Surrogacy Requirements: Can You Be a Surrogate If You Had a C-Section?
October 3, 2025
If you’re considering giving the incredible gift of surrogacy, you may be asking yourself: Can you be a surrogate if you had a C-section? The short answer is yes—having had a C-section doesn’t automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. In fact, many surrogates have had C-sections in the past. What matters most is your overall health, delivery history, and how well your body recovered from the procedure.
Let’s walk through how agencies and clinics look at this part of your medical background, and why your previous "mom life" experience is so valued and respected when you embark on your path to surrogacy.
How Agencies Evaluate Previous C-Sections
When you apply to be a surrogate, your delivery history is carefully reviewed during the screening process. Not to worry! This is not meant to be intimidating. Instead, it’s intended to ensure your safety and give you and your intended parents the best chance at a smooth journey.
Agencies typically follow guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). One of the most important considerations is the number of C-sections you’ve had. Most programs, including Surrogacy.com, allow you to be a surrogate if you’ve had no more than three C-sections. This is because multiple C-sections can sometimes increase medical risks during pregnancy.
You may still be an excellent candidate for surrogacy if you’ve had one or two C-sections and recovered well. What matters most is that your body healed well and that you’ve also experienced at least one full-term pregnancy and delivery without complications.
What the Surrogacy Screening Process Looks for
As mentioned earlier, you’ll go through a medical screening process for surrogacy qualifications. Here’s what your fertility clinic team will pay close attention to:
Uterine health: They want to make sure your uterus healed well after your C-section.
Delivery records: They’ll review your medical records to confirm your past pregnancies and deliveries were safe.
Overall wellness: Your BMI (less than 35), age (between 21 and 42), and general health are all factors in considering your candidacy.
Even if you’ve had a C-section, you’ll be considered individually—your health history is unique, and so is your surrogacy journey!
Surrogacy After C-Section FAQs
We totally get it. It’s natural to have questions about such a momentous decision. Here are a few common ones:
Will a C-section scar affect my eligibility?
No, a scar itself doesn’t prevent you from being a surrogate. What matters is how your uterus healed!
Does having a C-section mean I’ll have to have one again as a surrogate?
Not always. Your dedicated medical team will decide what’s safest for you and the baby.
What if I’ve had more than three C-sections?
In most cases, agencies will advise against proceeding due to medical guidelines from IVF clinics. Disqualifications for surrogacy, however, don’t reflect your strength or ability as a mom—they are simply intended to keep you safe.
Our goal is to help you feel informed and empowered during each stage of your journey. As your partners in surrogacy, we’re always here to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have!
A Positive Path Forward
If you’ve had a C-section and are thinking about surrogacy, take heart: you’re not alone. Many surrogates with C-section histories have gone on to experience safe, successful journeys. Remember, the fact that you’re even considering becoming a surrogate speaks volumes about your compassion and generosity.
If you’re ready to take the next step on your surrogacy journey, we’d love to talk with you about your options and walk beside you at every step. Get started today!