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Pregnant Woman

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Health Requirements
    - Must be aged between 21 and 29. - Must have a healthy body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18 to 28. - Must be a non-smoker and refrain from using recreational drugs. - Must have no history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). - Must have regular menstrual cycles and no reproductive disorders. - Must agree to undergo medical and genetic screenings to confirm overall health and the absence of genetic disorders.
  • Family History Requirements
    - Must have no family history of genetic disorders. - Must have no family history of mental health issues. - Must have no family history of hereditary cancers or other significant illnesses.
  • Asian Heritage Requirements
    Cultural connection is significant for many intended parents of Asian descent, especially those from countries where egg donation may be limited or prohibited. Therefore, our egg donors must have full, mixed, or partial Asian heritage, including backgrounds such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Thai, Filipino, South Asian, Mongolian, Indian, East Indian, and other Asian ethnicities.
  • Lifestyle Requirements
    - Must maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. - Must have no history of drug or alcohol abuse. - Must be willing to avoid alcohol and caffeine during the egg donation process. - Must adhere to a specific diet and exercise plan provided by the fertility clinic.
  • Other Requirements
    - Must have reliable transportation for appointments at the fertility clinic. - Must be willing to travel to the clinic if needed. - Must be committed to the egg donation process, which typically lasts 4-6 weeks. - Must possess a positive attitude and a willingness to collaborate with fertility clinic staff for a successful outcome. For more information on the egg donation process with Royal Donor, explore our resources. Curious about potential compensation? Learn more about Egg Donor Compensation. If you have questions, our expert team at Royal Donor is here to help!
  • How many trips do international Intended Parents need to make to the US?
    At least two visits are required. The first trip is for IVF treatment and medical tests for the intended parents, and the second is for the birth of your child. We also recommend attending the embryo transfer. Understanding that international travel can be challenging, we offer the option for one of our dedicated team members to accompany the surrogate during the transfer if you cannot attend (with travel expenses reimbursed).
  • What if the surrogate refuses to give up the baby?
    In gestational surrogacy, a legal agreement is put in place before the process starts. This agreement ensures that the surrogate waives any parental rights to the child. Your legal team also works to obtain a pre-birth order, legally confirming that the baby belongs to the Intended Parents even before the birth. We have a network of experienced surrogacy attorneys to recommend, who will guide and support you throughout the legal process.
  • Is Surrogacy Legal in the United States?
    Yes, surrogacy is legal in most U.S. states. However, surrogacy laws differ across states. Some states fully allow surrogacy and issue pre-birth parentage orders, while others either restrict it, prohibit it entirely, or require additional legal steps after the baby is born. At Royal, we consider factors such as your nationality, marital status, and sexual orientation to ensure your surrogacy journey follows the applicable laws. We also carefully match you with a surrogate living in a state where legal obstacles won’t pose issues. Here’s a general breakdown of surrogacy laws across the U.S.: 🟢 Surrogacy fully permitted with pre-birth orders issued: CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, ID, ME, NH, NJ, NV, VT, WA. 🟢 Surrogacy allowed under certain conditions: Some states may require post-birth procedures or residency conditions: AL, AK, AR, FL, GA, HI, IL, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, MT, NY, NC, ND, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, WI, WV, WY. 🟠 Approach surrogacy with caution in: TN, VA, AZ, IN. 🔴 Paid surrogacy is illegal in: LA, MI, NE.
  • How long do international Intended Parents need to stay in the US after the birth?
    The stay usually lasts between 2-6 weeks, depending on the state where your baby is born. This period is needed to complete post-birth paperwork, such as obtaining the birth certificate, visa, passport, and other required documents.
  • How do I start the process?
    Thank you for your interest in starting the journey with Royal ! Please begin by providing your contact details 👉HERE. A dedicated member of our team will review your information and arrange a consultation for you.
  • Disqualifying Factors
    Our screening process helps us and our partner IVF clinics determine if a woman might be at high risk during pregnancy, which could pose risks to both her and the baby. However, being disqualified doesn’t mean it’s the end of your surrogacy journey—many factors can change over time with effort and patience, except for age.
  • Basic Surrogate Requirements
    To qualify as a Royal surrogate, you must meet the following criteria: - Have had at least one full-term, healthy pregnancy with no complications and provide documented medical records. - Be currently raising at least one child. - Be between 21 and 36 years old. - Maintain a healthy height-to-weight ratio, with a BMI no higher than 31. - Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, with valid documentation for at least two years. - Possess a valid driver’s license. - Live in a surrogacy-friendly U.S. state (we do not currently accept surrogates from Michigan, Louisiana, Nebraska, or outside the U.S.). - Be a non-smoker in excellent health. - Have no history of alcohol or substance abuse. - Have a strong support system, including support from a spouse or partner if applicable. - Be willing to undergo a criminal background check (if married, your spouse must also agree). - Be open to traveling to fertility clinics for the IVF process.
