Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can impact a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy to full term. If you’ve experienced preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, your surrogate eligibility may be impacted.
If you’re considering surrogacy after preeclampsia, this blog will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
A surrogacy professional can explain the surrogacy requirements in detail, including how your medical history may impact your candidacy. Contact us today.
Can You Be a Surrogate If You Had Preeclampsia?
It is unlikely that you will be able to become a surrogate after having preeclampsia, but it depends on your individual health history, the severity of the condition and medical clearance.
Before making any decisions, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider. A thorough discussion with your doctor about your risks and the potential for complications will help you evaluate your options.
In addition to consulting your doctor, it is equally important to speak with a surrogacy professional about their surrogate requirements. Surrogacy agencies are experienced in managing the process and can help guide you through the eligibility criteria.
Surrogate Health Requirements
Your choice to give intended parents a chance at a life-changing opportunity is nothing short of incredible. The following requirements help ensure the safety and success of everyone involved:
- Be with an age range of 21-40
- Have a healthy BMI
- Have carried at least one pregnancy successfully to term
- No major complications with previous pregnancies
- Be off anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication for 12 months
Learn more about surrogate requirements and how your medical history can impact your eligibility.
Preeclampsia and Surrogacy: What are the Risks?
Preeclampsia is a blood pressure condition that can develop during pregnancy. It often results in high blood pressure and high levels of protein in urine and usually develops after the 20th week of a pregnancy.
Although not super common in the U.S., impacting between 5-8% of all births, it is responsible for around 15% of all premature deliveries and getting treatment is required to avoid life-threatening complications.
These risks not only affect your health but can also complicate the pregnancy, impacting the outcome for the intended parents and their future child.
Potential Preeclampsia Complications
Here’s how preeclampsia complications can impact you and your surrogate pregnancy:
- Eclampsia: Eclampsia is a severe complication that can develop after preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. It causes seizures that can harm both the surrogate and the baby.
- Damage to your liver and/or kidneys: Damage to these organs can result in severe complications, including kidney failure, fluid retention and jaundice. If the organs fail, it may result in the need dialysis or early delivery, putting both your and baby’s health at risk.
- Fetal growth restriction: Preeclampsia can prevent adequate blood flow to the placenta, resulting in fetal growth restriction. This can lead to a range of complications, such as low birth weight, developmental delays or organ damage.
- Premature birth: Premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) is associated with numerous health risks for the baby, including respiratory distress syndrome, brain bleeds and developmental delays.
- Low birth weight: Babies born with low birth weight (under 5 pounds, 8 ounces) are more likely to experience complications, including difficulty breathing, feeding problems and an increased risk of infections.
- Placental abruption: Placental abruption is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely, cutting off the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients. This can cause severe bleeding and can be life-threatening for both you and the baby. The risks include hemorrhage, shock and fetal death.
What Are the Long Term Effects of Preeclampsia?
If preeclampsia has been or could be a risk for you as a potential surrogate, you should know of the long term effects of preeclampsia such as:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Developing preeclampsia in future pregnancies
Each situation is unique and if you are unsure of if the circumstances of your situation may allow you to still become a surrogate, contact your surrogacy agency or fertility clinic to get a clear cut answer.
What if I Don’t Qualify to Be a Surrogate? [Our Referral Program]
Surrogate requirements exist to ensure the safety of you and the child you are carrying.
If preeclampsia complications have made you ineligible for becoming a surrogate, you can still earn meaningful compensation through our surrogate referral program.
By referring a friend to become a surrogate, you can earn $5,000 or more as a referral fee. If you know someone who might be interested in becoming a surrogate, consider the following general steps:
- Step 1: Refer a friend who you believe will make a great surrogate.
- Step 2: Your friend will go through our initial screening.
- Step 3: Once approved, she will join our program and be matched with intended parents.
- Step 4: You will receive a $5,000+ referral fee within 30 days of the embryo transfer.
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Reach out today to talk with a surrogacy professional who can guide you through the next steps. We’re here for you every step of the way.