Surrogate Medical Requirements: Can You Qualify Based on Your Health?

Published July 30, 2021
Updated April 15, 2026

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, one of the first questions you may have is: Do I meet the medical requirements to be a surrogate?

Surrogate medical requirements are designed to ensure that your body can safely carry a pregnancy and support a healthy outcome for both you and the baby.

This guide focuses specifically on surrogate health requirements, including answers to common questions about medical conditions and eligibility.

For a full overview of other requirements, including emotional readiness and other lifestyle factors, visit our guide to surrogate requirements and qualifications.

Quick Answer: What Are the Medical Requirements to Be a Surrogate?

ThTo meet the medical requirements for surrogacy, you must:

• Have had at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy

• Be in good physical health

• Have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies

• Meet BMI guidelines set by fertility clinics

• Be free from serious medical conditions that increase pregnancy risk (more on that below)

You will also complete a medical screening with a fertility specialist to confirm your eligibility.

Why Surrogate Medical Requirements Matter

Surrogacy involves in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is more medically complex than a traditional pregnancy. For a deeper dive on what the process entails, watch the video below where Dr. Mark Leondires of Illume Fertility breaks down exactly what surrogates can expect during IVF preparation.

To support a successful pregnancy:

• Hormones must be carefully managed

• The uterine environment must be optimal

• Your medical history must be reviewed in detail

These requirements are based on established medical guidelines established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and fertility clinic standards.

Can You Be a Surrogate If You Have HPV?

Yes, in most cases, you can be a surrogate if you have HPV.

• If genital warts are present during delivery, a C-section may be recommended

• Additional documentation (such as a colposcopy) may be required

• HPV typically does not impact a healthy pregnancy

Can You Be a Surrogate After Menopause?

No, you cannot become a surrogate after menopause. Menopause signals the end of natural reproductive ability, and pregnancy after menopause carries significant medical risks.

Can You Be a Surrogate with PCOS?

In many cases, yes you can be a surrogate if you have PCOS. With gestational surrogacy, embryos are created through IVF using the intended parents’ genetic material, so ovulation usually isn’t a factor. Instead, clinics focus on your overall health: 

• At least one full-term, uncomplicated pregnancy

• Overall health and BMI

• PCOS symptom control and any medications

Can You Be a Surrogate If You Have Migraines?

Possibly. A history of migraines does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. We will carefully review your medical history;

• Frequency of your migraines and any known triggers

• Medications used and whether your migraines include aura

• Ability to tolerate Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) with no side effects

In some cases—particularly if you experience migraines with aura—we may request additional clearance from your primary care provider or neurologist to ensure you understand any potential risks associated with IVF and pregnancy.

Can You Be a Surrogate If You Have High Blood Pressure?

Generally, no—especially if it is uncontrolled.

High blood pressure can:

• Lead to complications for both you and the baby

• Increase the risk of preeclampsia

• Reduce blood flow to the placenta

Can You Be a Surrogate If You Have Had Preeclampsia

Possibly. We would need to review your medical records to understand your diagnosis and how it presented. In some cases, if preeclampsia occurred without severe features and there were no significant complications, it may still be possible to move forward.

Because every pregnancy history is different, eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis after a full medical review.

Can You Be a Surrogate After a C-Section?

Yes, many women can become a surrogate after a C-section.

Your medical history will be reviewed to determine:

• Overall pregnancy outcomes

• Number of prior C-sections

• Any complications

Can You Be a Surrogate If Your Tubes Are Tied?

Yes, you can be a surrogate if your tubes are tied (tubal ligation).  

In gestational surrogacy, the egg comes from either the intended mother or an egg donor, meaning your ovaries and fallopian tubes are not involved in the process at all.

Because gestational surrogacy uses IVF:

• An embryo is created outside the body

• An embryo is transferred directly into your uterus

• Your fallopian tubes are not involved

This means a tubal ligation does not impact your ability to carry a pregnancy as a surrogate. In fact, it can be a positive indicator—you have demonstrated fertility and are likely finished building your own family, both of which are important qualities for a gestational carrier. Additionally, and importantly, it significantly reduces the likelihood of becoming pregnant naturally before the embryo transfer.

Can You Be A Surrogate If You Have Endometriosis?

Yes—in some cases, you can be a surrogate with endometriosis, but it depends on severity and how well it’s managed.

What clinics typically evaluate:

• Severity of endometriosis (mild, moderate, or severe)

• Whether it affects the uterus or causes significant scarring

• Your overall reproductive health and past pregnancy history

Can You Be A Surrogate if You Had Cholestasis?

A history of cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) does not automatically disqualify you from being a surrogate, but it is considered a significant risk factor and reviewed closely.

Clinics and agencies will evaluate:

• Severity and timing of ICP

• Any complications for you or the baby

• Your overall pregnancy history and outcomes

Can You Be A Surrogate If You Have HIV?

No. Individuals who are HIV-positive are not eligible to become surrogates, as HIV can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or delivery.

What Medical Conditions May Prevent You from Being a Surrogate?

Some medical conditions may make surrogacy unsafe due to increased risk.

These may include:

• Serious cardiac or reproductive conditions

• A history of severe pregnancy complications, such as severe preeclampsia, gestational diabetes  or cholestasis

• Uncontrolled chronic conditions, including thyroid disease or Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

• Certain autoimmune or infectious diseases

• Prior uterine ablation, which can damage the uterine lining, reduce implantation success, and increase the risk of miscarriage

However, many situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

For a broader look at eligibility barriers, visit what disqualifies you from being a surrogate.

Not Sure If You Meet the Medical Requirements?

If you’re unsure whether you meet surrogate medical requirements, the best next step is to apply and speak with a specialist. Many women qualify even if they initially have concerns about their medical history.

In the video below, Dr. Tomer Singer, a fertility expert at Shady Grove Fertility in New York, shares the qualities and medical criteria he prioritizes when working with gestational carriers through ConceiveAbilities.

Learn More About Surrogate Requirements

Medical eligibility is just one part of the process.

If you’re looking for more information about eligibility, refer to our full guide to surrogate requirements and qualifications. If you’re ready to speak with a surrogate expert, apply using the link below!