TLDR
Start here to become a surrogate with Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute EDSI. Learn requirements, step by step process, legal parentage, compensation, and how EDSI matches you with intended parents nationwide while covering required travel.
Table of Contents
Becoming a surrogate The complete guide to surrogate requirements and the surrogacy process
Quick answers to common questions
Surrogate requirements explained with the why
The surrogacy process from hello to delivery
Health and lifestyle questions women ask most
Surrogate safety and the legal map in plain language
Becoming a surrogate The complete guide to surrogate requirements and the surrogacy process
Who this guide is for
You want clear facts and real support. This guide shows who qualifies, how the surrogacy process works, and how EDSI cares for you at every step.
- A qualified surrogate is a healthy woman with at least one full term birth who passes psychological screening and medical screening and lives in a supportive home.
- Common disqualifiers include out of range BMI, major pregnancy complications, current nicotine use, active substance use, or living in a state that does not support compensated surrogacy.
- Many journeys move from application to embryo transfer within eight to sixteen weeks.
- Your coordinator reviews your health plan and arranges coverage if needed. The agreement explains who pays for each item.
- You can request a singleton only plan. Your agreement and clinic plan will reflect that choice.
Requirements table
| Requirement | Typical standard | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 21 through 40 | Supports healthy pregnancy outcomes |
| Prior birth | At least one full term birth | Confirms proven fertility and safer planning |
| Cesarean history | Often up to 2 or 3 with healthy recovery | Protects uterine health |
| BMI | Clinic friendly range near the low 30s | Improves transfer success and prenatal outcomes |
| Lifestyle | No nicotine or drug use with stable support | Lowers risk and improves adherence |
| Location | Live in a surrogate friendly state | Enables a clear parentage order |
| Screening | Psychological screening and medical screening | Confirms readiness and safety |
Surrogate requirements explained with the why
Age requirement
Programs look for age 21 through 40. This range supports lower risk and higher success.
Prior birth requirement
A previous full term birth shows your body can carry safely. It also helps doctors plan prenatal care.
Cesarean limit and birth history
Many clinics accept 2 or 3 cesarean deliveries with healthy recovery. The limit protects uterine health in a future pregnancy.
BMI requirement
A clinic friendly BMI supports embryo transfer success and healthy outcomes. Many programs set a threshold near the low 30s.
Health and medication review
Medical screening checks lab results, a physical, and birth records. Some clinics prefer a pause from certain medications before cycling.
Lifestyle and support system
No nicotine and no drug use. A steady home and a reliable support system help through appointments and milestones.
Spacing after your most recent birth
Many clinics ask for about six months after a vaginal delivery and about one year after a cesarean before medications begin.
Location and legal fit
Live in a surrogate friendly state with a clear parentage order. State rules affect timing and legal wording.
Financial stability
Reasonable stability helps the journey feel steady at home. Compensation is real and transparent, and motivation still matters.
The surrogacy process from hello to delivery
Step one – Application and prescreening
You submit your application and a coordinator reviews your information and schedules a call. The team also requests and reviews medical records from your previous pregnancies. That records process typically takes two to four weeks.
Note: You must have a recent Pap smear and OB clearance.
Step two – Psychological screening
You meet with a licensed professional. Many complete this in one to two weeks.
Step three – Medical screening
Labs, records, ultrasound, and a physical confirm readiness. Most finish in two to four weeks.
Step four – Matching with intended parents
You meet a family who fits your values. Many matches form in one to four weeks.
Step five – Legal agreement
Independent attorneys finalize terms and a plan for a parentage order. Many reviews close in three to six weeks.
Step six – Medications and embryo transfer timeline
You follow a clinic calendar and prepare for transfer. This step often runs four to six weeks.
Step seven – Pregnancy care and early ultrasounds
The clinic follows early care, then you move to your own obstetrician.
Step eight – Delivery plan and aftercare
Your plan covers delivery room details and optional pumping. You recover with steady support.
Health and lifestyle questions women ask most
Most programs require at least one prior birth.
Programs review medication history. Some clinics ask for a look back period without certain medications.
Many clinics accept two or three with healthy recovery.
You can apply for prescreening right away. Clinics often want the spacing noted above before medications begin.
Some programs prefer it. Others are flexible. A strong support system matters most.
Yes. Embryos are placed in the uterus. Tubal ligation does not prevent transfer.
Pumping is optional and appears in your agreement and birth plan.
Clinic policy and medical history guide this choice. Many journeys plan for a single embryo transfer.
Surrogate safety and the legal map in plain language
Programs follow professional guidance. The legal path includes a parentage order. Some states use a pre birth order. Some use a post birth order. Your attorney confirms the correct path and timeline. EDSI works with a trusted network of reproductive attorneys who prepare your agreement and coordinate court filings.
Surrogate compensation and support
Compensation includes base pay and benefits. Common benefits include paid travel, childcare during appointments, maternity clothing, life insurance, and support for any needed work leave. Experienced carriers and certain journey factors can raise total compensation.
Surrogate compensation and support
You deserve expert guidance and real care. Start with a short application. Ask every question you have. If you meet surrogate requirements today, we move you into the process with clarity and support.
Become A SurrogateFAQ
A healthy woman with at least one full term birth who passes psychological and medical screening and lives in a supportive home.
Out of range BMI, major pregnancy complications, current nicotine use, active substance use, or living in a state that does not support compensated surrogacy.
Many journeys move from application to embryo transfer within eight to sixteen weeks.
Pumping is optional and is set in the legal agreement and the birth plan.
Yes. Your legal agreement and your clinic plan can state a single embryo transfer.
