At Roots Surrogacy, we take the health and safety of our surrogates and intended parents very seriously. A key part of ensuring a successful and healthy surrogacy journey is the thorough medical screening process all prospective surrogates undergo before they can be approved. If you're considering becoming a surrogate, or are an intended parent curious about the requirements, this guide will walk you through the in-depth medical tests, screenings, and criteria we follow at Roots Surrogacy.

1. Comprehensive Medical History Review

The journey begins with an extensive review of the surrogate's medical history. At Roots, we look for a history of healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies. This is crucial to reduce the risks of complications during the surrogacy pregnancy. We have all pregnancy records and delivery records reviewed by a Nurse PhD to make sure there are no major complications. Your clinic will also review the surrogate’s medical records.

Basic Requirements Include:

• At least one previous healthy pregnancy and delivery with no serious complications.

• No more than five vaginal births or two C-sections.

• A BMI within the healthy range of 18-31 to ensure a lower-risk pregnancy​

2. Physical and Gynecological Exams

A complete physical and gynecological examination is a core part of the screening process. This includes an evaluation of the uterus through an ultrasound to ensure there are no abnormalities such as fibroids or scarring that could interfere with the surrogacy process. Our goal is to confirm that your reproductive system is ready and capable of carrying a baby full term​. This testing and exam is performed by the Intended Parents’ Reproductive Endocrinologist.

Tests Include:

• Pelvic exam to evaluate the uterus and cervix.

• Ultrasound (sonohystogram) to detect any abnormalities in the uterus.

3. Blood Work and Hormonal Testing

Proper hormone levels are essential for a healthy pregnancy. The clinic will conduct blood tests to measure key hormones that indicate whether the surrogate’s body is prepared for pregnancy. This also includes testing for thyroid function, as thyroid health plays a critical role in pregnancy success.

Key Hormones Tested Include:

• Estrogen and progesterone levels.

• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to gauge reproductive health.

• Thyroid hormone levels​).

4. Infectious Disease Screening

Both surrogates and their partners, if applicable, undergo comprehensive infectious disease screenings. This ensures the safety of the baby, the intended parents, and the surrogate herself.

Tests include:

• HIV/AIDS

• Hepatitis B and C

• Syphilis

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea

5. Psychological Evaluation

At Roots Surrogacy, we understand the emotional complexities of being a surrogate. That’s why every prospective surrogate undergoes a psychological screening conducted by a licensed mental health professional. This step is vital to ensure the surrogate is emotionally prepared for the surrogacy process and understands the emotional and physical challenges involved.

This screening also includes an evaluation of the surrogate’s support system and readiness to handle the emotional aspects of surrogacy

6. Lifestyle and Fitness Evaluation

A surrogate’s lifestyle plays a big role in a healthy pregnancy. We verify that our surrogates do not smoke, drink or participate in recreational drugs of any kind. We also emphasize the importance of a supportive and stable home environment. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having a supportive network are key components for a positive surrogacy journey

7. Genetic Screening

Although not always required, some intended parents may request genetic screening to rule out any potential genetic risks if the parents have known genetic factors that could negativel impact a pregnancy or embryo. This will vary depending on individual circumstances but is another way to ensure the safest possible surrogacy journey

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the age requirements to become a surrogate?
At Roots Surrogacy, we accept surrogates between the ages of 21 and 40. This age range ensures the surrogate has both the physical and emotional maturity to carry out the process safely​

Q: Can I still become a surrogate if I’ve had a C-section?
Yes, you can become a surrogate if you’ve had a C-section. However, to minimize risks, surrogates with more than two C-sections are typically not accepted

Q: Do surrogates need to take fertility medications?
Yes, part of the surrogacy process involves taking fertility medications, such as estrogen and progesterone, to help prepare the body for embryo transfer. These medications ensure that the surrogate’s uterus is ready for the pregnancy and are often prescribed in the form of self injections. Both Roots Surrogacy, as well as the clinic, will give you all the information and advice around ways to inject and tips and tricks to help.

Q: What happens if I don’t pass a medical screening?
If a medical issue is found during the screening, it may disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. However, not every medical finding results in disqualification, and each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis

Conclusion

At Roots Surrogacy, we are committed to the safety and well-being of our surrogates and the families they help. The medical screening process is designed to ensure that every surrogate is physically, emotionally, and mentally prepared for this incredible journey. By adhering to rigorous medical and psychological standards, we can ensure a successful and healthy surrogacy experience for all involved.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a surrogate with Roots Surrogacy or have additional questions, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey!