journey of a Gestational Carrier

2.1 Who Can Become a Surrogate?

As outlined by Giving Tree Surrogacy, ideal candidates are women who:

• Are between 21 and 38 years old

• Have already carried and delivered at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy

• Are currently raising at least one child in their home, demonstrating maternal experience. Maintain a BMI no higher than 31

• Are non-smokers, in excellent physical health, with no history of alcohol or substance abuse

• Are legal permanent residents of the U.S., possess a valid driver's license, and reside within the country

• Are open to criminal background checks, psychological assessments, injectable hormone medications, embryo transfer procedures, and the 18-month commitment the process typically requires

  
  

These requirements align with guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and ensure both the surrogate and the baby remain in excellent health throughout.

2.2 Why Become a Surrogate?

The reasons women choose to become surrogates are deeply personal:

• A sense of selflessness and compassion—carrying life for someone who cannot. The desire to help infertile individuals, same-sex couples, or those with life-threatening conditions build a family

• The opportunity to experience pregnancy again, with emotional fulfillment

• Generous compensation, reflecting the physical, emotional, and time commitments

• A life-affirming journey—“changing lives forever,” as Giving Tree Surrogacy states, both for intended parents and themselves

Becoming a surrogate is more than a medical process—it’s a profound gift.

🎧 Want to dive deeper? Tune in to our podcast, where we discuss real stories, expert insights, and the heart behind every surrogacy journey.

3. Screening and Matching: Ensuring the Best Fit

3.1 Surrogate Screening

Surrogate candidates at Giving Tree Surrogacy must complete:

• Medical screenings, including blood work, uterine health evaluations, and prenatal readiness. Psychological assessments to ensure mental and emotional preparedness

• Background checks—criminal, financial, social—to ensure legal safety for everyone

• Legal clearances confirming surrogate understanding of laws, rights, and responsibilities

  
  

These steps can take several months and involve collaboration between the surrogate, medical professionals, legal counsel, and the agency.

3.2 Intended Parent Screening

Similarly, intended parents receive:

• Financial screening to ensure they can meet medical costs, compensation, and post-birth expenses

• Psychological evaluation to prepare them for the emotional complexity of the journey

• Legal counsel to draft binding surrogacy contracts, parental rights documents, and any contingency plans

  
  

3.3 Matching Process

Once screening is complete, the agency carefully matches surrogates and intended parents based on:

• Shared values, ethics, and communication styles

• Health and lifestyle compatibility

• A mutual sense of comfort and trust

  
  

This phase often includes heartfelt introductions, meetings, virtual chats, and sometimes meals together, building the relationship that will guide the entire process.

4. Medical and IVF Procedures: The Pregnancy Timeline

4.1 Preparation and Medication

Once matched and legally contracted, the surrogate begins an IVF preparation regimen, which includes:

• Injectable hormonal medications to regulate her cycle.

• Uterine lining preparation to support embryo implantation.

  
  

This preparatory phase usually takes several weeks and is closely supervised by fertility specialists.

4.2 Embryo Transfer

• Fertility specialists retrieve the intended mother’s or donor’s eggs and fertilize them in a lab to create embryos.

• A selected embryo is carefully transferred into the surrogate's uterus.

• Over the next several days, medical staff monitor hormone levels and ensure successful implantation.

  
  

4.3 Pregnancy Monitoring

Pregnancy during surrogacy is managed just like any other high-risk pregnancy:

• Regular ultrasounds and health screenings

• Education on nutrition, lifestyle expectations, and medical protocols

• Open communication between surrogate, agency, fertility clinic, and intended parents

  
  

Throughout, the surrogate is supported medically and emotionally.

5. Legal Safeguards and Contracts

5.1 Surrogacy Agreements

These essential legal documents include:

• Surrogate responsibilities: medical appointments, medication adherence, lifestyle

• Intended parent responsibilities: covering medical costs, compensation, travel, insurance

• Parental rights: when and how intended parents legally assume custody

• Contingency plans: in case of unexpected medical or ethical events

• Post-birth arrangements: how the baby is delivered and discharged into intended parents’ care

  
  

Such agreements must comply with state laws and are independently reviewed by legal counsel for all parties.

6. Emotional Journey and Support Systems

6.1 For the Surrogate

• The surrogate experiences a unique emotional journey—carrying a child she won’t parent.

• Structured support is critical:

  • Agency coordination,

  • Counseling,

  • Peer support groups,

  • And ongoing check-ins with intended parents

    
    

Surrogates often describe a sense of profound fulfillment and purpose.

6.2 For Intended Parents

• The path can be filled with anxiety, hope, and anticipation.

• Building a relationship with the surrogate can foster trust—but also entails managing expectations.

• Ongoing emotional support, therapy, and community connections help intended parents prepare for parenthood.

  
  

7. The Birth and Aftermath

7.1 Delivery Day

• Delivery logistics are established well in advance—hospital, staff, cesarean vs. natural birth, etc.

• Intended parents are by the surrogate’s side at birth, ready to welcome their child.

  
  

7.2 Postpartum Considerations

• Surrogates receive postpartum medical care and emotional support

• Relationships may continue post-birth—many maintain friendships

• Birth certificates and legal transfers finalize parental rights

  
  

For all, this is a moment of joy and closure—completed with gratitude, celebration, and love.

