Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Becoming a Surrogate

Becoming a surrogate is a deeply meaningful journey, one that gives intended parents the gift of family while offering you the chance to make a lasting impact. With such an important decision, it’s natural to have questions. At Road To Baby, we believe clarity and compassion go hand in hand. That’s why we’ve put together the top 10 questions every prospective surrogate should ask, along with how our qualifications help guide the process.

Question One: What are the age requirements?

Why it matters: Age plays a key role in pregnancy health. Younger women may not yet have the life experience or financial stability needed, while older women may face higher risks of complications. The goal is to find the safest window for both surrogate and baby. Our requirement: Surrogates must be between the ages of 21 and 38.

Question Two: Do I need to be “in perfect health,” and what health metrics are evaluated?

Why it matters: You don’t need to be a fitness model to become a surrogate, but overall good health is important. A healthy body increases the chances of a safe pregnancy, smooth delivery, and positive outcome for everyone involved. Factors like BMI, smoking, and substance use can impact fertility treatments and pregnancy success.

Our requirements:

• Be a healthy female with regular menstrual cycles.
• Have a BMI below 32.
• Be a non-smoker and non-drug user. Drug tests are part of the process.

Question Three: What prior pregnancy or delivery experience is required?

Why it matters: Having carried and delivered a baby before shows that your body has already gone through pregnancy successfully. This history provides reassurance for intended parents and fertility clinics, and it reduces medical risk during surrogacy.

Our requirement: At least one successful, live birth with no major complications. No more than one C-section.

Question Four: Are mental health factors considered?

Why it matters: Surrogacy is a beautiful journey, but it comes with emotional ups and downs. Mental health plays a huge role in ensuring surrogates feel supported and resilient throughout the process.

Clinics want to know you can navigate the emotional side of surrogacy with stability and support.

Our requirement:

• No current use of medications for mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
• No history of certain diagnoses such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or other specified mental illnesses.
• A psychological screening is included to ensure you’re emotionally prepared.

Question Five: What about legal or citizenship status?

Why it matters: Surrogacy involves contracts, insurance, and legal protections for everyone involved. To ensure a smooth and legally secure journey, clear residency or citizenship status is required.

Our requirement: Surrogates must be U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens, or have valid U.S. Permanent Resident status.

Question Six: Is financial stability important?

Why it matters: Surrogacy takes time and commitment. Appointments, screenings, and recovery all require flexibility. When you’re financially stable, you’re able to focus on your health and the intended parents’ journey without added stress.

Our requirement: Surrogates should be financially responsible, stable individuals with strong communication skills to keep the process running smoothly.

Question Seven: What lifestyle or behavior restrictions are there?

Why it matters: Lifestyle choices directly affect pregnancy outcomes. Things like smoking, drug use, and certain medications may increase risks for the baby or interfere with fertility treatments. Agencies and clinics prioritize habits that create the healthiest environment possible.

Our requirement: Be a non-smoker and non-drug user. Drug tests are required. Avoid certain medications, especially for mental health, which may disqualify an applicant.

Question Eight: Are there restrictions on prior medical or surgical history such as C-section?

Why it matters: Surgeries like C-sections can affect the uterus and how future pregnancies progress. Too many prior surgeries or complicated births may increase the risk of complications during surrogacy.

Our requirement:

• No more than one prior C-section.
• No history of major complications during pregnancy or delivery.

Question Nine: What about current birth control methods or breastfeeding?

Why it matters: Hormonal birth control, IUDs, and breastfeeding can interfere with fertility treatments or embryo transfers. Agencies and clinics need to ensure your body is ready before beginning the process.

Our clarification: Matching may be delayed if you are currently breastfeeding or using certain forms of birth control such as IUD or shots. These do not automatically disqualify you. You can still apply and move forward once your body is ready.

Question Ten: What is the screening and application process like?

Why it matters: Understanding the steps in advance helps you feel prepared and confident. The process is designed to protect you, the baby, and the intended parents.

Road To Baby’s process includes:

• Filling out an application or intake form.
• Medical screening including health, BMI, and pregnancy history.
• Psychological evaluation to ensure emotional readiness.
• Verification of citizenship or residency.
• Drug testing.
• Review of lifestyle, communication skills, and financial stability.

Final Thoughts and Tips: Be honest with yourself. If you have questions about BMI, health history, or medications, it’s better to clarify early rather than be surprised later in the process.

Talk with your provider. If you’ve had past complications or mental health concerns, consult your doctor or counselor. They can guide you on whether surrogacy is a safe option.

Reach out to us directly. At Road To Baby, we approach every application with compassion and understanding. Sometimes small details can be worked through with the right resources and support. Interested in Becoming a Surrogate?

If you feel called to give the gift of life, we’d love to walk this journey with you. Apply today through our surrogate application or schedule a free consultation with one of our surrogacy specialists. No pressure, just information and support every step of the way.