Can I Be a Surrogate If I Had Preeclampsia?

Wondering if you can be a surrogate after preeclampsia?
You’re not alone. Many women who’ve experienced this condition during pregnancy are eager to help others build families — and are curious whether a history of preeclampsia disqualifies them from becoming a surrogate.

The short answer? Sometimes.
While a previous diagnosis of preeclampsia doesn’t automatically make you ineligible, it will be reviewed closely by the fertility clinic and surrogacy agency. The decision will depend on the severity, timing, and resolution of the condition — as well as your overall medical history.

This complete guide by Los Angeles Surrogacy breaks down everything you need to know about surrogacy after preeclampsia, including eligibility, risks, screening steps, and your options moving forward.

Can I Be a Surrogate If I Had Preeclampsia?

Yes — but only in mild or moderate cases with a full recovery.
Women who had severe preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or related complications (like preterm birth or organ involvement) are usually not approved due to increased risks.

Each case is evaluated individually by the fertility clinic’s medical team. You’ll need to pass a comprehensive surrogacy health screening to be approved.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by:

• High blood pressure (after 20 weeks of gestation)

• Protein in the urine

• Swelling in the hands, face, or feet

• Headaches, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain

It ranges in severity from mild to life-threatening and may lead to complications such as:

• Placental abruption

• Preterm birth

• Organ damage

• HELLP syndrome

While most women with preeclampsia recover fully after delivery, a history of the condition means your next pregnancy is considered higher risk — which matters in the context of surrogacy.

Surrogacy After Preeclampsia: What Agencies and Doctors Look For

At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we want every surrogacy journey to be safe, healthy, and rewarding for all parties — including you.

If you’ve had preeclampsia, we work with our partnered fertility clinics to review:

A clean bill of health post-preeclampsia — with no lasting complications — makes it more likely that you can proceed.

Am I Eligible to Be a Surrogate If I Had Preeclampsia?

You may be eligible if:

• The preeclampsia was mild or moderate

• It occurred later in the pregnancy (after 34–37 weeks)

• You delivered without complications

• You’ve had normal blood pressure since

• Your OB records show a full recovery

• A reproductive endocrinologist signs off during screening

You are likely not eligible if:

• You had severe or early-onset preeclampsia

• You experienced HELLP syndrome

• There was organ failure, seizures (eclampsia), or long-term hypertension

• You needed an emergency preterm C-section before 34 weeks

• Your OB advises against future pregnancy

Why Agencies Are Cautious About Surrogacy After Preeclampsia

Although you may feel great now, surrogacy involves carefully minimizing risks for both you and the baby you’ll carry.

Preeclampsia has a recurrence risk — especially when the cause was related to maternal health or occurred early in pregnancy. Even mild preeclampsia raises the chances of:

• Gestational hypertension during a future pregnancy

• Reduced placental blood flow

• Premature birth

• Complications for the intended parents’ baby

Because intended parents are entrusting you with their child, fertility clinics are cautious — and may require additional monitoring or decline your candidacy altogether if the risks are too high.

Can You Be a Gestational Surrogate If You Had Mild Preeclampsia?

Yes, in many cases.
If the preeclampsia occurred late in pregnancy (e.g., at 38 weeks), didn’t lead to hospitalization, and resolved quickly after birth, you may still qualify.

Your OB delivery records will need to show:

• No ICU or NICU stay

• Stable vitals post-birth

• Normal postpartum blood pressure

• No organ or liver involvement

We’ve helped many surrogate mothers with a history of mild preeclampsia complete successful, healthy journeys — but it all comes down to thorough screening.

How Medical Screening Works for Surrogacy After Preeclampsia

When you apply to become a surrogate with Los Angeles Surrogacy, here’s what we’ll do if you report a history of preeclampsia:

Step 1: OB/GYN Record Collection

We’ll gather full prenatal and delivery records, including:

• Diagnosis notes

• Medication history

• Delivery method

• Discharge summary

• Blood pressure logs

Step 2: Surrogacy Health Screening

You’ll visit a top fertility clinic for:

• Blood work

• Blood pressure checks

• Infectious disease panels

• Uterine evaluation

• Hormonal tests

• Physical exam

Step 3: Review by Reproductive Endocrinologist

The fertility specialist will assess whether it’s safe and medically appropriate for you to carry another pregnancy — especially one involving fertility medications and IVF.

Risks of Becoming a Surrogate After Having Preeclampsia

It’s important to understand the potential health risks before moving forward.

Women with prior preeclampsia may face:

• Higher risk of developing gestational hypertension

• Slightly increased risk of recurring preeclampsia

• Risk of placental complications

• In rare cases, risk of preterm delivery again

These risks don’t necessarily mean you can’t become a surrogate, but they must be managed with greater medical oversight.

What Do Surrogacy Agencies Require for Women With a History of Preeclampsia?

At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we require that women who experienced preeclampsia:

• Wait at least 6–12 months after delivery before applying

• Have a documented full recovery

• Submit complete OB and hospital records

• Agree to additional monitoring during their surrogacy pregnancy

• Be cleared by a fertility doctor after a full review

Our job is to protect you and the future baby, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Does Having Had Preeclampsia Affect Surrogacy Compensation?

No.
Surrogates who are cleared medically and emotionally — regardless of preeclampsia history — receive full compensation and benefits.

In California, typical surrogate pay includes:

All expenses, legal fees, travel, and insurance are covered by intended parents.

FAQs: Surrogacy After Preeclampsia

Can a surrogate mother with preeclampsia have a healthy pregnancy?

Yes — if the prior episode was mild and resolved fully, and if the pregnancy is closely monitored.

How many times can I have preeclampsia before I’m disqualified?

Most clinics will decline surrogates with multiple preeclampsia pregnancies — especially if they occurred early or severely.

Can I apply to be a surrogate if I had preeclampsia 5+ years ago?

Yes. The longer it’s been — and the healthier you’ve remained — the more likely you’ll be approved.

Does surrogacy increase the risk of getting preeclampsia again?

Not directly. However, IVF pregnancies can slightly increase the likelihood of gestational hypertension, which is why screening is vital.

Key Takeaways

• You may be eligible to be a surrogate after preeclampsia if your condition was mild and you’ve had a healthy recovery.

• Severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome usually disqualifies candidates due to elevated risks.

• Medical screening, OB record review, and fertility doctor clearance are required.

• Surrogate compensation is not affected if you’re approved with a history of preeclampsia.

• Los Angeles Surrogacy supports safe, well-managed surrogacy journeys for women with resolved medical histories.

Ready to Explore Surrogacy?

If you’ve experienced preeclampsia in the past and want to know whether you’re eligible to become a surrogate in California, we’d love to help you find out.

Call us at 800-204-7129
Or start your application today at LosAngelesSurrogacy.com

You may still qualify — and your experience could help create a family.