Becoming a surrogate is a noble gesture that brings immense joy to those dreaming of starting a family. However, the path to becoming a surrogate is paved with rigorous health assessments to ensure the safety and well-being of both the surrogate and the baby.
Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics take a thorough approach to evaluating potential surrogates’ medical histories to flag any conditions that might complicate the surrogacy journey. Let’s delve deeper into the health conditions that could influence a woman’s eligibility to become a gestational surrogate.
Medical Conditions Affecting Surrogacy Eligibility
The process of surrogacy is delicate, requiring both the surrogate and the baby to be in optimal health. The following conditions are critically assessed for their potential impact on surrogacy eligibility:
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, poses significant risks during pregnancy. It can lead to serious conditions like preterm labor, where the baby is born too early, and preeclampsia, a complex condition that can endanger both the surrogate and the baby. Managing blood pressure is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, with surrogacy agencies requiring potential surrogates to have their blood pressure within a normal range before proceeding.
History of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when a pregnant woman, who didn’t have diabetes before, develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. If a potential surrogate has had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, especially if it required medication or insulin, this could increase the risk of complications in surrogate pregnancies.Â
These complications can range from the need for Cesarean deliveries (C-sections) to giving birth to a baby with a high birth weight, which could lead to difficulties during delivery and health issues for the baby.
Blood Clotting Disorders
Conditions that affect blood clotting or blood vessels can lead to severe complications during pregnancy, including the need for blood transfusions. These disorders can significantly increase the risk of a high-risk pregnancy, necessitating careful monitoring and management to prevent issues like blood clots, which can be dangerous for both the surrogate and the baby.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, can have a profound impact on a pregnancy. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, it can make carrying a pregnancy to term more challenging and increase the likelihood of a high-risk pregnancy. Surrogacy agencies thoroughly assess the condition and its management before approving a surrogate candidate.
Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism, and its dysfunction can lead to a range of pregnancy complications. Uncontrolled thyroid disorders, whether hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can result in premature birth, preterm labor, and even neural tube defects in the baby—a category of birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Obesity
A Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly above the normal range can lead to complications such as gestational hypertension and diabetes. Obesity also increases the likelihood of needing a C-section, which comes with its own set of risks and a longer recovery period. Surrogacy programs often have BMI cutoffs to minimize these risks.
Kidney or Heart Diseases
Chronic kidney or heart diseases can elevate the risk of complications during pregnancy, impacting blood pressure, and the overall health of the surrogate. Conditions such as chronic hypertension or heart disease necessitate close medical care and may disqualify a potential surrogate based on the severity and manageability of the condition.
The Role of Surrogacy Agencies in Ensuring Health and Safety
Surrogacy agencies play a pivotal role in facilitating a successful surrogacy journey. Their support extends beyond matching surrogates with intended parents; they ensure that surrogates meet the strict requirements necessary for a safe pregnancy. This includes:
Conducting Comprehensive Health Screenings
Surrogacy agencies require potential surrogates to undergo detailed health screenings. These screenings assess overall physical health, fertility, and psychological well-being. Blood tests, physical exams, and mental health assessments are standard procedures to identify any health concerns that could affect the pregnancy.
Providing Ongoing Support and Education
Surrogacy agencies offer continuous support and education to surrogates throughout the pregnancy. This includes nutritional advice, supplements like folic acid to prevent birth defects, and guidelines on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Agencies also facilitate access to healthcare professionals who monitor the surrogate’s health, ensuring any issues like elevated blood pressure or gestational diabetes are managed effectively.
The Importance of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is indispensable in the surrogacy process, serving as the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy. Regular check-ups and monitoring allow healthcare professionals to track the pregnancy’s progress and swiftly address any complications. Key aspects of prenatal care include:
- Routine Medical Check-ups: These appointments allow doctors to monitor the health of the surrogate and the developing baby, ensuring that any potential risks, such as chromosomal abnormalities or changes in the baby’s birth weight, are identified early.
- Ultrasounds and Blood Tests: Ultrasounds provide crucial information about the baby’s development and help in detecting any possible birth defects. Blood tests screen for conditions that could affect the baby or the surrogate, such as gestational diabetes or blood clotting disorders.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Healthcare professionals offer guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. This includes nutritional counseling, advice on physical activity, and strategies for managing stress. Prenatal care teams also emphasize the importance of avoiding substances that could harm the pregnancy, ensuring both the surrogate and the baby remain healthy.
- Educating on Pregnancy Milestones: Surrogacy agencies and healthcare teams educate surrogates about the key milestones and stages of pregnancy. Understanding what to expect during each trimester, including the normal physical and emotional changes, helps surrogates navigate their pregnancies more confidently.
Make a Difference, Become a Surrogate or Egg Donor Today
Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a life-changing decision that brings immense joy and fulfillment not just to you but also to those dreaming of becoming parents. Southern California Surrogacy is dedicated to guiding you through every step of this rewarding journey.Â
If you have a heart for giving and meet the health requirements, we invite you to join our surrogacy community. Whether you’re considering becoming a surrogate or an egg donor, your contribution can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Fill out our surrogate form today and take the first step towards an incredibly rewarding experience. Let’s bring dreams to life, together!
