A gestational carrier is someone who will carry a child for a third party. For example, perhaps a couple is having trouble conceiving, so they reach out to a surrogate to have a child for them. Another example could be if a same-sex couple is looking to have a child but they are unable to do so on their own, so they need a surrogate to fill this role.
But for those who are seeking a gestational carrier, what should they look for? Here are a few things to keep in mind, according to Yale Medicine.
Key qualities
First of all, the gestational carrier must be the right age. It is ideal for her to be under 35 years old, as exceeding this would make it a geriatric pregnancy. As a general guideline, though, she should be from 21 to 42 years old.
Next, it’s important to look at her history if she has had children before. Does she have a history of pregnancy complications, or has she delivered children at term, through a normal pregnancy?
Finally, it’s crucial to consider her overall health. This may include things like her weight, her medical history, her blood pressure, her history of illness and much more. Pregnancy tends to go far more smoothly when the carrier is in optimal health, so choosing a surrogate likely starts with a general health evaluation.
Finding the right person
Selecting the right gestational carrier is only one part of this process. As the couple moves forward, they need to make sure that they are well aware of their legal rights and the steps that they’ll have to take regarding parental rights, payment obligations and much more.