Surrogacy Agencies in Florida
Requirements to be a Surrogate in Florida
Interested in becoming a surrogate in Florida? Wondering about surrogate mother requirements? Even if you don’t currently meet the requirements to be a surrogate, there’s a chance you could eventually qualify with corrective action. Reach out to a surrogacy agency for specific information and support on your journey.
Three Main Qualifications for a Surrogate in Florida
Although qualifications vary from agency to agency, many follow the general guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Surrogacy agencies establish qualification requirements to ensure the success of surrogates and safeguard their well-being. By doing so, surrogates are protected from unnecessary risks and potential harm.
Physical Requirements to be a Surrogate in Florida
Pregnancy inherently involves certain health risks. For instance, one might wonder about the age limit for being a surrogate mother. The physical well-being of a surrogate plays a significant role in determining their ability to successfully carry a baby to full term. By prioritizing your physical health, surrogacy agencies ensure the well-being of both you and the intended families. It would be unethical for a surrogacy agency to encourage a surrogate to take unnecessary risks.
Although surrogate requirements vary from agency to agency, there are some general basic health requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old and younger than 40
- Have a healthy BMI, as determined by your doctor
- Have carried at least one pregnancy successfully to term
- No major complications in your previous pregnancies
- Be off antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication for 12 months
- Have no new tattoos or piercings within 12 months of starting the process
If you meet these general requirements, you may be an excellent fit as a surrogate. Even if you don’t meet these requirements, you should still reach out to a surrogacy agency – they may be able to make a case-by-case basis qualification or be able to work with you once you finally meet the physical requirements.
Can You Be a Surrogate If You Had Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy and results in high blood sugar levels. It can increase the risk of certain complications, such as preterm birth, macrosomia (large birth weight), and preeclampsia. Managing gestational diabetes effectively can lead to a healthy pregnancy and baby. As for surrogacy, while it’s generally preferred for surrogates to not have a history of gestational diabetes, each surrogacy agency has its own policies. Some agencies may consider potential surrogates with a history of gestational diabetes on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the severity of the condition and the success of past pregnancies.
Can I Be a Surrogate with Herpes?
Genital herpes is a highly contagious virus that can pose concerns in surrogacy situations. If the surrogate mother experiences an active outbreak during labor, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to the baby, which can lead to severe complications. However, this risk can be effectively managed. Antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir or Valacyclovir, are commonly used to suppress the virus, prevent outbreaks, and minimize the risk of transmission. These medications have been proven safe for use during pregnancy. While herpes generally does not impede a woman’s ability to be a surrogate, it is crucial to carefully manage the condition throughout the entire process.
Other Health Considerations for Surrogacy in Florida
You may wonder if you qualify for surrogacy if you have conditions like STIs (e.g. herpes) or if you have gestational diabetes. To answer these questions, it is best to reach out to a surrogacy agency like American Surrogacies.
Psychological Qualifications for Surrogacy in Florida
In addition to meeting the necessary medical qualifications to become a surrogate, surrogates in Florida must also fulfill specific psychological requirements. These requirements are designed to safeguard surrogates from excessive stress or risks. It is crucial that surrogates possess the emotional resilience necessary to navigate the mental challenges associated with pregnancy.
This part of the screening involves an emotional and psychological evaluation of the potential surrogate.
Surrogacy involves committing to a working relationship with the intended parents and surrogacy agency for potentially over a year. Throughout the process, attending multiple doctor’s appointments is necessary. Being a surrogate is akin to a full-time job, so it is crucial to be prepared for the additional responsibilities that surrogacy entails.
Pregnancy adds hormonal and physical changes on top of one’s everyday obligations. Surrogacy also carries the possibility of developing an emotional connection to the baby being carried. While it is normal to have mixed feelings about the pregnancy, it is essential to have healthy coping mechanisms for these emotions.
The purpose of psychological requirements for being a surrogate is to ensure that surrogates are capable of handling the emotional demands of pregnancy, particularly in the context of surrogacy. This safeguards potential surrogates from excessive stress and ensures their long-term well-being even after the pregnancy is over.
Screening Qualifications to Become a Surrogate Mother
During this phase of the screening process, many surrogacy agencies conduct in-home visits to gain a deeper understanding of prospective surrogates. A home study professional will visit your residence, evaluating your suitability for surrogacy. Additionally, surrogacy agencies perform federal and state background checks to ensure that surrogates have no prior felonies and meet the agency’s specified background standards. This meticulous selection process is crucial, given the importance and significance of surrogacy. It aims to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved.
Next Steps in The Surrogacy Process
After you pass the screening process for surrogacy, you’ll start developing your profile as a surrogate for intended parents to browse. This profile will allow intended parents to find and match with you. Once you’re matched with an intended family, the rest of the process begins. If you think you may qualify for surrogacy or want clarification, reach out to a surrogacy agency for more information.
Ready to get started? Contact a surrogacy agency now to get free information.