Because many surrogates decide to take this path out of a love of pregnancy and helping others, it’s natural to wonder if you can continue to build your family after being a surrogate. Every person is unique, so the risks and limitations that might affect some surrogates may not affect you, and vice versa. If you’re questioning, “How many times can a surrogate have a baby?” we can help provide some answers.
CAN YOU HAVE YOUR OWN KIDS AFTER SURROGACY?
Although you can certainly have children after being a surrogate, planning to start your family after surrogacy may not make the best choice. Many surrogacy agencies strongly recommend that surrogates successfully complete one pregnancy. With this experience, you’ll know:
- How your body reacts to pregnancy in general
- That you can complete a successful pregnancy
- What you can expect from various pregnancy factors, such as morning sickness
- The type of care you’ll need during and after the pregnancy
Having at least one experience can remove a lot of stress from the surrogacy process.
DOES BEING A SURROGATE MAKE YOU INFERTILE?
Surrogacy involves some procedures to control your fertility to prepare for the IVF process, which might make you wonder, “Does being a surrogate make you infertile?” As a rule, these treatments are temporary and should not affect your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy in the future. In fact, many surrogates go on to complete other surrogacy journeys or have their own children. Keep in mind, however, that fertility relates to your age, overall health, and other factors. Your ability to conceive and have a successful pregnancy may change over time.
FACTORS THAT MAY IMPACT FERTILITY
While surrogacy itself is unlikely to lead to infertility, several factors can impact a person’s fertility over time. Age is one of the most significant factors, as fertility naturally declines with age, particularly after the age of 35. Additionally, overall health plays a key role in fertility. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and certain autoimmune diseases can affect your ability to conceive. Lifestyle factors – including diet, exercise, and stress levels – also contribute to reproductive health.
It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consult with healthcare providers to address any concerns about fertility, whether related to surrogacy or other factors.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN A SURROGATE HAVE A BABY?
Given the wide variety of family sizes in the world, there’s no one rule for the number of pregnancies that any woman can complete. Surrogacy agencies often set limits for the health of the surrogate and the safety of the pregnancy. Specifically, agencies may limit surrogacy opportunities to women who have had fewer than four to six births. For example, if you have three children, an agency may only permit you to be a surrogate one to three times. After surrogacy, your ability to carry additional pregnancies depends on your body, your health, and the recommendations of your doctor.
CAN I HAVE A CHILD AFTER BEING A SURROGATE?
Realistically, the only person who can answer the question, “Can I have a child after being a surrogate?” is the surrogate. As a surrogate, you go through a similar experience in pregnancy with an unusual outcome. Having a child after the surrogacy may put the surrogacy journey in a different light, bringing up emotional concerns that you didn’t have before. If the surrogacy resulted in a difficult birth, you may worry about what will happen in subsequent pregnancies. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your concerns and choose a plan that works best for you.
EMBARK ON YOUR SURROGACY JOURNEY
Becoming a surrogate is an exceptional decision that requires support, especially if you’re not sure whether your family is complete. At International Surrogacy Center, many members of our staff can speak about the surrogacy journey from personal experience. We can answer all of your questions, including “Can you have your own kids after surrogacy?” We also offer excellent support, including monthly surrogate support group meetings and more. Contact us to learn more about our services or take your first steps to become a surrogate today.