Almost four times as many parents in England and Wales are using surrogates now compared to a decade ago, it was revealed today.
A report by Kent University found there were 413 babies born to surrogate mothers last year, compared to just 117 in 2011.
Two-thirds were among heterosexual couples and most were in their 30s and 40s.
One surrogate mother claimed the uptick was because the procedure has become more mainstream over the past decade.
Kim Kardashian and estranged husband Kanye West's children Chicago, three, and Psalm, one, were born to surrogate mothers.
Reality TV star Kim opted to go down the surrogate route after suffering placenta accreta, a serious medical issue that occurs when part of the placenta stays attached to the uterus after birth.
The 40-year-old said after welcoming Psalm: 'I always knew surrogacy was an option — now it's my reality. Whatever is meant to be will be.'
Experts have previously suggested influential celebrities choosing to have surrogates may have helped to normalise the practice.
Surrogacy first became legal in the UK in 1985, but many couples struggle to find mothers willing to help. In the US, the first state made surrogacy legal in 1989.
Kent University researchers found 413 parental orders were issued in England last year, compared to just 117 in 2011. A parental order is used to transfer legal responsibility from a child to a baby's parents
One surrogate mother said Kim Kardashian had made the procedure more mainstream. The 40-year-old reality TV star used it for two of her four children
Kim lovingly cradling her three-year-old daughter Chicago, who was born to a surrogate mother, in a sweet Instagram album back in April
Kim's youngest child Psalm, one, was also born to a surrogate mother. Psalm is pictured playing in a ball pit last April
In the UK, a surrogate is deemed the legal mother when the baby is born irrespective of genetics or agreements. A parental order must be made to transfer legal rights to the intended or biological parents.
Surrogacy charities said the number of women looking to be surrogates had 'risen considerably' in recent years, but more were needed.
The report — first reported by the BBC — used data from the Ministry of Justice, which was obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
