Last Updated on November 9, 2023 by Lori Pace
What is it that qualifies you as a surrogate mom? This article will explain all the surrogate requirements and qualifications to be able to carry a child. This path allows women to build a strong relationship with others who are looking to parent. Although it is a difficult process, those who choose this route will never forget it.
You can have the same experiences if you are interested in becoming a gestational carrier. However, you will need to first have the required surrogate qualifications. Surrogacy is not for everyone. This is a difficult process that takes a lot of energy, time and commitment. It’s crucial that prospective surrogates are prepared for the journey. To ensure that each surrogate candidate is emotionally and medically ready for the journey ahead, there are certain requirements to become a gestational sire.
Agency requirements for gestational surrogates can vary. Talking to a surrogacy professional is the best way to find out how to become a surrogate mom.
The Three Basic Surrogate Qualifications
Although every professional is free to create its own list, most follow the American Society for Reproductive Medicine‘s guidelines. Experts from assisted reproduction have come together and established standards for gestational carrier qualifications that will best predict success for a woman in this journey.
1. Physical Qualifications for Surrogacy
Being pregnant is not an easy task and comes with many risks. You must have the physical qualifications to be a surrogate. This means that you can carry a gestational baby at minimal risk to your intended parents and their baby.
Based on your ability to safely bear a child for another person, professionals determine the physical requirements to become a surrogate.
Although every agency has its own guidelines, these are the minimum requirements to be a gestational carrier.
- You must be at least 21 years of age and no older than 40
- Your doctor will determine your BMI.
- At least one successful pregnancy to term
- You can raise a child in your home
- There have been no major complications during your pregnancies in the past
- Stop taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications for 12 months
- No new tattoos or piercings in the first 12 months after you started the process
These basic qualifications are necessary for surrogacy. Even if you do not meet these qualifications, it is a good idea for you to get in touch with a professional. Many professionals will approve surrogates on an individual basis and may allow exceptions to the rules.
If you’re not at the right age or have never been pregnant before, it will be difficult to find a surrogacy clinic or professional who will accept you for the surrogacy process.
2. Psychological Qualifications for Being a Surrogate
It is more than meeting the medical requirements to qualify as a surrogate. Before pursuing this career, every woman should be aware of the psychological and emotional challenges that this journey can present.
You and your family will be committed to a relationship of at least one year with the intended parents when you become a surrogate. To help them become parents, you will need to give up a lot of your energy and time. As your pregnancy progresses, you will need to attend doctor’s appointments. Surrogacy is like a full time job. It’s important to be prepared for any extra stress it might cause in your daily life.
While you are responsible for your daily responsibilities, you must also deal with the hormonal changes and emotional stressors that pregnancy brings. Although it is rare for surrogates to become “attached,” it is possible to experience conflicting emotions throughout your pregnancy. This can be avoided by being in a stable emotional place prior to starting.
You will need to meet with a surrogacy professional in order to qualify for surrogacy mother status. They will discuss your options and help you prepare for any challenges.
Willing to accept a Psychological Consultation
They seek women who are passionate about helping others to have children. Surrogate hopefuls must attend multiple interviews and be cleared psychologically by the staff. They also need to provide all medical records from previous pregnancies and a current pap test. Our role is to screen potential candidates so that you can begin your journey together with an intended parents or couples with confidence knowing that you are a qualified surrogate who is ready to share the joy of giving birth to their baby.
3. Screening Qualifications to Become a Surrogate Mother
Contact a surrogacy specialist if you believe you are qualified to be a surrogate. A surrogacy specialist will usually contact you to discuss your application and answer any questions.
You will need to pass a psychological and medical screening before you can become a surrogate. These screenings will confirm that you are ready to become a gestational carrier. The first step is to have your spouse undergo a psychological screening. They will want to know about your feelings regarding surrogacy and your plans for dealing with any practical or emotional issues that might arise.
After you have matched with your intended parents, you will need to go through a final medical screening before you can begin the process of surrogacy. This will verify that you are medically competent to safely carry a pregnancy to term. You will then be approved to surrogacy and can sign your contract.
