Surrogate Medical Screening: What You Need to Know

Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing decision that involves more than carrying a child. It’s about embracing the responsibilities and joys that come with helping a family grow, and ensuring you’re fully prepared for every step of the journey.

Surrogate medical screening ensures the health of the surrogate and helps create optimal conditions for the baby by addressing potential risks early.

Why do Prospective Surrogates Undergo Screening?

Medical screening is a thorough evaluation to confirm that a potential gestational surrogate is physically and emotionally ready to carry a pregnancy. It is guided by standards from the FDA, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), certified Reproductive Endocrinologists, and top fertility clinics. The process involves steps to assess physical, mental, and reproductive health, as well as the surrogate’s support network and daily habits.

Steps in the Surrogate Screening Process

The screening process includes reviewing your medical history, checking your physical and emotional health, and ensuring you have the right support system. Each step helps confirm that you’re ready for the journey and prepared for what lies ahead.

1. Initial Application and Background Check

The surrogacy journey begins with an initial surrogate application, where prospective surrogates provide detailed information about their medical history, lifestyle, and previous pregnancies. This application and review of health history helps determine if a woman meets ASRM's standards and eligibility requirements for surrogacy.

A comprehensive background check ensures the surrogate can provide a safe and stable environment for the baby. For many women, completing this application is the first step in their surrogacy journey.

2. Review of Medical History

Medical professionals carefully review the medical records of prospective surrogates, focusing on past pregnancies and deliveries. This evaluation identifies potential risks or complications that may arise during the surrogacy journey and ensures the surrogate is physically prepared for a surrogate pregnancy.

Physical Examination & Uterine Evaluation

Gestational carriers undergo a physical exam conducted by a fertility specialist. This physical includes, but is not limited to, a pelvic exam such as a saline infusion sonohysterogram (SHG or SIS), a pap smear, and a general physical exam to confirm reproductive health. Additional evaluations may assess readiness for the embryo transfer process.

A saline infusion sonogram or hysteroscopy is performed to assess uterine health and identify potential abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps, that could affect embryo implantation or pregnancy. This evaluation ensures the uterus is physically ready for the embryo transfer process.

4. Laboratory Testing

Prospective surrogates undergo extensive infectious and communicable disease testing as required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These blood tests screen for syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HIV, Varicella, Rubella, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Additional blood tests, such as a preconception and obstetrical panel, evaluate the surrogate candidate's readiness to carry a pregnancy by assessing overall health markers, including a complete blood count (CBC) and a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). These tests ensure the surrogate is in optimal health to carry a pregnancy to term.

5. Drug Testing

A surrogate candidate is required to undergo a comprehensive drug screening, which can be performed through urine or blood testing. The screening tests for the following substances:

• Opioids (OPI) (e.g., heroin, morphine, codeine)
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Barbiturates (BAR) (e.g., phenobarbital)
• Benzodiazepines (BZO) (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)
• Cocaine (COC)
• Amphetamines (AMP) and Methamphetamines (mAMP)
• Cannabis (THC)

In addition, Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) is used to screen for synthetic street drugs, including ecstasy and similar substances that could pose risks during pregnancy.

These screenings help identify any potential health concerns, ensuring surrogacy candidates are fully prepared to proceed safely and successfully.

6. Psychological Evaluation

The mental and emotional health of the surrogate matters deeply. A psychologist will meet with you to discuss your readiness for the process. These conversations cover your motivations, any challenges you might face, and the support you have around you. Surrogate psychological screening helps ensure you’re ready for the journey ahead.

Why is Psych Screening Necessary?

Surrogate psychological screening helps make sure you’re prepared for both the emotional and practical sides of surrogacy. It’s a way to explore your feelings, expectations, and any concerns in a safe and supportive setting. This step is about understanding, not judgment, and giving you the tools to feel confident as you take this step.

Why is Medical Screening Essential?

Medical screening safeguards the health of the surrogate and helps achieve the best outcome for the intended parents and their baby. It creates the foundation for a safe and well-planned surrogacy journey by:

• Identifying any potential medical risks.
• Ensuring ethical and safe practices through FDA screening for surrogacy standards.
• Building trust between the surrogate, intended parents, and the surrogacy agency.

What if I fail the Surrogate Screening Process?

Feeling nervous about the screening process is natural, but remember, this is not a test you need to pass or fail. The purpose of medical screening is to ensure that surrogacy is a safe and healthy option for you and the baby.

If any concerns come up during the process, we’ll work together to determine the best path forward. This might involve additional evaluations or connecting you with specialists who can address specific issues. No matter the outcome, we’re committed to helping you feel supported and prepared for whatever comes next.

How Pacific Surrogacy and Egg Donation Supports Surrogates

At Pacific Surrogacy and Egg Donation, we provide clear guidance through every step of the surrogacy process. From coordinating medical screenings and psychological evaluations to navigating legal agreements, we focus on making each step straightforward and manageable.

We know that surrogacy is both a unique opportunity and a serious responsibility. That’s why we prioritize answering your questions quickly, addressing concerns with care, and ensuring you’re fully prepared for every milestone along the way.

Explore our Surrogacy Process Guide for a full breakdown of what to expect. If you’re ready to begin, apply now to become a surrogate and take the first step toward this meaningful journey.

Next Steps: Start Your Surrogacy Journey with Confidence

Surrogacy screening is the foundation of a safe and successful journey. Identifying potential risks early ensures you’re fully prepared for the process, creating a positive and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation to start your surrogacy journey and learn how we can support you every step of the way.