What Intended Parents Look for in a Surrogate

Quick Overview

Many women considering surrogacy wonder:

“What do intended parents actually look for in a surrogate?”

While every family is different, most intended parents prioritize the following qualities:

• Proven healthy pregnancy history
  
• Responsible and reliable personality
  
• Healthy lifestyle
  
• Compassion and empathy
  
• Clear communication

Surrogacy is not just a medical process—it is a partnership between the surrogate and intended parents.

Why Intended Parents Are Careful When Choosing a Surrogate

For intended parents, surrogacy represents a life-changing moment.

Many have spent years trying to build a family and may have experienced:

• infertility
  • miscarriage
  • failed IVF cycles
  • serious medical conditions
  • cancer treatments

Because of this, intended parents want to feel confident that their surrogate is someone they can trust throughout the pregnancy journey.

1. A History of Healthy Pregnancy

One of the most important factors intended parents look for is a proven pregnancy history.

Most surrogacy programs require that a surrogate:

• has delivered at least one healthy child
  
• experienced no major pregnancy complications
  
• recovered well after delivery

A successful pregnancy history helps doctors predict a safer surrogacy journey.

2. A Healthy Lifestyle

Surrogates are expected to maintain a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy.

Typical expectations include:

• non-smoker
  
• no drug use
  
• healthy BMI
  
• responsible nutrition and prenatal care

Most programs require a BMI under 30, which helps improve IVF success rates and pregnancy outcomes.

3. Emotional Stability and Maturity

Surrogacy is a meaningful emotional experience.

Intended parents look for surrogates who demonstrate:

• emotional maturity
  
• stable home environment
  
• supportive family or partner
  
• realistic expectations

Many programs also include a psychological evaluation to ensure surrogates are fully prepared for the journey.

4. Compassion and Empathy

Many intended parents describe their surrogate as someone with a truly generous heart.

Surrogacy requires a willingness to help another family experience the joy of parenthood.

Some surrogates are motivated by personal experiences such as:

• having friends or relatives who struggled with infertility
  
• understanding how meaningful parenthood can be
  
• wanting to help others achieve their dream of having a child

Compassion is often one of the most important qualities intended parents appreciate.

5. Good Communication

Clear communication between surrogates and intended parents helps create a positive relationship throughout the journey.

Communication may include:

• updates after medical appointments
  
• sharing ultrasound photos
  
• discussing expectations for the pregnancy

Every surrogacy arrangement is different, but strong communication helps build trust and comfort for everyone involved.

6. Reliability and Responsibility

Surrogacy requires commitment over a period of about 12–18 months.

Intended parents want to know that their surrogate will:

• attend medical appointments
  
• follow doctor recommendations
  
• maintain a healthy pregnancy

Reliability provides reassurance during what can be an emotional process for intended parents.

Typical Surrogate Qualifications

Most surrogacy programs require candidates to meet the following guidelines.

• Age: 21–40
• BMI: Under 30
• At least one previous healthy pregnancy
• Non-smoker
• Currently raising a child

These requirements are designed to maximize pregnancy success and protect the health of both surrogate and baby.

Why Many Women Become Surrogates

While compensation is part of the journey, many surrogates describe the emotional reward as the most meaningful aspect.

Helping intended parents welcome a baby is often described as one of the most powerful moments of the surrogacy experience.

Surrogates typically receive compensation ranging from: $60,000 – $70,000+

This compensation recognizes the time, commitment, and responsibility involved in the process.

Are You the Kind of Person Intended Parents Are Looking For?

Many women who become surrogates are:

• experienced mothers
  
• compassionate individuals
  
• responsible and organized
  
• motivated to help others

If you meet the basic health guidelines and have a desire to help another family, you may be a strong candidate for surrogacy.

Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate

If you would like to explore the process further,

Visit the Surrogacy4All Become A Surrogate In US

There you can review:

• surrogate qualifications
  
• compensation packages
  
• application steps
  
• frequently asked questions

You may qualify to earn $60,000–$70,000+ while helping a family welcome their baby.