Your body mass index (BMI) is one of several factors considered when determining whether you qualify to become a surrogate. At American Surrogacy, our BMI requirement is 19–35.
Being outside this range may affect your eligibility, but your BMI alone doesn't define your overall health or suitability for surrogacy. Our specialists can help you understand how BMI factors into screening and what your next steps could look like.
What Is the BMI Requirement for Surrogates?
At American Surrogacy, prospective surrogates must have a BMI between 19 and 35 to meet our initial eligibility requirements. This range helps medical professionals assess potential risks associated with fertility treatment and pregnancy.
Surrogate BMI requirements are informed by guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). However, individual surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics may have different standards based on their medical screening criteria.
Even if your BMI falls within our required range, the fertility clinic will still need to evaluate your overall health and medical history before providing final clearance.
What Is BMI and How Do You Calculate It?
Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement that uses your height and weight to estimate whether you're within a certain weight range. It's one of the tools medical professionals use when evaluating your eligibility to become a surrogate.
You can calculate your BMI using this formula:
BMI = (Weight in pounds ÷ Height in inches²) × 703
For example, if you're 5 feet, 5 inches tall (65 inches) and weigh 165 pounds:
BMI = (165 ÷ 65²) × 703 = 27.5
A BMI of 27.5 falls within American Surrogacy's requirement of 19–35. Keep in mind that BMI is only one part of the screening process, and your overall health and pregnancy history will also be considered.
Why Does BMI Matter When Becoming a Surrogate?
BMI is considered during surrogate screening because it can affect how your body responds to fertility treatments and pregnancy. Medical professionals use your BMI alongside your health history to assess potential risks and determine whether surrogacy is a safe option for you.
Your BMI may influence several aspects of the process, including how your body responds to fertility medications, potential complications during pregnancy and delivery, and risks associated with anesthesia if certain medical procedures are needed.
Even if you're healthy and have experienced successful pregnancies, your BMI may still affect your eligibility. These requirements are intended to reduce medical risks for you and the baby, rather than make a judgment about your overall health.
How Can BMI Affect Surrogate Pregnancy Risks?
Your BMI can influence certain risks during fertility treatment, pregnancy and delivery. While some complications are more common at higher or lower BMI levels, your individual health and medical history also play a role.
Here's how different BMI ranges may affect your eligibility and the medical considerations involved.
BMI Below 19
A BMI below 19 may raise concerns about whether your body has the nutritional resources needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Lower BMI levels can also be associated with hormonal changes that may affect fertility treatment.
During pregnancy, a low BMI may increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth or having a baby with a low birth weight. Fertility specialists consider these factors when determining whether carrying a pregnancy would be safe for you.
BMI Between 19 and 35
A BMI between 19 and 35 meets American Surrogacy's requirement and allows you to move forward with the next steps of screening.
This range helps reduce potential risks during fertility treatment and pregnancy, but meeting the BMI requirement doesn't guarantee a complication-free pregnancy. Your medical history and overall health will still be evaluated before you receive medical clearance.
BMI Above 35
A BMI above 35 may be associated with an increased risk of certain pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and the need for a C-section.
Higher BMI levels can also create additional considerations during fertility treatment, anesthesia and delivery. These risks may affect whether a fertility clinic can approve you to become a surrogate.
While having a BMI above 35 doesn't necessarily mean you're unhealthy or would experience complications, surrogacy programs use BMI requirements to help protect your health throughout the process.
What if Your BMI Is Below the Surrogate Requirement?
A BMI below 19 falls outside American Surrogacy's eligibility requirements. Lower BMI levels can raise concerns about nutritional health, fertility treatment and pregnancy complications, including an increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight.
If your BMI is below the required range, you may need to reach a BMI of at least 19 before moving forward with our surrogate screening process. We encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider about your nutritional health and whether reaching the eligible range is appropriate for you.
Can You Lose Weight to Meet Surrogate BMI Requirements?
Yes, you may still qualify to become a surrogate if you lower your BMI to meet the required range. However, your overall health and medical history will still be evaluated to determine your eligibility.
Before making changes to your weight specifically for surrogacy, speak with your healthcare provider about what's safe and appropriate for you. Our specialists can also help you understand the BMI requirements and what you'll need to qualify.
What Can You Do if You Don’t Meet the Surrogate BMI Requirement?
Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether weight management is appropriate for your health and what steps may be right for you.
For those interested in additional support, the BioIntelligent Wellness Surrogacy BMI Management Program is designed to help prospective surrogates work toward meeting BMI eligibility requirements.
This is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or partnered with American Surrogacy.
What Happens During American Surrogacy’s Screening Process?
Meeting the BMI requirement of 19–35 is one part of qualifying to become a surrogate. Our surrogate screening process also evaluates your medical history, emotional readiness and personal circumstances to determine whether surrogacy is appropriate for you.
Here's what you can expect during screening:
- Medical Record Review: We'll review your previous pregnancy and delivery records to identify potential health concerns.
- Psychological Evaluation: You'll meet with a mental health professional to discuss your emotional readiness, support system and expectations for surrogacy.
- Background Checks: Criminal and financial background checks help us assess your living situation and overall stability.
Even if your BMI falls within the required range, you'll still need to complete additional medical evaluations with the fertility clinic before receiving final clearance.
What Can You Earn if You Qualify as a Surrogate?
Qualifying to become a surrogate gives you the opportunity to help intended parents grow their family while earning meaningful compensation for your time, physical commitment and responsibilities throughout the journey.
At American Surrogacy, compensation includes:
- First-Time Surrogates: $55,000–$65,000+ in base compensation
- Experienced Surrogates: $70,000–$90,000+ in base compensation
- Total Compensation: $70,000–$110,000+, including base compensation and additional benefits and allowances
Find Out if You Meet American Surrogacy’s Requirements
If you're unsure whether your BMI or another health factor affects your eligibility, our specialists can help you understand your options. Rather than ruling yourself out based on general requirements, you can have your individual circumstances reviewed to see whether surrogacy may be right for you.