Your Health History Impacts Your Surrogacy Application
As a surrogate, your health comes first and foremost with Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado. As wonderful as it is to want to become a surrogate for a family, know that your health can be impacted by your pregnancy, which can impact the health of the baby as well. There are a number of health-related aspects that may hinder your viability as a surrogate, either medically or in the eyes of some IVF centers that may be involved in your pregnancy. One of the things that may impact whether or not you would be a viable surrogate is age. It is recommended that you are between the ages of 21 and 39 to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a surrogate, please call or text us at 303-670-4673 (HOPE) or visit us at Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado.
Surrogacy Age Restrictions
The recommended ages for surrogacy are 39 and under due to be before the onset of menopause, which can make getting pregnant harder, whereas 21 and over is recommended in order to be sure you are emotionally ready to voluntarily become a surrogate mother. Colorado surrogacy is a beautiful sacrifice that takes a lot of emotional, mental, and physical strength. Many IVF centers and agencies prefer you to have carried at least one child to term previously so you know what to expect and how your body will most likely react to the pregnancy. There is also an emotional aspect where it is thought it may be easier to separate from the child you are carrying if you already have a child of your own at home. However, this is completely up to you, and no matter what, you will have the support of your Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado team, including trained counselors and mental health professionals.
IVF Center Regulations for Surrogacy
You should also know that many IVF centers tend to prefer surrogates not to get pregnant again after a maximum number of pregnancies, depending on the center’s preferences, rules, and surrogacy requirements. This helps the centers to not remain liable due to complications from too many pregnancies and strain on the bodies of surrogates. Similarly, some IVF centers may deem you ineligible due to certain surgeries you may have received in the past, such as bariatric or weight loss surgery. You may not be a viable candidate if you have a history of Preeclampsia, Sickle Cell Anemia, or are prone to miscarriages due to the increased risk of miscarrying throughout your pregnancy. A history of preterm deliveries can impact your pregnancy’s delivery as well, so be sure to stay in touch with your doctor in regards to the best steps to take for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Preparing for Embryo Implantation
In terms of getting pregnant, if you have a history of Endometriosis or Adenomyosis, fertility and embryo implantation can be difficult. You should also remove any birth control devices, such as Essure metal implant birth control devices, before beginning the process of getting pregnant.
Surrogacy and Substance Use
In terms of substance use, there should be no substance use during your pregnancy or in the preparation leading up to embryo implantation, as substance use, such as drugs and alcohol, can affect the baby’s development and growth. The same can be said about smoking of any kind, including marijuana and cigarettes. While we understand the need for antidepressants, be sure to be in good shape mentally in order to be off of your antidepressants 6 to 12 months before beginning the medical surrogacy process until the end of your pregnancy to be safe and protect the fetus. If you are struggling and in need of psychiatric aid, please speak up, and we can help you. You do not have to suffer in silence. Mental health is just as important as physical health for everyone, but especially when considering surrogacy. Please keep this in mind and talk with your doctor about any of these topics if you feel they pertain to you, especially if you are prone to or have a history of Postpartum Depression.
Surrogacy Disqualifiers
You should know a few diseases that may disqualify you for surrogacy, such as HIV because there is a risk it could be passed on to the baby. While you can carry a child if you have Herpes or HPV, you prefer not because of the risk of passing it on to the child. If there is an outbreak prior to delivery, c sections are recommended in order to prevent the danger of transmission and protect all involved in the delivery.
Surrogate Medical History
Of course, all of these things can be discussed with your doctor. These medical issues and items that may be part of your medical history are dependent upon each situation and your doctor’s supervision and advice. Always consult your doctor before making any big decisions regarding your surrogacy and any pregnancies. For instance, any history of Diabetes can put you at risk for complications due to difficulty controlling blood sugar levels, so keep your doctor informed about this while going over your medical history. Weight and BMI can impact your pregnancy and surrogacy so discuss if there may be any medical issues involved with this as well.
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado
Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado knows this can be a lot to absorb and take in, but we want you to know you have us in your corner. You are not alone, and if you decide to become a surrogate mother, we will support you from day one until years after your delivery. You are joining our family, and we are ready to give you all the information necessary to help in all your decisions. Call today if you are ready to join our family or just want to chat about it.
