Even for the most hopeful, there are certain disqualifications for being a surrogate. Are you thinking about becoming a gestational surrogate? Are you wondering if it’s the right choice for you? It certainly takes a special kind of woman to take on such a monumental task, but the fulfillment and personal reward can be very profound.
However, complications during the pregnancy can occur. As a result, there are certain factors that can disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. Some of them can be reversed, some can’t. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know and answer your most frequently asked questions.
What Disqualifies You From Being A Surrogate?
Surrogacy is a complex process that involves various medical, emotional, and legal considerations. One common disqualification factor is not having previous children. Many surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics prefer candidates who have experienced childbirth and parenting beforehand as it provides proof of the surrogate’s ability to navigate the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy.
A history of tobacco, drug use, or alcohol abuse can also disqualify individuals from becoming surrogates. These substances can pose serious risks to the health of both the surrogate and the developing fetus. Surrogacy programs typically require candidates to maintain a healthy lifestyle without drugs, alcohol, or nicotine to ensure a safe and successful pregnancy.
Being under or over the optimal childbearing age can also be a disqualifying factor. Ideal surrogacy candidates are often within a specific age range that maximizes the chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Younger surrogates are generally preferred for potential high fertility and resilience during pregnancy. Older candidates may face increased health risks. Strict eligibility criteria help ensure the well-being of all parties involved.
Sometimes the restrictions vary state by state. Disqualifications for being a surrogate in California may differ from other states, so find out if you’re in a surrogacy-friendly state and see what restrictions apply.
What Medical Conditions Will Disqualify Me From Being A Surrogate?
There are certain medical conditions that will disqualify you from becoming a surrogate, including:
- Diabetes. Both Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes can cause serious complications during pregnancy.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women who suffer from PCOS are at a greater risk of developing preeclampsia or endometrial cancer.
- Endometriosis. This condition can cause infertility, so it will disqualify you from the surrogacy process.
- HIV and hepatitis B or C. These are all incurable viral infections that can be passed to the baby.
- Lack of a uterus or hysterectomy. The surrogate must have a healthy uterus in order to get pregnant during the embryo implantation process.
Unfortunately, these are definite, “strong” disqualifications. Plus, most of these are not reversible and, in some cases, can’t even be treated.
However, if you suffered from gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy, there’s still a chance that you could become a surrogate, but you’ll need to have the condition well-managed and under control. This means that during screening you’ll have normal A1c and fasting glucose tests.
Can You Be A Surrogate With Anxiety Or Depression?
In short, no, you cannot be a surrogate with anxiety or depression. This is a tricky question because sometimes everyone feels “blue” or anxious. But if you have serious clinical depression or an anxiety disorder, then you can’t become a surrogate.
This is because antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can harm the fetus. In fact, most surrogacy agencies require that you’ve been off these medications for at least 6 months before beginning the surrogacy journey.
However, if you have a history of depression or anxiety but now have the conditions under control without the use of medications, then you could still become a surrogate. Just make sure you are 100% honest and transparent during the screening – this is an important part of the surrogacy process to keep you and the baby safe.
Can You Be A Surrogate With Your Tubes Tied?
Yes, you can be a surrogate with your tubes tied. Getting your tubes (also known as tubal ligation) tied is common especially for women who already have kids. It’s a form of permanent birth control, so some think that you can’t become a surrogate after the procedure.
But that’s not true! It’s important to remember that a gestational surrogate isn’t genetically related to the child, so a woman passing eggs from her ovaries is not needed for the in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Only a healthy and functioning uterus is necessary.
Can You Be A Surrogate After A C-Section?
Yes, you can be a surrogate after a c-section. But each repeated C-section becomes more complicated than the one before. Researchers haven’t yet agreed on how many total C-sections are safe, however.
With most surrogacy agencies, having multiple previous C-sections will disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. This will vary from case to case, but it’s usually no more than two. Some agencies will accept a candidate who’s even had a third C-section if the pregnancies went smoothly.
Can You Be A Surrogate With Herpes Or HPV?
Yes, you can be a surrogate with herpes or HPV. Neither herpes nor human papillomavirus (HPV) cause complications during the pregnancy and are only very rarely transmitted to the baby. As long as the conditions are properly managed, there shouldn’t be any issues.
However, if you suffer an outbreak of genital herpes or genital warts (caused by the HPV) before the delivery, then you may need to have a C-section in order to protect the baby.
Can You Be A Surrogate While Breastfeeding?
No, you cannot be a surrogate while breastfeeding. This is because breastfeeding stops a woman’s periods, so it temporarily disrupts her fertility. If you’re about to undergo embryo implantation to become pregnant, you’ll have to stop breastfeeding. However, you’ll likely be allowed to keep breastfeeding during the application and screening process.
Can You Be A Surrogate If You’ve Had Gestational Diabetes?
Maybe you can be a surrogate if you’ve already had gestational diabetes. The eligibility of a woman to be a surrogate after experiencing gestational diabetes is typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis. While a history of gestational diabetes doesn’t automatically disqualify someone from becoming a surrogate, it does warrant careful consideration by medical professionals and fertility specialists.
