What You Need to Know
Surrogate Requirements
& Disqualifications
If you’ve found your way to this page, chances are you’re asking yourself one simple question: Do I qualify to become a surrogate? We want to answer that clearly and honestly, without making you dig for it.
Every surrogate mother requirement on this page exists for a reason: to protect you, to protect the baby you’d be carrying, and to protect the intended parents who are trusting you with one of the most important journeys of their lives. At Newborn Advantage Surrogacy, we take screening seriously, not to check boxes, but because we care about every person involved in this process.
Below, you’ll find what it takes to qualify, what might disqualify you, and how our surrogate screening process actually works, so you know exactly how to become a surrogate with us. And if you have a question we haven’t answered here, reach out! We’d love to talk it through with you.
Quick-Qualify Overview
| Requirement | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–40 |
| Pregnancy history | One uncomplicated, full-term pregnancy and currently raising that child |
| BMI | 19–30 |
| Smoking/ nicotine | Non-smoker, nicotine-free, and drug-free household |
| Financial stability | Able to support yourself financially, independent of surrogacy compensation |
| Health | Physically and mentally healthy; no prescription medications or SSRIs; able to pass medical and psychological screening |
Every case is a little different: this table is a starting point, not the final word.
If something on this list gives you pause, keep reading, or reach out to us directly.
Basic Requirements
to Become a Surrogate
There are a few core qualifications to be a surrogate. Here’s what they are, and just as important, why they’re in place. (In clinical and legal contexts, you may also see these referred to as gestational carrier requirements.)
Some of these standards are set by individual fertility clinics and can vary case by case. If you’re not sure where you land, we’re always happy to talk through your specific situation; one conversation is often all it takes to find out.
Age
Most surrogates are between 21 and 40 years old. This surrogate age requirement range reflects what’s generally considered safest for both the surrogate and the pregnancy, based on guidance from fertility clinics and medical best practice.
One uncomplicated, full-term pregnancy and currently raising that child
We ask that every surrogate has already carried and delivered at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy, and that she is currently raising the child from that pregnancy. This isn’t a formality. It confirms that your body has carried a pregnancy safely to term and delivered safely, with a healthy outcome for you and your baby. It’s proof that your body has done this successfully once already.
BMI
Our surrogate BMI requirements generally call for a BMI between 19 and 30, though this can vary slightly depending on the fertility clinic overseeing the medical side of the match. This isn’t a judgment about your body; it’s a medical screening standard tied to pregnancy safety.
Non-smoker and nicotine-free
We ask that surrogates do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or recreational drugs, including no history of drug use during a previous pregnancy, and that others in the household are nicotine-free as well. This protects both the surrogate and the pregnancy from unnecessary risk.
Financial stability
We understand that earning additional income is one of the reasons many women consider surrogacy, and that’s completely valid. At the same time, we ask that surrogates be able to support themselves and their families independent of surrogacy compensation, and are not currently receiving food-stamp assistance. Other forms of assistance, like Medicaid, aren’t automatically disqualifying; every situation is different, so if you have questions about where you stand, we’re happy to talk it through.
No disqualifying criminal history
A background check is a standard part of our process for every surrogate candidate, as well as her spouse or live-in partner.
Physical and mental health
Every candidate must pass a medical screening and psychological evaluation conducted by professionals connected to the intended parents’ fertility clinic. Candidates should not currently be taking SSRIs or similar prescription medications. If you’ve taken these in the past, we’d love to hear more about your situation; just reach out, and we can talk it through.
What Disqualifies You
From Being a Surrogate?
If you’re reading this section nervously, take a breath. A lot of women land here worried they won’t qualify, and many are pleasantly surprised. These standards exist for everyone’s well-being, including yours. Here’s a closer look at common surrogate disqualifications and what typically stands in the way of moving forward:
- No prior full-term pregnancy, or never having given birth
- A BMI outside the acceptable range, generally below 19 or above 30
- Active smoking or nicotine use, or nicotine exposure in the household
- Currently receiving food-stamp assistance (other government assistance, such as Medicaid, isn’t automatically disqualifying)
- Serious, untreated mental health conditions, as identified through psychological screening
- Certain chronic health conditions or medications that aren’t compatible with a safe pregnancy
- A history of significant pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia or placental abruption
- A criminal background involving violent offenses or drug-related convictions, for the surrogate or her spouse/ partner
- Illicit substance use or a recent history of substance dependency
A quick note on C-sections: having had a C-section does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. Generally, up to two prior C-sections are acceptable, though this is evaluated individually with your medical team.
