Embarking on the journey of gestational surrogacy is a deeply personal decision for many women. However, before becoming a surrogate, it’s essential to meet a set of rigorous health requirements. Among these, factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and pregnancy history play a crucial role. Understanding these requirements is key to determining if you qualify as a surrogate candidate.

Establishing the Need for Surrogacy Requirements

Surrogacy requirements play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of both surrogates and the child they may carry throughout the surrogacy process. These guidelines are designed to create a safe and supportive environment for all parties involved.

For gestational surrogates, meeting these requirements is essential for ensuring their physical and emotional readiness to carry a child for another family. The thorough medical and psychological evaluations help to identify any potential risks or concerns that may affect the surrogacy journey. Intended parents also benefit from these requirements, as they help to ensure that the surrogate is in optimal health and meets all legal criteria. This can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and a positive outcome for everyone involved in the surrogacy arrangement.

Surrogates Must Meet Age Requirements

At Reproductive Possibilities, eligible surrogacy candidates must be between 21 and 44 years old. The maximum age is because women over 44 may be more likely to experience complications during pregnancy. Among these are gestational diabetes, preterm labor, stillbirth, miscarriage, and preeclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure and protein in urine. However, this age limit may not be definite, particularly for women previously having healthy births, and some agencies and fertility clinics will work with older surrogates. 

On the other end of the age requirement spectrum, it’s crucial for surrogates to be at least 21 years of age, primarily due to health considerations and legal capacity. However, it’s generally preferred that surrogates be older than the minimum age, as they may be more likely to have the lifestyle stability, maturity, and responsibility that surrogacy requires.

Body Mass Index and Surrogacy Eligibility

A candidate’s weight is a crucial factor in surrogacy eligibility. The ideal BMI range for surrogacy candidates is typically between 18 and 33. This range is considered optimal as it reduces the risks of complications for both the surrogate and the baby. 

It’s important to note that while BMI is a useful tool for evaluating weight, it does not account for factors such as muscle mass. Some agencies and fertility clinics may be flexible with BMI requirements, recognizing that it is just one factor in assessing overall health and suitability for surrogacy. Ultimately, the decision regarding BMI requirements is up to the fertility clinic.

Pregnancy History Vital for Surrogacy

Having successfully carried and delivered a baby to term is another important gestational surrogacy factor. The previous pregnancy requirements include:

• Having had at least one, but no more than five pregnancies and full-term deliveries. 
• A delivery history that is free of complications and significant medical events.
• No more than three C-Section deliveries.

Having a track record of healthy, successful pregnancies indicates a high likelihood of positive outcomes for all involved in the surrogacy journey. It also demonstrates the surrogate’s ability to navigate the emotional complexities that can come with pregnancy.

Ensuring a Successful Surrogacy Journey 

Surrogacy requirements are essential for protecting the health and well-being of both surrogates and intended parents. By meeting these criteria, surrogates can provide the best possible environment for a successful pregnancy. Contact Reproductive Possibilities today to learn more about how you can start your surrogacy journey with us.