Gestational surrogacy is one of the most selfless acts a woman can undertake—but who are these incredible individuals who choose to carry a baby for someone else? At Dreams of Parenthood (DOP USA), we work with extraordinary surrogates every day, each with her own inspiring story.
In this article, we’ll explore:
✔ The common traits of gestational surrogates
✔ Why women choose this path
✔ How DOP USA selects and supports surrogates
What Is a Gestational Surrogate?
A gestational surrogate (also called a gestational carrier) is a woman who carries a pregnancy for intended parents but has no genetic relationship to the baby. The embryo is created via IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm.
Unlike traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate is biologically related to the child), gestational surrogacy is the modern, legally safer standard practiced by reputable agencies like DOP USA.
Who Qualifies to Be a Gestational Surrogate?
Not every woman can become a surrogate. At DOP USA, we follow strict medical, psychological, and lifestyle guidelines to ensure the health and safety of both the surrogate and baby.
1. Health & Pregnancy History
✅ Age 21–35 (some exceptions apply)
✅ Healthy BMI (typically 18–32)
✅ At least one prior successful pregnancy (with no major complications)
✅ No history of high-risk pregnancies (e.g., preterm labor, preeclampsia)
2. Lifestyle & Background
✅ Non-smoker & drug-free (including nicotine/vaping)
✅ Financially stable (not dependent on surrogate compensation for basic needs)
✅ Supportive home environment (family/partner agrees with the decision)
✅ U.S. resident or citizen (with legal work eligibility)
3. Psychological Readiness
✅ Emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey
✅ Comfortable with medical procedures (fertility treatments, screenings)
✅ Clear understanding of legal & emotional commitments
Why Do Women Become Surrogates?
Every surrogate has her own motivations, but common reasons include:
1. The Desire to Help Others
Many surrogates are mothers themselves who want to give others the joy they’ve experienced. As one DOP surrogate shared:
“After seeing my sister struggle with infertility, I knew I could make a difference.”
2. Financial Compensation
While altruism is key, fair pay allows surrogates to achieve personal goals (e.g., buying a home, paying for education). DOP USA offers $50,000–$95,000+ for first-time surrogates.
3. A Rewarding Personal Experience
Surrogates often describe the journey as life-changing, forming deep bonds with intended parents and gaining a sense of purpose.
The DOP USA Surrogate Difference
We go beyond basic requirements to ensure our surrogates are fully prepared and supported:
Comprehensive screening (medical, psychological, background checks)
Personalized matching with intended parents who share your values
24/7 support from a dedicated case manager
Legal & financial protection every step of the way
Could You Be a Surrogate?
If you meet the criteria and feel called to help create families, we’d love to hear from you!
📞 Contact DOP USA today to start your surrogate application.