A quick note on antidepressants: recent antidepressant use, within the past 6–12 months, isn’t an automatic disqualifier. It’s reviewed on a case-by-case basis as part of your overall health evaluation.
Not sure whether something in your history qualifies or disqualifies you?
Reach out to our team; we’re happy to have a straightforward, judgment-free conversation and answer your questions personally.
Your Journey
How Newborn Advantage
Screens Surrogate Candidates
Our surrogate screening process is thorough because both surrogates and intended parents deserve that thoroughness. Here’s what it actually looks like, step by step.
1
Initial application
You’ll complete an application to start the process. Every single application is reviewed personally by our team; nothing gets filtered through automation alone.
2
Agency interview
Next, you’ll have a personal conversation with our team. Think of it less as an interrogation and more as a real conversation. We want to understand who you are, what’s motivating you, and what support system you have around you. Around this time, we’ll also start working with you to gather your medical records from past pregnancies, which our internal nurse reviews as part of your file.
3
Background check
A standard background screening is completed for every surrogate candidate and her partner.
4
Psychological evaluation
Conducted by an independent, licensed mental health professional, this evaluation looks at emotional readiness, support systems, and your understanding of what surrogacy involves.
5
Matching preferences
Once you’ve cleared the steps above, we’ll work with you to understand what you’re looking for in an intended parent relationship, so we can find a match that feels right for you.
6
Medical evaluation
Once you’re matched, the intended parents’ reproductive endocrinologist reviews your overall health, reproductive history, and medical suitability.
What Surrogates Receive
Compensation
& Comprehensive Support
Choosing to carry for another family is an extraordinary act, and one of the biggest benefits of becoming a surrogate is knowing you’re fully supported, financially and personally, throughout the entire journey. That surrogate support includes:
- Base compensation for both first-time and experienced surrogates
- A monthly allowance for day-to-day costs, like local travel to appointments and other small recurring expenses, so you’re not stuck submitting receipts along the way
- A separate maternity clothing allowance
- Coverage for long-distance travel required for medical clearance, embryo transfer, and other appointments tied to the surrogacy arrangement
- Life insurance coordination
- An insurance plan confirmed to cover surrogacy
- Dedicated agency support: because we’re boutique, you’re never calling a 1-800 number. You’re talking to a team that knows your name, and someone is always available.
Curious about surrogate pay specifics? Visit our Surrogate Compensation page for a closer look.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Surrogate Requirements
Can I be a surrogate if I had a C-section?
Yes, in most cases. A prior C-section doesn’t automatically disqualify you; generally, up to two are acceptable. Your medical team will evaluate your specific history as part of the screening process.
Do I have to be married to become a surrogate?
Marriage isn’t one of the core requirements on this page. If you have a spouse or live-in partner, they’ll simply be included in the standard background screening. Reach out and we’ll walk through your specific situation.
Can I be a surrogate if I’ve had a tubal ligation?
Often, yes. Because embryos are transferred directly to the uterus, a tubal ligation doesn’t usually stand in the way of carrying a surrogacy pregnancy. The fertility clinic will confirm your individual suitability during medical screening.
What BMI do I need to be a surrogate?
Our surrogate BMI requirements generally call for a BMI between 19 and 30, though this can vary slightly depending on the fertility clinic overseeing the medical side of your match.
Does my age disqualify me from being a surrogate?
Most surrogates fall between 21 and 40 years old. If you’re just outside that range, reach out to us directly; we’re happy to talk through your individual situation.
Can I be a surrogate if I take antidepressants?
Recent antidepressant use, within the past 6–12 months, isn’t an automatic disqualifier. It’s reviewed on a case-by-case basis as part of your overall health evaluation.
Does my husband or partner need a background check?
Yes. A background check is a standard part of our process for every surrogate candidate, as well as her spouse or live-in partner.
Can I still be a surrogate if I’m on Medicaid?
Being on Medicaid isn’t automatically disqualifying. We do ask that surrogates can support themselves independent of surrogacy compensation and aren’t currently receiving food-stamp assistance; every situation is different, so reach out and we’ll talk it through.
Ready to Find Out If You Qualify? Let’s Talk.
Reading through a list of requirements can feel a little intimidating, and that’s okay. There’s no need to have every answer figured out before you reach out.
Newborn Advantage Surrogacy is a boutique, mother-daughter-run team, and we mean it when we say we’re genuinely invested in every woman who considers this path. Whenever you’re ready, take the next step at your own pace.