In some cases, individuals with a history of gestational diabetes may still be eligible, especially if they have demonstrated effective management of the condition and have no lasting health concerns. Medical assessments will focus on the overall health of the prospective surrogate and her ability to carry a pregnancy to term without posing undue risks to herself or the developing fetus. Clear communication between the surrogate, intended parents, and medical professionals is crucial to making informed decisions about surrogacy in cases involving previous gestational diabetes.
Can You Be A Surrogate If You Had Preeclampsia?
Maybe you can be a surrogate if you’ve had preeclampsia. The possibility of becoming a surrogate after experiencing preeclampsia is typically subject to thorough medical evaluation and consideration. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. While a history of preeclampsia may raise concerns, it doesn’t necessarily disqualify someone from being a surrogate.
Medical professionals will carefully assess the severity of the past condition, its impact on the individual’s health, and any lingering risks for future pregnancies. In some cases, individuals with a history of preeclampsia may still be eligible for surrogacy, especially if their health has stabilized, and they can be closely monitored throughout the pregnancy. Open communication between the surrogate, intended parents, and healthcare providers is crucial to ensuring a comprehensive understanding of potential risks and making informed decisions.
Can You Be A Surrogate If You’ve Had An Abortion?
Maybe you can be a surrogate if you’ve had an abortion. Having a history of abortion does not automatically disqualify an individual from becoming a surrogate. Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics typically assess a candidate’s overall reproductive health and medical history, taking into consideration the circumstances and reasons behind any past abortions.
Medical professionals may evaluate factors such as the number of previous abortions, the methods used, and the individual’s physical and emotional well-being. The focus is on ensuring that the prospective surrogate is in good health, both physically and emotionally, and can successfully carry a pregnancy to term. Once again, open and honest communication about past reproductive experiences is key during the screening process.
Surrogacy Health Requirements
Here are the screenings you can expect to go through in order to become a surrogate.
Medical Screening For Surrogacy
The medical screening process for surrogacy is a thorough examination aimed at evaluating the overall physical health and eligibility of a future surrogate. Conducted by healthcare professionals and fertility specialists, the screening involves a review of the surrogate’s medical history, including past pregnancies, deliveries, and any relevant medical interventions like surgeries. Blood tests are routinely administered to assess factors such as blood type compatibility, hormonal levels, and the presence of infectious diseases. Imaging studies and ultrasounds might be used to examine the reproductive organs and ensure optimal health. Medical evaluations are crucial when it comes to discerning potential health concerns that could affect the success of the surrogacy arrangement.
Psychological Screening For Surrogacy
Psychological screening is an important part of the surrogacy process as it assesses the mental and emotional well-being of a potential surrogate. If you “fail” your surrogacy psych evaluation, then you’ll no longer qualify to become a surrogate.
These evaluations can explore the candidate’s motivation, coping mechanisms, and overall psychological readiness for the challenges ahead. The process often involves interviews and standardized assessments to ensure that the surrogate comprehends the emotional complexities involved in carrying a child for intended parents. The goal is to identify any potential psychological concerns and provide appropriate support throughout the surrogacy journey.
Are There Surrogacy Disqualifications That I Can Change?
Yes, there are surrogacy disqualifications based on lifestyle factors that you could potentially reverse with treatment or different choices.
Let’s take a look at the most common reversible disqualifications:
- Alcohol or drug use. You have to abstain from all alcohol or drug use during the fertility treatments and pregnancy.
- Tobacco use. If you smoke or live with a smoker, then you can’t become a surrogate mother.
- Unhealthy body mass index (BMI). You need to have a healthy BMI, usually from 19 to around 30.
- Risky lifestyle. You need to live in a healthy environment and refrain from behavior that might injure the fetus.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Certain STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be transmitted to the baby, so you’ll need to get treatment before surrogacy.
- Too young. Most agencies have a minimum age of 21 or 22, so if you’re too young you’ll have to wait a few years. The maximum age is usually 40 to 45.
- Lack of citizenship or legal residency. Most agencies require the surrogate mother to be either a US citizen or legal resident.
- New piercings or tattoos. You can’t have any new piercings or tattoos within one year of becoming a surrogate.
- No previous pregnancy. To qualify for surrogacy, you need to have at least one successful pregnancy with no or minimal complications.
If you’re preparing to become a surrogate, then you’ll need to be aware of these disqualifications and work to reverse them, if you’re able.
Choose Surrogacy By Faith
Make no mistake, becoming a surrogate is a huge responsibility. But at the end of the process, you’ll be giving the gift of a new family to the intended parents. It’s an incredible act of kindness and courage, but it’s extra important that you find the right surrogacy agency.
This will make your journey much more rewarding and fulfilling. Surrogacy By Faith is a California-based agency that prides itself on providing the most supportive and nurturing environment to our surrogates. We take the extra time to match you with the perfect intended parents so that the interpersonal connections run deeper than at other surrogacy agencies.
If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate with us, please be sure to fill out our Surrogate Initial Inquiry form. There’s no need to wait another day!