  • Health Screening Disqualifiers
    Medical history plays a significant role in the surrogate screening process. While all aspects of the screening are important, certain health conditions may disqualify you or require further evaluation: - **Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):** Women with PCOS are not eligible to be surrogates due to an increased risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. - **Preeclampsia:** If you’ve had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, you are likely to develop it again, making surrogacy unsafe for both you and the baby. - **Gestational Diabetes:** This condition may not automatically disqualify you if it was managed through diet. Cases controlled without medication may still be considered. - **Endometriosis:** This condition can complicate pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage, leading to disqualification. - **No Uterus:** Without a uterus, surrogacy isn’t possible, though you may still qualify as an egg donor.
  • Psycho-Social Screen Disqualifiers
    At the start of the screening, you’ll speak with a surrogate consultant who will ask about your pregnancy history and reasons for wanting to be a surrogate. This conversation helps assess whether you are emotionally prepared for the journey. They will also ask about your current emotional state and how you felt during and after your previous pregnancies. - **Depression:** If you’re currently on antidepressants or have been diagnosed with depression, you’ll be disqualified. Pregnancy could trigger a relapse of depression, posing risks to both you and the baby.
  • Other Disqualifying Conditions
    Additional health factors that could disqualify you include: - More than two C-sections - Cancer - Pre-term births - Lupus - Hepatitis C - HIV positive - Essure procedure - Post-menopause - Diabetes - Sickle cell Surrogacy is both a rewarding and responsible endeavor. Above all, the health of the surrogate mother is paramount to ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy for herself, the baby, and the intended parents. To learn more about becoming a surrogate, contact Royal Surrogacy & Egg Donation.
  • Why should I choose Royal Surrogacy & Egg Donation instead of going independent?
    While surrogacy can be a fulfilling experience, it can also be challenging and complex if not managed properly. By joining the Giving Tree family as a surrogate, you'll receive comprehensive support and guidance throughout your journey. You won’t have to stress about legal matters, finding the right match, arranging screenings, or handling medical concerns and complications. Most importantly, our team will address any issues that come up, allowing you to focus on your pregnancy with peace of mind.
  • Why is there an age limit for becoming a surrogate?
    Age limits are established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, which sets the standards followed by IVF clinics and physicians. These limits are in place due to concerns about hormonal fluctuations and the potential health risks for both the surrogate and the baby. If you have recently been a surrogate and successfully delivered but are above the age limit, please reach out to us for more information.
  • Can I request how many embryos will be transferred?
    Yes, you can. During your pre-screening, your surrogate consultant will talk to you about your comfort level with carrying one or more children.
  • Will there be any communication during my surrogacy journey?
    Throughout the process, you can expect phone calls, emails, or WeChat messages about clinic appointments and ultrasounds. We also encourage intended parents to stay in regular contact until delivery, though this isn’t mandatory. After delivery, we suggest that surrogate mothers maintain contact with the intended families to strengthen their bond, but this is not required. Typically, the relationship evolves naturally during the journey, depending on each person's comfort level.
  • Can I be a surrogate mother if I have my tubes tied?
    Yes, having your tubes tied will not impact your ability to become a surrogate mother.
  • I recently gave birth; how long do I need to wait before becoming a surrogate?
    Most fertility clinic guidelines recommend a waiting period of 6 months after a vaginal delivery and 12 months after a C-section.
  • What’s the difference between gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy?
    In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby she is carrying. The embryo is formed using the intended mother's egg and the intended father's sperm. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate provides her own genetic material, making her biologically related to the child she carries.
  • What if my insurance doesn’t cover surrogacy?
    You don’t need to have insurance coverage to apply. We will assess your insurance and offer guidance. If your plan doesn’t cover surrogacy, we’ll collaborate with the intended parents to discuss any additional costs and find a suitable plan so you can still help a family achieve their dream of parenthood.
  • Who will cover the medical bills?
    The intended parents will pay for your health insurance, which will cover most expenses related to your pregnancy and delivery. They will also take care of any unexpected additional costs. Additionally, all IVF medical procedures, expenses, copayments, and deductibles related to your pregnancy will be covered by the intended parents.
  • I’ve submitted my application. What happens next?
    If you meet our basic requirements and pass pre-screening, a surrogate consultant will reach out to schedule your evaluation consultation. They will ask questions to understand your pregnancy history, overall health, and support system. Contact us for more information on the surrogate process.
  • How much do surrogates make?
    Royal provides one of the most competitive base compensation and benefits packages, ranging from $65,000 to $120,000. We also offer a generous bonus for referring friends. The base compensation varies based on your state of residence and your experience as a surrogate. Whether you’re a first-time surrogate or have experience, you’ll find our compensation package rewarding. Additionally, we provide one of the most competitive compensation packages in the industry. We’re here to assist you throughout your surrogate journey and celebrate your achievements along the way.
  • How can I apply to be a surrogate for Royal?
