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 IVF medications and embryo transfer. Fertility clinics use BMI alongside your medical history to determine whether treatment can be safely and effectively managed.
Your BMI can influence how your body responds to the hormones used to prepare your uterine lining for embryo transfer. It may also affect implantation outcomes and how easily medical professionals can monitor your pregnancy through ultrasounds and other procedures.
For intended parents who may have already experienced fertility challenges, reducing avoidable risks is especially valuable. Even with a history of healthy pregnancies, BMI requirements help protect your health and support successful embryo transfer outcomes.
How Can BMI Affect Surrogate Pregnancy Risks?
Your BMI can influence your risk of certain complications during pregnancy and delivery. While higher and lower BMI levels are associated with different medical concerns, your overall health and pregnancy history also play a role.
American Surrogacy accepts women with a BMI between 19 and 35, which includes women who fall outside the standard healthy BMI category. Here's how different BMI ranges may affect your eligibility and pregnancy risks.
BMI Below 19
A BMI below 19 may raise concerns about whether your body has the nutritional resources needed to support a healthy pregnancy. Being underweight can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, including iron-deficiency anemia.
Lower BMI levels are also associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. These complications can affect a baby's development and may require additional medical care after delivery.
Fertility specialists consider these risks when determining whether another pregnancy would be safe for you.
BMI Between 19 and 35
A BMI between 19 and 35 meets American Surrogacy's requirements, even if you fall outside the standard healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9.
Women with a BMI above the standard healthy range can still qualify, although higher BMI levels may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. As BMI increases, risks such as preeclampsia and C-section delivery may also rise.
Your medical history and previous pregnancies help fertility specialists evaluate these risks. Meeting the BMI requirement allows you to move forward with screening, but medical clearance is still required.
BMI Above 35
A BMI above 35 is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Higher BMI levels can also increase the likelihood of a C-section, blood clots and complications involving anesthesia or recovery after delivery. These risks may affect whether another pregnancy would be safe for you.
Having a BMI above 35 doesn't necessarily mean you're unhealthy, but it falls outside our current requirements. If you're unsure about your eligibility, our specialists can explain the guidelines and help you understand your options.
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.
What Can You Do if You Don’t Meet the Surrogate BMI Requirement?
If your BMI falls outside American Surrogacy's required range of 19 to 35, you may still be able to qualify in the future. Reaching the required range can allow you to pursue screening, provided you meet our other eligibility requirements.
Before making changes to your weight, speak with your healthcare provider about what's safe and appropriate for you. Depending on your individual needs, they may recommend:
- Balanced Nutrition: Focus on nutritious, well-balanced meals that support your overall health.
- Regular Physical Activity: Incorporate activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or other forms of movement appropriate for your health.
- Gradual Weight Changes: Work toward sustainable changes rather than rapid weight loss or restrictive diets.
For additional support, the BioIntelligent Wellness Surrogacy BMI Management Program offers structured weight management guidance for prospective surrogates working toward BMI eligibility requirements. This is an independent resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by American Surrogacy, and participation is not required.
You don't have to wait until your BMI meets our requirements to reach out. Our specialists can explain the eligibility guidelines, answer your questions and help you understand what steps you may need to take before applying.
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.