Surrogacy is a life-changing journey that creates families and brings dreams to life. For this journey to be safe and successful, surrogate mothers must meet specific health requirements. These standards ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved—surrogate, baby, and intended parents alike.
In this article, we answer the top 10 questions about surrogate health requirements to help potential surrogates understand what’s needed and guide them toward making an informed decision.
What Are the Health Requirements to Be a Surrogate?
Surrogates play an essential role in giving the gift of life, and their health is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy. Generally, surrogates must:
- Have had at least one previous successful pregnancy with no major complications.
- Be in good overall physical health, including meeting BMI guidelines.
- Lead a stable and healthy lifestyle, free of substance use.
- Be emotionally prepared and have the support of their family and loved ones.
These criteria ensure that surrogates are physically and emotionally ready for the unique challenges of carrying a child for another family.
Top 10 Questions About Health Requirements for Surrogates
1. Do Surrogate Health Requirements Vary Between Agencies?
Yes, surrogate health requirements can differ depending on the agency or fertility clinic. While most agencies follow general guidelines for surrogacy, some have stricter policies regarding factors like BMI, age, or previous pregnancies.
2. At What Age Can You No Longer Be a Surrogate?
In the United States, the general age range for surrogacy is between 21 and 40 years old. Age is an essential factor because younger surrogates tend to have fewer pregnancy-related risks and better overall health. Meeting the age requirements for surrogacy, including understanding how old a surrogate has to be, helps ensure that candidates are physically capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy.
At Surrogacy by Faith, the age limit is 37, which ensures the safety of both surrogate and baby.
3. What Are the BMI Requirements for Surrogacy?
BMI (Body Mass Index)1 is a key factor in determining surrogate eligibility. Maintaining a healthy BMI reduces risks of complications like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Most agencies expect candidates to meet the BMI requirements for surrogacy, typically between 19 and 32.
4. Can You Be a Surrogate with Your Tubes Tied?
Women who have undergone tubal ligation, or had their tubes tied, can still become surrogates. This procedure doesn’t affect the ability to carry a pregnancy since surrogacy relies on embryos created through IVF.
5. Can Someone Who Has Gone Through Menopause Be a Surrogate?
Unfortunately, menopause typically disqualifies someone from being a surrogate. This is because menopause affects hormonal balance and uterine readiness, which are critical for a healthy pregnancy. While medical advancements can help some postmenopausal women conceive, surrogacy agencies generally require candidates to be premenopausal.
6. Can You Be a Surrogate with PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)2 doesn’t necessarily disqualify someone from surrogacy. While it can impact fertility, it often doesn’t prevent candidates from carrying a pregnancy. Agencies assess candidates individually to determine if you can be a surrogate with PCOS based on their medical history and overall health.
7. What Disqualifies You from Being a Surrogate?
Some factors that may disqualify a surrogate candidate include:
- Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
- A history of pregnancy complications, like preeclampsia or preterm birth.
- Mental health conditions that are not well-managed.
- Smoking, drug use, or heavy alcohol consumption.
Surrogacy agencies prioritize the safety of the surrogate and baby, so these factors are closely evaluated.
8. How Many C-Sections Are Too Many to Be a Surrogate?
Most agencies allow surrogates to have had one or two previous cesarean sections. However, candidates with three or more C-sections may face disqualification due to the increased risks of uterine rupture and other complications. Each case is reviewed individually to ensure safety.
9. Do Lifestyle Choices Affect Surrogacy Eligibility?
Absolutely. A surrogate’s lifestyle plays a significant role in eligibility. Smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol consumption disqualifies candidates because these habits can harm the baby.
Additionally, a supportive home environment and stable mental health are crucial for navigating the physical and emotional demands of surrogacy.
10. What Happens If You Don’t Pass the Psychological Evaluation?
Psychological screening is standard in surrogacy to ensure candidates are emotionally prepared. If a candidate doesn’t pass, agencies may suggest addressing specific concerns before reapplying. Many candidates feel uncertain about what to do if they don’t pass the psychological test for surrogacy, but guidance and resources are always available to help.
Surrogacy by Faith: Supporting Your Journey with Compassion
At Surrogacy by Faith, we prioritize the health and well-being of both surrogates and intended parents. Our faith-based approach provides emotional support, expert guidance, and personalized care throughout the surrogacy journey.
Whether you’re a surrogate ready to give the gift of life or an intended parent dreaming of starting a family, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Ready to Begin Your Surrogacy Journey?
- For Intended Parents: Start your surrogacy journey by filling out this form.
- For Surrogates: Take the first step by completing this form.
Sources:
1 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679190/.
2 Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439.