There are many couples who cannot bear their own children due to various reasons that are even beyond medical science. These parents can now hope for and also have a child of their own through a noble cause known as surrogacy. Becoming a surrogate mother is being chosen by many women who wish to contribute to this noble cause. If you are one of them, then you should know of the procedures involved in becoming a surrogate mother. Helping intended parents fulfill their dream of having their own child, will surely be an enriching experience for you. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become a surrogate mother.

How Do You Become a Surrogate Mother?

Step# 1: Know What Surrogacy and Surrogate Motherhood Is
Surrogate motherhood is the process of carrying a child for a full term of pregnancy and then giving the baby to a couple, also known as the intended parents. The child may or may not be related to the surrogate mother genetically. Surrogacy is of two types – traditional and gestational. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate's egg is used and the intended father's sperm is artificially inseminated in the surrogate. In gestational surrogacy, the egg as well as the sperms are extracted from the intended parents and fertilized through the process of in vitro fertilization. It is then transferred to the surrogate's womb.

Step# 2: Evaluate Yourself – Ask Yourself the Following Questions
Why am I opting for Surrogacy?
Am I prepared to face the challenges it accompanies?
Am I prepared to accept the fact that the child will never be mine and that I will have to give it away as soon as it is born?
Are my family members supportive of this decision of mine?
If your answers to the above questions are positive, then proceed to the next step.

Step# 3: Know the Requirements to Become a Surrogate Mother
You should be above 18 years of age.
You should be healthy, both physically and mentally.
You should not have a history of any sexually transmitted diseases.
You should be a non-smoker and should be willing to refrain from alcohol during the term of pregnancy.
You should be willing to undergo a psychological and physical test.
Some agencies will also require you to be a mother.

Step# 4: Learn about the Laws
To become a surrogate mother, it is essential to educate yourself regarding the laws pertaining to pregnancy and the rights of a surrogate. The rights of a surrogate mother vary depending upon the states, so you should learn about these rights and laws in the state you reside.

Step# 5: Choose an Agency
Choose a surrogate agency after researching well and choose the type of surrogacy you would be opting for.

Step# 6: Apply to Become a Surrogate Mother
After you have selected the surrogate agency, fill out the application form that requires information regarding your medical history, lifestyle, work and family. This application will be evaluated by the agency officials and if you qualify, a coordinator would get in touch with you. If you are a mother already, you will need to send your medical records to the agency.

Step# 7: Medical Examination
If your medical reports are reviewed satisfactorily, you will undergo a physical and psychological medical examination.

Step# 8: Meeting Intended Parents
After the medical examination, meetings with intended parents would be arranged. This would be done on the basis of the their requirements that match yours. The choice of the couple will be yours.

Step# 9: Legal Formalities
A legal contract would be signed between you and the intended parents, that states all the terms and conditions and your agreement with the same. All the medical and financial expenses will be born by the intended parents.

Step# 10: IVF, Pregnancy and Delivery Procedures
The IVF procedure will involve insemination or transferring of the embryo depending upon the choice of your type of surrogacy. The pregnancy and maternity will follow after the IVF procedures, till successful childbirth and handing over of the baby to the intended parents.

Surrogate motherhood will be an experience of a lifetime and whats better than giving the joy of a new life to an unlucky couple!