Common Disqualifications For Surrogacy

Surrogacy offers an extraordinary chance to help others achieve their dreams of parenthood. If you are considering becoming a surrogate, it’s important to understand the criteria that may affect your eligibility. While the requirements focus on ensuring the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the baby, certain factors can disqualify candidates. Disqualifications for surrogacy often depend on medical, lifestyle, and psychological evaluations, and these standards are in place to protect everyone involved.

Medical History and Pregnancy Requirements

Your medical history plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for surrogacy. Surrogates are required to have had at least one successful pregnancy and delivery, as this demonstrates their ability to carry a baby to term without complications. If you have never given birth, you may not qualify because there is no record to evaluate how your body responds to pregnancy. A history of significant pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or preterm labor, can also disqualify you. These conditions increase the risks for both you and the baby, making it unsafe to proceed with surrogacy.

Body Mass Index And Overall Health

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is another key factor in the evaluation process. A BMI outside the healthy range can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Most agencies and clinics require a BMI between 19 and 30 to ensure a safe experience for the surrogate and the baby. Additionally, maintaining overall health is crucial. Conditions such as heart disease, untreated thyroid disorders, or a history of cancer can make surrogacy unsafe. Regular screenings and medical assessments help determine if your health aligns with the requirements.

Mental Health Considerations

Mental health is equally important when qualifying for surrogacy. Agencies evaluate your psychological readiness to ensure you can handle the emotional aspects of the process. A history of untreated mental health conditions, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders, may disqualify you. Even if you are managing these conditions, being on certain medications, such as antidepressants, can affect your eligibility. Psychological evaluations are conducted to ensure you feel confident, stable, and supported throughout the journey. At Carrying Dreams, we prioritize your emotional well-being and work to provide the resources you need.

Lifestyle Factors and Support Systems

Your lifestyle and support system are key elements of the screening process. Smoking, drug use, or alcohol dependency will disqualify you, as these habits can severely impact the baby’s health. Surrogates must also have a stable living environment and access to reliable transportation to attend medical appointments and screenings. Having a strong support network is another essential requirement. Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally demanding, and surrogacy adds an extra layer of responsibility. Family and friends who are ready to assist you provide the foundation you need for a successful journey.

C-Sections and Surgical Histories

If you have had a C-section, you may still qualify as a surrogate, but your medical history will need to be reviewed carefully. Multiple C-sections or surgeries involving the uterus can lead to scar tissue, which may affect implantation or increase the risk of complications. Most agencies place a limit on the number of C-sections you have had to ensure your safety. Doctors will also evaluate any history of uterine surgeries to determine whether your body is prepared for another pregnancy. Each case is considered individually, ensuring the best decision for your health and the baby’s well-being.

Current Breastfeeding and Hormonal Factors

If you are currently breastfeeding, you will need to stop before starting the surrogacy process. Breastfeeding affects your hormonal balance and can interfere with the preparation needed for embryo transfer. Hormones such as prolactin can prevent ovulation and disrupt the uterine lining, making it less likely for an embryo to implant successfully. Once you have resumed your menstrual cycle and your body has returned to its pre-pregnancy state, you can proceed with the evaluation process. This step ensures that your body is ready for a healthy pregnancy.

Financial Stability and Responsibility

Financial stability is another requirement for becoming a surrogate. While surrogates are compensated for their time and effort, agencies expect candidates to have their basic financial needs met without relying on government assistance programs. This ensures that the surrogate is pursuing the process for the right reasons and is not under financial stress, which could affect the pregnancy. A stable financial situation allows you to focus on your health and the surrogacy journey without additional worries.

Age and Family Requirements

Most surrogacy programs require candidates to be between the ages of 21 and 40. This age range ensures that surrogates are physically mature enough to handle the demands of pregnancy but young enough to minimize medical risks. Additionally, you must have at least one child of your own to qualify. Having experienced pregnancy and parenting provides the knowledge and understanding needed to navigate the surrogacy process successfully. This requirement also ensures that you are aware of the physical and emotional challenges associated with pregnancy.

The Role of Agencies in the Screening Process

Surrogacy agencies play a critical role in ensuring the safety and success of the process. At Carrying Dreams, we follow comprehensive screening protocols to evaluate each candidate’s readiness and qualifications. From medical and psychological evaluations to lifestyle assessments, we leave no detail overlooked. Our goal is to create positive experiences for both surrogates and intended parents, fostering trust and confidence along the way. By working with experienced professionals, you can feel secure knowing that every step of the journey is carefully managed.

Understanding disqualifications for surrogacy helps ensure the safety and success of this remarkable journey. While certain medical, lifestyle, and emotional factors may affect eligibility, these standards are in place to protect both the surrogate and the baby. At Carrying Dreams, we provide clear guidance and personalized support to help you determine whether surrogacy is the right path for you. By addressing these qualifications with care and expertise, we create meaningful partnerships that bring families closer to their dreams.