If you are interested in learning more about your gestational surrogacy options, contact Adoption and Surrogacy Choices of Colorado by email, phone, or text: Email Us, Text us: 720-371-1099, Call us: 303-670-4673 (HOPE). If you are hoping to adopt, please contact us here.
Meet the author: Carly is a recent graduate of Connecticut College with a dual degree in Psychology and Italian Studies. Graduating Cum Laude with honors in both Psychology and Italian departments, Carly has a background in gender-related research through the Connecticut College Psychology Department and Honors Theses Program. When not trying to figure out life or working, Carly is reading historical fiction novels or playing with her black cat, Isabelle.
Stephanie joined the Adoption Choices family in 2014 as the Child Placement Supervisor. Her love for adoption began in first grade when she made friends with twins adopted from Vietnam. Her heart grew strong over the years for adopted children and ultimately led her to graduate school where she continued her focus to her dream of working in the adoption field. Stephanie earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver in 2001. Over the past 15 years, Stephanie has worked as a pregnancy counselor and as an adoptive parent counselor for foster care, international adoption and domestic adoption, writing hundreds of home studies for families, and helping build their forever families. Stephanie is married and has three boys ages 12, 9, and 5. Together with her family she enjoys riding bike, playing games, watching her three sons compete in their various sporting and musical activities and go on vacations.
Christy Ikeler, is our Executive Director and Birth Parent Director. Christy has been with Adoption Choices Team for 18 years, since opening the doors in 2002! Christy has a true passion for what she does and her true love is working with and helping each birth parent. Whether she is up all night on the phone talking with them, taking them to doctors appointments, out for their favorite treat, providing counseling or at the hospital during labor and delivery, Christy is very involved every step of the way. She has a contagious laugh and a spunky personality that our birth moms all can bond with and relate to. As an adoptive parent herself, adoption holds a very special place in her heart and she can relate on every level with both birth parents and adoptive parents. In her free time Christy loves spending time with her daughter, gardening, baking and taking vacations with her family. Christy is an excellent leader for our team at Adoption Choices and is truly one of a kind!! As Executive Director, Christy spends time with the staff, birth parents and adoptive families in order to ensure that the agency is running smoothly. She has placed a huge emphasis on community outreach and programs for birth parents. Christy loves the opportunity to lead the agency into a brighter future.
Ms. Mackenzie has built a successful counseling career over the past 20 years, supporting mothers and families, people of all ages and genders, students, community professionals and fellow clinicians. Liv values a diverse professional focus, including the entrepreneurial life of a sole proprietor, the evaluative process of certifying foster/adoptive homes, the insightful and mindful one-on-one one work with enthusiastic clients, and serving as an advocate for underserved populations. Liv is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a BA in Pre-Law and Economics from American University, an MA in Counseling from Adams University and a certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University. Away from work you will find Liv spending time in nature, biking to the farmer’s market and adventuring with her family.
Catherine A. Madsen, joined the Adoption Choices family as legal counsel in 2013. Catherine is responsible for providing legal guidance to the Agency, training and updating staff on developments in adoption law and legislation, and program development. Catherine
Virginia Frank is an adoption attorney accredited since 1991 with the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. Ms. Frank is a leader in the field of private adoption and has completed over 4,000 adoptions in her career. Ms. Frank has a law degree from Oklahoma City University and a BA in both Political Science and Communications from the University of Oklahoma.
Cassidie has been with Adoption Choices since 2015, she has her bachelors in Interdisciplinary Affairs with concentrations in both Sociology and Business Management. Cassidie has additional training in Victim Advocacy, foster care and has been working in women’s services for over 10 years. Cassidie has always had a heart for adoption and it was her career dream to work in adoption. She started off doing volunteer work for advocacy programs, adoption organizations and worked in High Risk Maternal Fetal Medicine through the University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Cassidie is also blessed to have personally experienced an adoption of her own in 2012, completing her family of five! Cassidie loves what she does as a case worker from initial phone calls, meetings, doctor appointments, interaction with the adoptive families to delivery and counseling. Cassidie has a passion for those in need and strives to help make a difference in the lives of the people she meets. She is a firm believer in being kind, compassionate and open minded in all situations. “Unless you’ve walked in their shoes, there’s no place for judgment. A kind word or compliment can go a long way!” The bittersweet moments in adoption reminds Cassidie each and every time, why she loves what she does!