What to Know About Surrogate Health Requirements
Becoming a surrogate mother is a serious, long-term commitment, and requires prospective carriers to meet certain health requirements. Here’s everything you need to know about how surrogate mothers are screened.
Women interested in becoming a surrogate mother must be 22-45 years old and have already experienced a successful pregnancy. Potential surrogates should also avoid smoking, drug use, and (anti-anxiety or anti-depression) medications to protect the health of the baby and themselves.
What does it mean to be a surrogate mother?
Surrogate mothers (also known as gestational carriers) bear the physical responsibility of pregnancy for another person or couple. Infertile women, whose bodies can’t biologically conceive a child, are among those who commonly seek surrogate mothers.
A Breakdown of Surrogate Mother Health Requirements
Prospective surrogate mothers should expect to meet with a fertility specialist for a medical examination to ensure the pregnancy will be safe and successful. Below are a list of criteria prospective surrogate mothers should meet:
Age
Surrogate mothers must be ages 22-45. Many successful surrogate mothers tend to be in their late 20s or 30s.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
A healthy BMI for a surrogate mother is 32 or below. A BMI below 19, which may indicate the surrogate mother is underweight, is acceptable, but may result in a longer conceiving period.
Previous Successful Pregnancies
Prospective carriers must have experienced at least one successful pregnancy before becoming a surrogate mother. Health complications from a previous pregnancy may affect one’s eligibility even if the mother still birthed the child.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Women with treated STIs that will not spread to the baby during pregnancy, such as HPV or herpes, can still become a surrogate mother so long as they meet the other health requirements.
Smoking, Drug Use, and/or Medications
Surrogate mothers must not smoke or use recreational drugs during the pregnancy. They must not use any antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication for at least 12 months prior to the pregnancy.
A history of drug use, such as marijuana, will not automatically disqualify a prospective carrier because the intended parents have the opportunity to decide whether the carrier is a good fit.
Related: What Is a Surrogate Mother?
What should I expect from the medical examination?
To check for all of the requirements listed above, a prospective surrogate mother may undergo:
- Pap smears
- Physicals
- Hysteroscopies
- Saline sonograms
- Drug tests
Related: Volunteer Surrogate: What is Altruistic Surrogacy?
FAQs About Health Requirements for Surrogate Mothers
How long does it take to get approved to become a surrogate mother?
On average, it takes 1-2 months to finish all medical screenings.
Can I become a surrogate mother if I have HIV?
Women with HIV can’t become surrogate mothers because they can transfer HIV to the baby.
Can I become a surrogate mother if I am on menopause?
Menopausal women commonly have risky, difficult pregnancies and will likely not qualify to become a surrogate mother.
Can I become a surrogate mother if I underwent a tubal ligation?
Women who underwent tubal ligation can still become surrogate mothers.
Will I have to pay for the medical screenings?
Compensation from the intended parents should cover all costs related to the surrogacy.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about how surrogate mothers are screened, get your free consultation with one of our family law attorneys in California today!