Gestational Carrier
What is a gestational carrier? A woman with a huge heart for others
In the surrogacy world, terms such as “gestational carrier,” “gestational surrogate” and “surrogate mother” are often used interchangeably. But the main thing to know is that a gestational surrogate is a woman with a huge heart for helping others, who generously carries a baby for someone else who isn’t able to. People wondering “What is a gestational carrier?” are often very curious about the process and want to learn more. We are happy to explain how this miraculous process works to help deserving parents bring home much-wanted babies.
What is a gestational carrier?
A gestational carrier is the same thing as a gestational surrogate: A selfless woman who becomes pregnant with, and delivers, a baby for someone else. The baby is not biologically related to the surrogate, so she’s not the baby’s “mother” – and this is why the term “surrogate mother” is not commonly used in modern discussions about surrogacy.
The embryo used to create the pregnancy is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF), using the intended parents’ eggs and sperm, or egg and/or sperm donors of their choice. To become pregnant, the surrogate takes certain fertility medications and undergoes a quick procedure called an embryo transfer, in which the intended parents’ embryo is placed inside the surrogate’s uterus in hopes that it will implant and grow into a healthy pregnancy.
Surrogates are warm-hearted women ages 21 to 41 who are in good health, and many choose this path because they want to help others grow their families. They are moms themselves, who have already experienced successful pregnancies and want others to experience the joys of raising children. Many tell us that they enjoy being pregnant and find the surrogacy experience extremely fulfilling and rewarding.
While a gestational surrogate often has altruistic reasons for entering into a surrogate pregnancy, she is also compensated financially and receives many other benefits along the way. There will never be any cost to her for anything associated with the pregnancy and birth, including health insurance coverage, medical care, and essentials such as maternity clothing and prenatal vitamins.
How does a surrogacy agency work with gestational surrogates?
A surrogacy agency plays the key role in connecting women who want to be surrogates with people who need a surrogate. In addition to matching the surrogate and parents, the agency works to ensure that all aspects of the surrogacy are handled ethically and appropriately. This includes managing all legal, financial, medical and emotional details, for everyone involved.
At Les Petits Surrogacy, our goal is to take care of every detail, removing stress and worry from the surrogate and parents so that they are free to enjoy the amazing experience of bringing new life into the world.
Reach out to us to learn more about becoming a surrogate
Our experienced team has been honored to play a role in bringing new life into the world for many years. If you are considering becoming a gestational carrier or would like to learn more about the process, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please start here.