    To start your journey as a surrogate, you’ll need to fill out our initial application at our Surrogates Apply Now Page. It's important to review and ensure you meet our basic requirements to qualify as a surrogate. If you don’t meet these criteria, you will be disqualified from the process right away.
  • Does a surrogate mother need to go on bed rest after the transfer?
    Typically, some form of bed rest is advised for 24 to 36 hours following the transfer.
  • Why should I choose Royal instead of other agencies?
    Royal Surrogacy & Egg Donation is a renowned full-service agency with a strong local reputation. We were established with the goal of offering personalized, concierge-style support, educating and guiding surrogates through each phase of their journey. Our dedicated team, comprised of surrogates, egg donors, and intended parents from California and Texas, brings a unique compassion to ensure comprehensive care and support as you help fulfill the dreams of intended parents.
  • Will the egg donation process impact my ability to have children later on?
    The egg donation process will not affect your ability to have children in the future.
  • What happens to the eggs after they are retrieved?
    The eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and then the resulting embryos are transferred to the intended mother or a gestational carrier.
  • Can I Donate My Eggs More Than Once?
    Yes! You can donate your eggs up to six times. After each retrieval cycle, our team will request your medical records for future matching with intended parents. Experienced donors can also earn higher compensation.
  • Is the egg donation process painful?
    Some discomfort and cramping are common during the egg retrieval process, but the procedure is usually performed under anesthesia to help minimize any pain.
  • What if I decide to change my mind about being an egg donor?
    You can change your mind at any point before the egg retrieval procedure. However, once the eggs have been retrieved, they cannot be returned or reused.
  • How Much Are Egg Donors Compensated?
    First-time egg donors typically receive $8,000–$10,000, while repeat donors can earn $12,000 or more, depending on their previous cycle outcomes. Highly qualified donors may earn even more. To find out how much you can receive, fill out our online application.
  • How many times can I donate eggs?
    At Royal Donor, we generally permit our egg donors to donate up to six times throughout their lifetime.
  • Will my personal information be kept confidential?
    Yes, we prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of our egg donors. Your personal information will always be kept confidential.
  • How long does the egg donation process take?
    The complete egg donation process usually spans about 4-6 weeks, starting from when you begin medication to the egg retrieval procedure. For more details about the timeline and the full Egg Donation Process, you can check our resources.
  • Will I have the chance to meet the intended parents?
    While some egg donors may have the option to meet the intended parents, it isn't mandatory. In certain cases, intended parents may request to communicate with the donor through a voice or video call. You will always be asked if you'd like to meet the intended parents before any arrangements are made.
  • When Are Egg Donors Paid?
    Compensation is provided after the egg retrieval procedure, regardless of the number of eggs retrieved. For more information on the timeline and the Egg Donation Process, please refer to our resources.
  • Will I need to take time off work for the egg donation process?
    You may need to take some time off work for medical appointments and the egg retrieval procedure. At Royal Donor, we always ensure that the retrieval or cycle dates fit your schedule before scheduling any appointments.
  • Will I Be Responsible for Any Costs?
    No, as an egg donor, you won’t incur any out-of-pocket expenses for the donation cycle. While some minor costs, like office copays, may arise, My Asian Donor will reimburse you promptly. Intended parents cover all cycle-related expenses, including: - **Medical and Psychological Expenses:** All screenings and evaluations are paid by the intended parents, providing you with valuable insights into your genetic and reproductive health. - **Legal Fees:** A legal agreement with the intended parents is required before starting injectable medications. An independent attorney, provided by the agency, facilitates this process, ensuring you understand your rights and obligations. - **Egg Donor Insurance:** We offer an insurance policy to cover any medical expenses related to potential complications from the donation process. ### Travel Expenses - **Airfare:** If you live outside the clinic’s vicinity, we provide one coach airfare ticket for your medical screening and two tickets for you and a companion during egg retrieval. - **Ground Transportation:** We reimburse fuel costs for your travel to medical appointments. If you need alternative transportation, we arrange it for mandatory travel. - **Meals:** You receive a daily meal allowance while traveling. - **Parking:** Reasonable parking expenses incurred during travel are reimbursed. - **Lodging:** For overnight stays due to medical appointments, we arrange hotel accommodations close to the facility. You and your authorized companion will share accommodations during retrieval. - **Companion:** We allow you to bring a companion for support. If traveling alone, you won’t be released from the clinic after the retrieval. We cover your companion's airfare and meals, and they will share hotel accommodations and receive transportation as needed.
  • What does the egg donation process entail?
    The egg donation process includes several steps: medical screening, administering injectable medications to stimulate egg production, and undergoing an egg retrieval procedure. For more details, you can visit Royal Donor to learn about the Egg Donation Process.
  • How can I apply to become an egg donor?
    To apply to be an egg donor, just complete the online application on our website. You'll need to provide some basic personal information, along with details about your health and family background.
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