There are multiple requirements that a gestational surrogate or gestational carrier must meet before being able to carry a baby for intended parent(s). The gestational surrogacy requirements ensure the Health and safety of everyone involved in the journey, most importantly, the gestational surrogate and the baby. These requirements aim to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and ensure the surrogate is physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared for the journey.
Two Types of Surrogacy
First of all, there are two types of Surrogacy. It is important to understand the differences between the two. No matter which kind of Surrogacy you pursue, having a legal agreement through an assisted–reproductive attorney is vital.
Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. An embryo is created using an egg from the intended mother and sperm from the intended father (or donors). The embryo is then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. This method uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create the embryo.
Traditional Surrogacy: This type of Surrogacy is not as common, and typically done for close relatives to keep genetics within the family. This is when the surrogate is genetically related to the child. One option in this process is she has an egg retrieval completed. Her eggs are then fertilized by either a donor or Intended Father’s gametes. Then after fertilization and embryo formation, an embryo transfer is completed. Another option is for the intended father or donor sperm to be placed into the uterus, typically by an IVF clinic, through artificial insemination. Fertilization then takes place in the uterus.
Typical Requirements to be a Gestational Surrogate
- United States citizen or legal resident
- Between the ages of 21 – 41
- Pregnant people in this age range typically have fewer pregnancy complications and may be more physically capable of carrying a baby to terms.
- Have one more child of your own
- If a person has experienced pregnancy and childbirth, it will ensure that they understand the physical and emotional demands.
- Have not had more than 3 C-sections
- Multiple C-sections can increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies.
- BMI under 33
- A lower BMI (Body Mass Index) reduces the risk of pregnancy-related complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Good physical & Mental Health will guarantee that the surrogate can handle the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy.
- No major pregnancy complications
- This shows that the surrogate has a history of healthy pregnancies.
- Agree to a psychological, drug, and criminal screening
- A surrogate needs to be mentally stable, free from substance abuse, and not have a criminal background.
- Have a supportive partner, friend, or family member
- Having a strong emotional support system allows for the surrogate to lean on them if things get hard emotionally or physically.
- Have not had more than 6 births
When a person has had too many prior births, it can increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies. Check out our page to learn more about Surrogacy Requirements here.
Rest assured that Stronger Together Surrogacy uses the requirements to become a gestational surrogate to rigorously vet their surrogates to ensure a smoother journey with fewer complications! No matter where you are in your journey to become a parent or a Gestational Carrier, Stronger Together Surrogacy wants to support you in any way we can.
