Surrogate health requirements exist first and foremost to protect you, ensuring that your health is never comprised as you give the ultimate gift to another family. At American Surrogacy, we view these requirements not as hurdles to clear, but as a roadmap to a healthy pregnancy. Below, we’ll break down the physical and psychological benchmarks used during the screening process. Our goal is to give you the answers you need to confidently move forward with this life-changing journey. If you have any questions or believe you meet the requirements below, contact us today.
Understanding Surrogate Health Requirements
Surrogates do not need to be perfectly healthy. However, you do need to meet high standards of physical and mental health because of the unique demands of a gestational pregnancy.
Here are the health requirements to become a surrogate with our agency:
You might wonder why surrogate health requirements are so strict when so many women have healthy pregnancies outside of these ranges. It is important to remember that surrogacy is a shared journey involving in vitro fertilization (IVF). Because you will be taking synthetic hormones and undergoing an embryo transfer, your body requires a specific medical baseline to ensure the highest probability of success. Ultimately, these standards are in place to keep you safe. At American Surrogacy, our responsibility is to make sure your body is prepared for the unique demands of a surrogate pregnancy. We want to help prevent avoidable complications and give you the best possible chance for a smooth, successful journey.Why Health Requirements Matter in Surrogacy
How Do Agencies Screen Surrogates’ Health? [Our Medical Screening Process]
We use a two-step screening process to make sure you meet all surrogate health requirements.
First, our team reviews your medical history and pregnancy background to confirm you’re a safe candidate for surrogacy. Then, once you’re matched with intended parents, you’ll attend an in-person medical clearance appointment at their fertility clinic.
Our team will coordinate everything for you, including scheduling and next steps, so you can prepare for the journey ahead.
What Does Pre-Screening Involve?
The first step is verifying you meet the basic requirements to become a surrogate. Pre-screening helps our team confirm that surrogacy is a safe fit for you. During pre-screening, you will:
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Complete a detailed social and medical history form
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Provide medical records from all previous pregnancies and deliveries
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Participate in a psychological evaluation to ensure you are emotionally prepared for the journey
Once we review your information, we will let you know whether you qualify to move forward. If you do, the next step is matching with intended parents.
What Is the Surrogate Medical Clearance Appointment?
Once you are matched with intended parents, their fertility clinic will begin a detailed medical review. Your records are sent to the clinic’s reproductive endocrinologist, who evaluates your pregnancy history and overall health.
If the doctor approves your records, you will travel to the clinic for an in-person medical clearance appointment. During this visit, there are a few medical tests you’ll need to go through: bloodwork, infectious disease screening and a uterine evaluation. These tests confirm your body is ready for IVF medications and embryo transfer.
Age guidelines exist because surrogacy outcomes are most predictable within a certain range. While a surrogate does not use her own eggs, age can still affect uterine receptivity and overall IVF success rates. In addition, pregnancy-related risks — such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia — tend to increase with age. Clinics set limits to protect your health and increase the chances of successful embryo implantation.Breaking Down Surrogate Age Requirements
Understanding Why Programs Set Surrogate BMI Requirements
Body mass index (BMI) requirements are not about appearance or body type. They are about how your body responds to fertility medications and pregnancy.
Research shows that BMI can affect IVF outcomes, including implantation and live birth rates. Studies also link higher BMI to increased risks of gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders and other pregnancy complications.
BMI is just one part of your overall health profile. Your pregnancy history, medical records and lifestyle all matter. If you are close to the requirement or unsure where you fall, our team can help you understand your options.
Yes. To become a surrogate, you must have given birth to at least one child of your own. Fertility clinics look for a "proven" medical history to ensure your body responds well to pregnancy and that you can deliver safely. Surrogates should also already understand the physical and emotional changes that pregnancy brings. We also require surrogates to be currently raising a child. As a mother, you have a firsthand understanding of the deep bond between parent and baby. This perspective can help you navigate the relationship with intended parents who dream of building their own families.Do You Have to Have Had a Baby to Be a Surrogate?
How C-Sections and Past Pregnancies Affect Eligibility
Your past pregnancy experiences are the best way to predict how your body will handle surrogacy. This is why we look for a history of healthy deliveries without major complications. We also follow the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s guidelines on pregnancy limits — typically no more than five vaginal births or three C-sections.
Pregnancy limits prioritize your long-term health. Every pregnancy and delivery naturally puts stress on your body, which can increase the risk of complications during a new pregnancy. By staying within these guidelines, we can help ensure that your surrogacy journey is as safe as possible for you and the baby.
Your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. The psychological evaluation ensures you have a strong support system and the emotional tools needed for this unique experience. Because IVF and pregnancy involve significant hormonal and lifestyle changes, we want to know that you are in a place in your life where you feel steady and empowered. Prioritizing your mental wellness from the start ensures you can navigate the ups and downs of the process and focus on the joy of the gift you’re giving.Surrogate Psychological Requirements
What Disqualifies You From Being a Surrogate?
Most disqualifications come down to not meeting one or more of the requirements listed above. This may include certain health conditions, pregnancy complications or falling outside the age or BMI guidelines.
However, not every situation is black and white. Some factors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and final approval always rests with the fertility clinic. For example, a past medical issue that has fully resolved may not disqualify you. On the other hand, certain conditions, such as a chronic illness or serious pregnancy complications, may make surrogacy unsafe.
If you’re unsure whether something in your history could affect your eligibility, the best next step is to speak with our team. We can review your situation confidentially and help you understand whether surrogacy is an option for you.
If you meet our health requirements to be a surrogate, we can help you begin this life-changing chapter. Our team is here to facilitate your journey and ensure you feel informed, respected and supported from start to finish. Are you ready to take the first step? Fill out our form to get free information or call 1-800-875-2229 to speak with a surrogacy specialist.How American Surrogacy Helps You Feel Confident