Facts About Surrogate Medical Screening

August 9, 2022

Posted In: Surrogacy

Not everyone can become a surrogate mother. It takes a kind, compassionate woman with an ardent devotion to helping another family feel whole. It also requires she meet certain health prerequisites. These constraints are in place not only to help the surrogacy journey go smoothly, but also to give the baby the best possible start in life.

To help, here are the health standards women must meet to gain medical clearance for surrogacy.

Surrogacy Approval Basics

The first steps on a woman’s surrogacy journey are applying and interviewing with agency representatives. The goal is to determine if her health, previous pregnancies and lifestyle make her a great fit to be a surrogate mother. In terms of evaluating health, there are also several medical screenings that she must undergo.

What kind of medical screenings? Generally, a fertility specialist will review your reproductive medical records as well as past and present health conditions. It’s important to be up front about any experiences with miscarriage, preterm labor or complications during earlier pregnancies. Blood, urine and other health screenings will also be performed to confirm that surrogacy is safe.

Basic qualifications needed for medical clearance for surrogacy include:

  • Children: A history of giving birth to and raising at least one child
  • Age: Between the ages of 21 and 38
  • BMI: No higher than 32, ideally lower than 30
  • Previous pregnancies: Major complications during prior childbearing can affect eligibility
  • Smoking and drug use: Tobacco, illegal substances and medications not prescribed by your doctor can seriously harm reproductive health and will disqualify you
  • Support system: A supportive home life and stable mental health are also requisite criteria

Becoming pregnant for surrogacy through IVF is a complex medical process. It requires strict adherence to FDA and industry guidelines if the delicate procedure is going to be a success. As such, a woman is expected to pass every screening to be considered a qualified candidate for surrogacy.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Potential Surrogate Health

Can You Become a Surrogate if Your Tubes Are Tied?

Yes. Surrogates can carry a baby developed using the egg of the intended mother or one from a donor. This is known as gestational surrogacy. Because the surrogate’s eggs are unneeded, tubal ligation (having your tubes tied) does not impact the ability to transplant the embryo into your uterus and carry the baby to term.

Can You Be a Surrogate After a C-section?

Yes. Although previous caesarean sections (C-sections) can have potential impacts on surrogacy and subsequent delivery, applicants who have had them may be accepted. It is important, however, to talk with your doctor about any possible complications or risks.

Can I Be a Surrogate if I Have HPV?

Can you be a surrogate if you have HPV? Yes, although additional testing and documentation may be required. However, a possible symptom of HPV is genital warts and if a woman is experiencing an outbreak during birth, she should be prepared to give birth via C-section.

The Team at International Surrogacy Center Is Here for You

Here at ISC, we understand that you naturally have many questions about surrogacy. Our team members are here to offer their help in addressing any and all concerns you may have. As more than 50% of our staff have been surrogates themselves, they have first-hand knowledge of the necessities of surrogacy, medical or otherwise.

For more information on the surrogacy steps or any questions, please feel free to reach out to us today!