Can I Be a Surrogate If I’ve Had a C-Section? What to Know About Eligibility and Safety
Becoming a surrogate is a generous act that changes lives, giving hopeful parents the chance to grow their families. If you’re considering this path, you may be wondering what the requirements are and whether you qualify. Surrogacy agencies and clinics follow important guidelines to ensure that every surrogate is physically and emotionally prepared for the journey. One key requirement is having at least one prior healthy pregnancy. Even if you’ve had a C-section, you may still be eligible to become a surrogate.
Common Surrogate Requirements and Why They Matter
Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics perform thorough screenings of all applicants before they can become surrogates. While criteria may vary slightly by agency or clinic, most women must meet the following surrogate qualifications:
- Be between 21 and 40 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a non-smoker in excellent health
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Have had at least one child whom they are currently raising
- Have had all prior births at 36 weeks or later without complications
- Not receiving state or federal financial aid
Potential surrogates must also attend multiple interviews with staff, receive psychological clearance, provide all official medical records from previous pregnancies (along with a current Pap smear), and submit to a complete background investigation. Although no pregnancy can be guaranteed to go perfectly, these guidelines offer surrogates the best chances for a successful and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
A Prior C-Section and Surrogacy
Many women who have had a C-section wonder if it will prevent them from becoming a surrogate. The good news is that most women with one or even two prior C-sections are still eligible, as the procedure itself doesn’t usually impact the ability to carry a healthy pregnancy. What matters most is the condition of the uterus and overall reproductive health. That being said, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM’s gestational surrogacy guidelines) state that the carrier should not have had more than a total of five previous deliveries or three deliveries via cesarean section.
Agencies typically set guidelines based on the ASRM recommendations to ensure safety for both the surrogate and the baby. While a single C-section is rarely a concern, most programs limit surrogates to no more than two or three. This is because multiple C-sections can increase the risks of complications such as uterine rupture, scar tissue, or placental issues in future pregnancies. For this reason, medical records from all past pregnancies and deliveries are carefully reviewed before approval.
Another key factor is recovery time. Since a C-section is major abdominal surgery, most doctors recommend waiting at least six months to a year before becoming pregnant again, including for surrogacy. This allows the body to fully heal, reducing the risk of complications in the next pregnancy.
If you’ve had a prior C-section and are considering surrogacy, the best next step is to talk with your OB-GYN. With their clearance, many women go on to have safe and successful surrogate pregnancies following a C-section.
Learn More About Surrogate Requirements
Surrogacy is an enriching, transformative journey for both surrogates and intended parents. If you're interested in becoming a surrogate but are unsure if you meet the necessary qualifications, West Coast Surrogacy is here to help. We can walk you through each step of the process and review your medical history to ensure that you can safely carry and deliver a baby, even after having a C-section. Contact us today to learn more or apply here.
