Many women decide to become a surrogate after they enter a certain phase of their life. But after crossing the age of 40, it is difficult to cope with pregnancy and related health issues. Are you thinking of becoming a surrogate? If yes, are you concerned about the age factor? Here’s a brief article about how age factors affect surrogacy. Read on so you can make an informed decision!
Age-related risk factors
Mean surrogacy age
To begin with, let us understand the basic requirement for surrogacy. The minimum age to become a surrogate mother is 21. It is to ensure that the mother is able to comprehend the nuances of surrogacy. Also, women who wish to become a surrogate should already have children of their own.
The average age for surrogate mothers is between 21 and 37. It is important to note that the upper age limit may not be what agencies put forth in their advertisements. Rather, it’s the time when women are less confident about going through a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy complications
As you grow older, your body’s capability to hold a fully-grown baby and nourish it reduces. Pregnancy is obviously a lot of strain physically and mentally. Naturally, women who are older find it difficult to handle the stress. But, many older women who chose surrogacy have had successful pregnancies and childbirth. Generally, the older a woman is, the more she is at the risk of a failed pregnancy and painful childbirth.
Sometimes, women develop chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Becoming pregnant at an older age increases the chances of developing a chronic condition. To offset such potential problems, women can cultivate good habits. They can exercise regularly and stay fit. However, it’s best to attend all prenatal appointments to detect any problems in their infant stages. We can tackle them right away.
Awareness about the current situation
There is no blanket rule for the maximum age to become a surrogate mother. Every woman ’s body is unique and the situations around her differ. The important factors which determine if a woman is ready to become a surrogate are her health condition and circumstances.
Before contacting a California surrogacy agency, it is best to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist first. It is important to be honest with the doctor and tell them about any health issues or genetic vulnerability to diseases you may have. Also, if you have any concerns at all, you should discuss them openly with your doctor. After a careful physical exam, pay attention to the doctor’s advice. Thoroughly review all sides of your decision to become a surrogate. After you have understood what you are signing up for, conclude whether or not you want to go through with it.
Finally, keep in mind that every surrogacy is different, and it is important you are comfortable before proceeding with it. So, when you decide to become a surrogate mother, the first step is to consult a doctor and then evaluate whether the surrogacy is feasible.