8. Giving Tree Surrogacy: A Trusted Partner

8.1 Expertise and Personalized Guidance

From the opening pages of their eBook, Giving Tree Surrogacy promises:

“personalized support, guidance, and expertise to help intended parents and surrogate mothers achieve their dreams of building families.”

Every step—from screenings to delivery—is managed with care, transparency, and professionalism.

8.2 A Comprehensive Roadmap

• What’s a Surrogate? — identifying who qualifies

• Why Become a Surrogate? — exploring motivations

• Surrogate Requirements — medical, legal, age, and lifestyle criteria

• Detailed screening procedures (psychological, medical, criminal)

• Support for both surrogates and intended parents throughout the 18-month journey

  
  

Giving Tree emphasizes that surrogacy is not just clinical—it’s human, emotional, and life-changing.

9. Ethical and Social Considerations

9.1 Compensation vs. Exploitation

Surrogates receive generous compensation, recognizing their time, effort, and emotional labor. Ethical agencies ensure:

• Fair, transparent financial agreements

• Ongoing mental and physical healthcare

• Protection against coercion or undue influence

Proper ethical standards ensure dignity, respect, and safety for surrogates and intended parents alike.

9.2 Cultural and Religious Perspectives

Surrogacy intersects with multiple cultural and spiritual values. Many families and surrogates find:

• Supportive frameworks within their religious communities,

• Or navigate cultural taboos with sensitivity and education

• Counselors and clergy can aid in resolving ethical or spiritual concerns

  
  

10. Success Rates and Emotional Rewards

10.1 High Success with IVF + Surrogacy

• IVF combined with a healthy surrogate often yields higher implantation and pregnancy success rates—sometimes mirroring general IVF successes.

• Improved safety profiles: surrogates are those who have proven successful in past pregnancies.

  
  

10.2 Emotional Fulfillment

• Intended parents: joy at seeing their dreams realized

• Surrogates: profound satisfaction in granting life and hope

• Families: strengthened bonds and shared stories

  
  

Surrogacy’s emotional payoff, at all ends, is unparalleled

11. Common Questions About Gestational Surrogacy

Q: Is gestational surrogacy legal? 

A: Yes in many U.S. states—but laws differ. Agencies like Giving Tree Surrogacy ensure compliance with ASRM standards and state regulations.

Q: Who qualifies as a surrogate? 

A: Women aged 21–38 with a healthy pregnancy history, U.S. residency, a healthy lifestyle, and emotional maturity.

Q: How long does the process last? 

A: Approximately 18 months—screening (~3–6 months), IVF (~3 months), pregnancy (~9 months), postpartum (~2–6 months).

Q: How much are surrogates paid? 

A: Compensation varies by region, agency, and level of care, but surrogates are always generously compensated alongside medical and travel expenses.

Q: What if a surrogate changes her mind? 

A: Legally, contracts and parental rights are in place to minimize this risk; psychological screening helps ensure full commitment before medical steps begin.

Q: Does the surrogate have rights over the baby? 

A: No—legal agreements preemptively transfer parental rights to intended parents, signed by all parties ahead of time.

12. Preparing for the Journey: A Step‑By‑Step Plan

For Potential Surrogates:

1. Educate yourself — read resources like Giving Tree’s eBook

2. Assess eligibility (age, health, lifestyle)Contact an agency (like Giving Tree) to begin screening

3. Complete screening and evaluations (medical/psychological)Get matched with intended parents

4. Sign legal contracts and make medical plans

5. Undergo IVF preparation and transfer

6. Carry the pregnancy and deliver the baby

7. Transition postpartum — mentally and physically

   
   

For Intended Parents:

1. Reflect on surrogacy as a path forward

2. Choose an agent/agency (e.g., Giving Tree)Undergo screenings (financial, psychological)

3. Match with a surrogate

4. Finalize legal agreements and IVF logistics

5. Prepare emotionally and practically for the baby

6. Support surrogate during pregnancy

7. Participate in delivery

8. Bring your child home

13. The Future of Gestational Surrogacy

Trends shaping the future include:

• Greater legal clarity and regulation, with more states enacting clear laws

• Expanded accessibility for LGBTQ+ and single-parent families

• Growing global reach, as international agencies emerge—with ethical and legal implications

• Enhanced medical advancements in IVF protocols and embryo preservation

As surrogacy becomes more visible, it’s crucial to preserve ethical, legal, and psychological safeguards—and Giving Tree Surrogacy stands at the forefront of that mission.

Gestational surrogacy is more than a reproductive technology—it’s a human-centered pathway to forming families, powered by compassion, expertise, and resilience. From medical protocols and legal safeguards to emotional support and ethical integrity, every aspect must work in harmony.

Giving Tree Surrogacy, through its “Comprehensive Guide to Surrogacy,” serves as a guiding light—offering vital information on “What’s a Surrogate,” “Surrogate Requirements,” the surrogacy process, and heartfelt motivation for becoming a surrogate.

Whether you are exploring surrogacy as a potential gestational carrier, or seeking to grow your family as intended parents, this guide emphasizes transparency, professionalism, and emotional care at every stage. Gestational surrogacy can transform lives—infusing hope, joy, and love into some of the most beautiful journeys of all.

🎧 Want to dive deeper? Tune in to our podcast, where we discuss real stories, expert insights, and the heart behind every surrogacy journey.