Surrogacy offers want-to-be parents a wonderful opportunity to have a child when they’re physically unable. It’s a relatively controversial issue in the US, with three US states continuing to ban it. However, attitudes towards the issue have changed in the previous few decades. But people who want to become surrogates and give would-be parents a chance to bring up a child of their own must still pass a range of strict requirements. You need to be healthy enough to be a surrogate, so let’s look at some of the requirements.
Have You Carried a Pregnancy to Term with No Complications?
No surrogate agency is going to allow a woman to put herself at risk by becoming a surrogate if she’s had complications before. Nearly all surrogate mothers have already gone through pregnancy. Therefore, you’ll be asked about that pregnancy and giving birth. If there were complications, or you didn’t carry the pregnancy to term, it’s unlikely you would make a good surrogate. For example, if you’ve experienced multiple miscarriages the chances are, you’ll be disqualified. Additionally, if you’ve had more than 3 C-sections, you’ll also be ineligible. Reliable stats on surrogacy are still difficult to find, but it’s estimated that the industry has grown 89% in the last four years. But even so surrogate mothers are heavily screened medically. Pregnancy history is the most important part of the process.
What is Your Genetic History?
As genetic testing becomes more accurate, parents are increasingly using it during pregnancies. There are a few moral and ethical arguments on both sides surrounding this practice. Your genetic history as a surrogate is important. If you have a few genetic disabilities running through your family line, an agency may decide to reject you as a surrogate. Genetic testing is becoming increasingly common among agencies.
Are You Physically Healthy?
Physical health is an important influencer in how you’ll deal with pregnancy. A range of hormones change the way the body works, such as relaxing joints and altering oxygen distribution throughout the body. Exercise can help you better deal with the challenge’s pregnancy brings. Physical health also influences whether your baby is delivered safe and healthy. For example, people who are extremely underweight or overweight typically have more difficult pregnancies than those at a healthy weight. Typical BMI requirements fall into the range of 19 to 33.
How’s Your Mental Health?
When it comes to health, there’s so much more involved than physical health. Any mother will tell you how mentally taxing pregnancy can be. As many as 20% of women experience mental health problems during pregnancy. Depression and anxiety tend to be the most common mental health issues, due to the fact your role in life is changing drastically. As already mentioned, surrogacy agencies prioritize the health and well-being of their surrogates. That means they’ll ask you questions about your mental health history and your experiences during your previous pregnancies. Furthermore, most agencies are going to have you complete psychological screening tests and they’ll dig into the backgrounds of yourself and your immediate family members. Mental health issues won’t automatically disqualify you, but they will be taken into consideration when determining whether you’re suitable. The important thing is to make sure that you’re honest with the intended parents and on your application.
What are Your Reasons for Wanting to Become a Surrogate?
You may not think this is important to an agency, but during the application you’ll be interviewed about this. Think carefully about your reasons for wanting to become a surrogate. Agencies want women who intend on becoming surrogates for the right reasons. They want them to be committed to it. Therefore, if you’re just in it for the money, you’ll want to avoid applying. Furthermore, you have to have a healthy financial life, those receiving government assistant and those who are unable to keep a stable income coming in will be ineligible. A lack of commitment makes becoming a surrogate and dealing with the challenges even more difficult. The experience of being a surrogate is extremely different from having your own child.
Conclusion: Are You Healthy Enough to be a Surrogate?
Surrogacy is not a decision to take lightly. It’s a position of great responsibility, both physically and spiritually. Think carefully about your decision before you go into this. If you’re a woman without any serious health problems, you should have no problem being accepted by an agency. Just check out the specific agency’s requirements first. Are you ready to become a surrogate?
