What is Expected from a Potential Surrogate in Oklahoma?
As a prospective surrogate mother, it can be exciting to begin your journey of helping a deserving couple or individual become parents. While you look forward to all the joy-filled moments during your OK surrogacy experience, you also need to keep in mind that being a gestational carrier is a huge responsibility. The intended parents want to make sure that you will be able to follow through on your commitment to carrying their child. That’s why surrogates are required to meet certain expectations before and during their pregnancy. To give you an idea of what will be expected of you as a potential surrogate in Oklahoma, Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is providing this overview of the various commitments you will be making as a gestational carrier.
Meeting the Physical Requirements of Oklahoma Surrogacy
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma requires prospective gestational surrogates to be between the ages of 21 and 39 in order to avoid risk of pregnancy complications that increase with age. We also require potential surrogates to have a BMI between 18 and 31. Excess weight during pregnancy can increase the risk of issues such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia. It is also of critical importance that potential surrogates have no history of pregnancy or postpartum complications and do not have any sexually transmitted diseases. All of these health measures are rigorously evaluated during the surrogate’s prescreening process.
Mental Health Criteria for Surrogate Mothers in Oklahoma
A healthy mental state is so important for a positive pregnancy experience. That’s why Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma requires any woman considering becoming a surrogate to not have any mental health issues. The hormonal fluctuations experienced during pregnancy can exacerbate any preexisting mental health issues. It’s also imperative to your health, and even your safety, to not have a history of postpartum depression (PPD) before agreeing to becoming a surrogate. PPD can appear in the weeks after giving birth. It manifests itself as severe mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, social withdrawal, insomnia, or even suicidal thoughts. Before a potential surrogate moves forward with the Oklahoma surrogacy process, she must first undergo a thorough psychological evaluation to make sure she is not at risk for developing such complications.
Lifestyle Expectations for a Potential Oklahoma Surrogate Mother
Having a safe and healthy pregnancy depends on several factors, many of which are well within your control. Habits and lifestyle choices all play a role in increasing or decreasing risk of harm to you and the baby you will carry. Our Oklahoma surrogates must not use any illegal substances or abuse prescription drugs or alcohol. Even if the surrogate is taking medications as prescribed, such medications must not compromise the health of the baby. Also, they must be nonsmokers and have been living in a smoke-free environment for the last year. We also require that potential surrogates not have had any piercings, tattoos, or blood transfusions in the year leading up to the surrogacy. Prospective surrogates will also be evaluated for any risky social and lifestyle behaviors.
Other Surrogacy Requirements You Can Expect
In addition to meeting specific physical and mental health criteria, women considering becoming surrogates are expected to meet a few other requirements before committing to the surrogacy process. In most cases, prospective surrogates must currently be raising at least one child. They must also not be in a position where they have to depend on any public assistance. As an additional precaution, they also must be able to pass a criminal background check. Even after they have been cleared for all the discussed criteria and are ready to move forward in the surrogacy process, they agree to comply with all fertility and IVF treatment requirements and have regular doctor visits.
How Will You Prepare for Gestational Surrogacy in Oklahoma?
If you are at the beginning of your surrogacy journey, you need to do as much research as you can about your role as a surrogate. One of the best ways to do this is by simply reaching out to your local Oklahoma surrogacy agency to learn more about the surrogate requirements you need to fulfill. By meeting all of the expectations that are required of you as a surrogate mother, you are setting yourself up for a fulfilling surrogacy experience. You minimize the risk for any complications along the way. You also demonstrate to the intended parents that you take this commitment seriously. If you are considering becoming a gestational surrogate our surrogate website is a great place to start. Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma can help you navigate all stages of the surrogacy process and answer any questions you may have.
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Oklahoma is a surrogacy and adoption agency, licensed by the state of Oklahoma and a 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 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.
