7 Common Questions a Surrogate Mother Might Have About Surrogacy in Oklahoma 

Embarking on a surrogacy journey as a gestational carrier can be exciting since it allows you to give the gift of life to a deserving family. While you are probably eager to jumpstart the surrogacy process, you may have some questions about what you can expect from it. That’s why Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma put together this list of common surrogate mother questions about surrogacy in Oklahoma, so we can address some of the questions you might have. Of course, we are more than happy to answer any other surrogacy questions you may have at any point in your surrogacy journey. 

1. What is the Process to Become a Surrogate Mother? 

Gestational surrogacy consists of several steps that involve the surrogate, the intended parents, and a sperm or egg donor in some cases. The surrogate will first need to undergo fertility treatments to prepare her body for implantation. The intended parents will contribute their sperm and eggs to create an embryo or embryos to be implanted in her uterus. If one or both intended parents can’t contribute sperm or eggs, then they will rely on a sperm or egg donor. 

After the embryo or embryos are created in a lab, the surrogate will undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) which entails transferring the embryo or embryos into her uterus. Implantation marks the beginning of the surrogate’s pregnancy. If implantation doesn’t occur, the process starts over with the hope that implantation will be successful upon an additional attempt.    

2. Can I Use My Own Egg in Oklahoma Surrogacy?

Since you will be carrying the baby to term, you might be wondering whether you can use your own egg instead of relying on an egg donor. This type of surrogacy is known as traditional surrogacy. Because traditional surrogacy opens up the possibility of the surrogate having rights over the child, it creates a whole host of legal complications. For this reason, most states have banned traditional surrogacy. If you are interested in traditional surrogacy, you will want to check to see if you live in a state that permits traditional surrogacy and if any legal limitations apply. 

3. Do I Need to Meet Any Surrogate Requirements? 

If you want to become a surrogate mother, there are several criteria you will need to meet before proceeding:

• You must live in the United States and show proof of citizenship
• You must not have had any blood transfusions, piercings, or tattoos within the last 12 months
• You must be between the ages of 21 and 39
• You must have a BMI between 18 and 31
• You must be of sound mental health, including no previous history of Postpartum Depression
• You must not abuse drugs or alcohol or use any medications that can affect your pregnancy
• You must have had at least one successful pregnancy 
• In most cases, you must currently be raising a child
• You must be smoke-free over the last year
• You must not have STDs
• You must not be enrolled in any public assistance programs
• You must undergo a physical and mental health evaluation as well as a criminal background check

4. How Much Does It Cost to Be a Surrogate Mother? 

The surrogacy process is very expensive, so it makes sense that you would want to consider the affordability of such an endeavor. However, as a surrogate, you can receive compensation from the intended parents and surrogacy agency that will fully cover your medical expenses. The purpose of this compensation is to remove the financial burden of surrogacy during your pregnancy. 

5. How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take in Oklahoma?

The amount of time it takes to complete the surrogacy process from start to finish can vary significantly. It can take as little as 18 months in some cases, while other surrogacy journeys can take a couple of years.  Factors that determine how long the surrogacy process takes include:

• the length of the surrogate screening process
• the length of the matching process
• any legal issues that need to be ironed out
• the number of attempts that are made before implantation occurs 

6. Will I Have a Relationship with Intended Parents as a Surrogate Mother? 

Your relationship with the intended parents can take whatever form you see fit. You may value having a close relationship with the intended parents that will last long into the future. Perhaps you already know the intended parents, and you are acting as a surrogate to help them grow their family. Maybe you want limited contact with the intended parents after the pregnancy. If developing and maintaining a relationship with the intended parents is important to you, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma will work hard to facilitate that. 

7. Will Surrogacy Affect My Mental Health? 

Before you begin the surrogacy process, you will undergo a rigorous mental evaluation to determine whether you will be able to emotionally handle a surrogate pregnancy. If you have been cleared to go through with the surrogacy process, you can probably handle the emotional weight associated with the surrogacy process. That doesn’t mean that it will always be easy. You might find that you start to become attached to the baby you’re carrying. Maybe you experience mood swings now and then as your hormones fluctuate. It’s completely natural for you to have these feelings, which is why Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma offers counseling services to help you get through the surrogacy process. 

What Other Questions Do You Have about Surrogacy as a Surrogate Mother in Oklahoma? 

Being fully informed about the surrogacy process before committing to becoming a surrogate mother is critical. That’s why Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma encourages you to ask as many questions as possible throughout the process, so you have a complete understanding of what to expect every step of the way. You can place your trust in us to provide you with all the information you need to have a successful surrogacy journey. 

Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and leader in the community. We assist both intended parents and gestational carriers (surrogates). Our staff members are committed to providing an ethical, empowering, and personalized experience to all involved in the surrogacy process.
Toll-free: 800-898-6028 | OKC Local: 405-755-1999 | Tulsa Local: 918-447-7777 | Text: 405-310-8790 | Email

Meet the Author: Mary DeStefano is an Ohio native currently living in northern Virginia and works in the litigation consulting industry where she has experience in antitrust, product liability, and mass torts matters. She holds a B.A. in Economics (‘15) and an M.A. in Applied Economics (‘16) from the University of Cincinnati. 

Mary is passionate about empowering and supporting those involved in the adoption and surrogacy processes. She finds great meaning in wielding the written word to develop impactful narratives and to help people stay informed. In her spare time, Mary can be found beachcombing and going on other adventures with her dog along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She also has an affinity for antiquing and loves a good 80’s movie marathon.