Becoming a surrogate is an incredibly selfless and rewarding journey. It’s a chance to help build a family for someone else, and it’s an experience that can deeply enrich your own life. However, it’s crucial to understand that surrogacy involves significant physical and emotional commitment.
One of the first steps in this journey is the surrogacy screening process. This may seem daunting, but it’s a vital part of ensuring a safe and healthy experience for both you and the intended parents.
Why is screening so important?
Surrogacy screening is not about judgment or disqualification. It’s a crucial step in ensuring a safe and healthy experience for everyone involved. By undergoing a thorough screening, you’re taking an important step towards helping a family achieve their dream of parenthood.
When does the screening begin?
The screening process may look a little different depending on the agency and fertility clinic, but the general steps are very similar. You will usually begin by completing an initial application where you share your health history and personal background. If everything aligns, you will move on to medical exams, lab work, a review of past pregnancy records, and a full evaluation with a fertility specialist. There is also a psychological screening to make sure you feel emotionally supported and prepared for the journey. You will then meet with the agency team to go over expectations, lifestyle considerations, and how the surrogacy journey works from start to finish.
These steps are not meant to intimidate or overwhelm you. They are in place for your safety and for the baby’s. According to the ASRM, screening guidelines are designed to help reduce potential complications and ensure that gestational carriers are physically and emotionally ready. In other words, screening is there to protect you, support the intended parents, and set everyone up for the healthiest journey possible.
What to Expect During Surrogacy Screening
Surrogacy screening typically involves a comprehensive evaluation to assess your overall health and suitability for carrying a pregnancy. This may include:
- Medical History Review: You’ll provide detailed information about your past medical history, including any previous pregnancies, surgeries, and chronic conditions.
- Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam will be conducted to assess your current health status.
- Psychological Evaluation: This crucial step helps evaluate your emotional and mental well-being. It may involve interviews, questionnaires, or other assessments to ensure you’re prepared for the emotional and psychological demands of surrogacy.
Drug and Substance Screening
Routine drug screening is included to ensure there are no substances in your system that could harm the pregnancy. This step is standard and simply confirms a safe environment for the baby’s development.In-Clinic Medical Screening
You will undergo more specific reproductive health testing at the fertility clinic. This may include hormone panels, an ultrasound to evaluate your uterus, infectious disease testing, and a general fertility assessment. These results help confirm that your body can sustain a healthy pregnancy.Background Checks
Most agencies conduct background checks to ensure a safe and responsible environment for everyone involved. This can include criminal background checks and sometimes a review of financial or legal stability. It is simply a way to confirm that the surrogate’s life circumstances are stable, secure, and supportive of the journey.
Medical Screening In Surrogacy
To make the medical evaluation as smooth as possible:
- Gather Your Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical records, including past medical records, immunization records, and recent lab results. These records will provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.
- Consult with Your Doctor: Schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss the surrogacy screening process. Ask any questions you may have, such as:
- Are there any specific tests I need to have done beforehand?
- Are there any potential risks associated with surrogacy for me?
- What are the next steps if I am approved as a surrogate?
- Consult with Your Doctor: Schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss the surrogacy screening process. Ask any questions you may have, such as:
- Prioritize a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle in the lead-up to your screening. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Psychological Evaluation in Surrogacy
The psychological evaluation is designed to assess your emotional and mental readiness for surrogacy.
- Be Open and Honest: Honesty and transparency are key during this evaluation. Your psychologist is there to understand your motivations and ensure your emotional well-being throughout the surrogacy journey.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the evaluation process. For example, you might ask:
- What kind of questions will be asked during the evaluation?
- How long will the evaluation take?
- What are the next steps after the evaluation?
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the evaluation process. For example, you might ask:
If You Are Not Approved: Why It Happens and What Comes Next
Not being approved in surrogacy screening does not mean you did anything wrong. It usually means that something in your medical history or emotional readiness signals that this journey may be difficult or unsafe for you at this time. For medical screenings, this could be related to prior pregnancy complications, certain medications, underlying health conditions, or results that suggest a higher risk during pregnancy. For psychological screenings, it may show that you need more time, support, or stability before taking on the emotional responsibilities involved in surrogacy.
If this happens, it is not a rejection of your heart or your intentions. It is a protective step. Surrogacy is a major physical and emotional commitment. The screening process is designed to safeguard your wellbeing, the baby’s health, and the emotional experience of both you and the intended parents.
Sometimes, you may simply need to address certain medical or emotional concerns before reapplying. Other times, your healthcare team may recommend exploring other ways to support families, such as egg donation, advocacy, or community support roles.
The bottom line: your willingness to help is already meaningful. Your safety and wellbeing matter just as much as the family you want to help.
Tips for a Successful Screening Experience
- Ask Questions: Throughout the entire screening process, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Choose an agency that is open and communicative and encourages you to express any concerns or questions you may have.
- Be Patient and Understanding: The screening process may take some time. Be patient and understanding as you navigate each step.
- Build a Support System: Surround yourself with a strong support system, including family, friends, and other surrogates. Connecting with other women who have gone through the surrogacy journey can provide valuable insights and emotional support.
Learn more about surrogate requirements.
Next Steps
If you are approved as a surrogate candidate, the next step typically involves matching with intended parents. This process can vary depending on the agency you choose.
Surrogacy is a deeply personal and rewarding journey. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, remember to do your research, choose a reputable agency, and prioritize your own well-being throughout the process.
Why SurrogateFirst?
At SurrogateFirst, we’re more than a matching agency—we’re your support system.
- Compassionate, personalized matching
- 24/7 access to dedicated case managers
- Legal and medical coordination
- Transparent pricing
- Emotional support for surrogates and for intended parents alike
