California is leading the country in numbers of surrogate pregnancies. Based on the most recent data available, we know that there are approximately 40,000 surrogate pregnancies attempted in California every year. Literally hundreds of thousands of couples and individuals are seeking a surrogate in California at this time.
How do I know if I am a Good Candidate to be a Surrogate Mother?
If you are thinking about being a surrogate mother, you need to be certain that this is something you really want to do. A year of her life is going to be consumed by a pregnancy and will impose a tremendous amount of physical and mental stress.
Be certain that you are in good physical health. If you are going through an agency, to be a surrogate in California, you will be required to undergo a series of medical exams and tests before being selected. Make certain you provide the doctor with a complete pregnancy history and a list of any known sexually transmitted diseases.
Be cautious if you have ever been diagnosed with any mental or psychological disorders. Pregnancy hormones will intensify symptoms of conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression. You don’t want to end up having a mental breakdown and endangering yourself or the unborn child. You should also keep in mind that most of these types of conditions are genetic, and you may not wish to pass such conditions on to a child.
Make sure you are emotionally stable enough to handle carrying a baby for nine months and then handing him or her off to someone else. Don’t consider surrogacy if you have lost a baby to miscarriage or stillbirth within the last five years. Consider whether your family is complete at this point in your life. Examine your life at a deep, personal level. Do you have one child and always really wanted two? Are you childless but hoping to be a mom in the future? These are questions you must ask yourself before offering to become a surrogate mother.
Do Surrogate Mothers In California get Paid?
Regardless of the amount of money you might get paid to be a surrogate mother, there is no amount that can fully compensate you for your sacrifice or the gift of a child. But the answer is yes, surrogate mothers in California get paid. It is difficult to find any hard data on the fee amounts paid to surrogates, but varying sources report anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. Of course all medical expenses related to the pregnancy are covered by the intended parents and sometimes, full living expenses as well.
Do you want to be a surrogate in California, contact the Center for Surrogate Parenting, Inc. Reach them at Website or 818-788-8288.