Becoming a surrogate is a beautiful and selfless journey, but it also comes with serious responsibilities—both emotional and physical. It’s not just about being willing to help someone create a family; it’s about being healthy and medically suitable to carry a baby safely to term. To protect the health and safety of the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents, surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics follow strict screening processes.
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, it’s essential to understand the criteria that may disqualify you from proceeding with the process. These guidelines are designed not to exclude, but to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone involved. Below, we’ll explore the most common medical and health-related factors that can disqualify a potential surrogate.
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that can impact a woman’s ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, miscarriage, and preeclampsia. Additionally, there is a heightened risk of endometrial cancer.
Due to these health risks, individuals diagnosed with PCOS are often disqualified from becoming surrogates. The priority is always the health of the surrogate and the developing baby. Even if your symptoms are mild, many agencies and clinics will err on the side of caution.
2. History of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, often the kidneys or liver. It can develop suddenly and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Women who have experienced preeclampsia in a prior pregnancy are more likely to encounter it again.
For this reason, a history of preeclampsia is typically a disqualifying factor. This isn't just to protect the baby, but also to prevent putting the surrogate's life at risk. Even if the previous case was mild, the potential recurrence is considered too great a risk for many fertility specialists to proceed.
3. Unhealthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
A surrogate's overall health, including her weight, plays a critical role in determining eligibility. Generally, a BMI over 32 is considered too high for a surrogate candidate. A high BMI can increase the risk of various pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm labor, and difficulty during delivery.
If your BMI is above the recommended range, it doesn’t necessarily mean you're disqualified forever. Many agencies encourage potential surrogates to work on healthy lifestyle changes and reapply once they meet the required BMI threshold. This ensures a safer pregnancy and smoother surrogacy journey for everyone.
4. Gestational Diabetes or Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an automatic disqualification for surrogate candidates. The condition involves managing blood sugar with insulin and can pose significant risks during pregnancy for both the surrogate and the baby.
Even a history of gestational diabetes—which can occur during a prior pregnancy—can be a red flag. Candidates who have previously experienced gestational diabetes are often considered high-risk. Agencies and clinics want to avoid complications such as preterm birth, large birth weight babies, and increased chances of cesarean delivery.
If you've had gestational diabetes in the past, your case will likely be reviewed on an individual basis. However, in many cases, this history is enough to disqualify a potential surrogate.
5. Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus begins to grow outside of it. This can lead to severe pain, inflammation, and difficulty becoming or staying pregnant.
Unfortunately, because of the potential risks associated with carrying a pregnancy to term, endometriosis is a common disqualifier for surrogacy. Even if your symptoms are manageable or have been treated in the past, the unpredictability of the condition often makes it too risky in the eyes of fertility professionals.
6. Multiple Cesarean Sections (C-Sections)
Having had a C-section doesn’t automatically disqualify someone from becoming a surrogate. In fact, many surrogates have had one successful C-section before. However, if you’ve had multiple repeat C-sections, this becomes a concern.
Each additional C-section increases the risk of uterine rupture, placenta previa, and other serious complications. If you’ve had more than two or three C-sections, most agencies will consider this a disqualifying factor due to the elevated medical risks during a surrogate pregnancy.
7. Other Health Conditions
There are a wide range of medical conditions that can also result in disqualification from the surrogacy process. These may include—but are not limited to:
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Severe mental health disorders (especially untreated or unmanaged conditions)
- High blood pressure or cardiovascular issues
- Hepatitis B or C, HIV, or certain STDs
- Uncontrolled thyroid disorders
Every potential surrogate undergoes an extensive medical screening that includes reviewing her personal and family medical history, physical exams, and blood work. If any condition is present that could jeopardize the health of the surrogate or the unborn child, the candidate is unlikely to be approved to proceed.
8. Lifestyle Factors and Medications
In addition to physical health, lifestyle factors are also evaluated. Smoking, heavy alcohol use, or the use of recreational drugs are immediate disqualifiers. Some medications, especially those used to treat mental health conditions or chronic diseases, may also be problematic.
You must be transparent during your application process about any medications you take or lifestyle habits that could affect your pregnancy. Honesty helps ensure everyone’s safety and helps you avoid heartbreak later in the process.
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy is a life-changing journey that requires more than just a willing heart—it demands physical health, emotional stability, and complete honesty. The screening process may feel rigorous, but it exists to protect all parties: the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents who have placed their hopes and dreams in someone else’s care.
If you’ve reviewed the above and found that none of the conditions apply to you, that’s a great start. However, if one or more do, don’t lose hope. In some cases—like high BMI or mild gestational diabetes—a path to surrogacy may still be possible through treatment, weight loss, or lifestyle changes. Consult with a surrogacy agency or fertility specialist to understand your specific situation better.
At Happy Future Surrogacy, we believe in transparent, ethical, and supportive surrogacy journeys. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or you're ready to start the process, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Learn more and take your first step at www.happyfuturesurrogacy.com