If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, the first thing you’ll want to know is, “Do I qualify?” While there are many different requirements you’ll have to meet before becoming a surrogate, having a history of a c-section isn’t necessarily one you need to worry about.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the implications of C-sections in surrogacy and clarify how a previous C-section can impact your surrogacy journey. Whether you’re a first-time surrogate or considering another journey, this post will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for a successful surrogacy experience if you’ve had a C-section.
What is a C-section?
A C-section, or Cesarean section, is a surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through an incision that is made in the birthing woman’s abdomen. And while it may not be the ideal delivery method, it’s a tried-and-true way of bringing babies into the world safely.
In certain instances, a C-section can be planned, such as if a baby is breech (i.e., positioned to come out feet first!) and isn’t able to be repositioned for delivery. In other instances, a C-section can be a life-saving emergency procedure that’s done when labor isn’t progressing, and the baby’s or birthing woman’s life is in danger.
While vaginal births are the most common delivery method, C-sections play a crucial role in ensuring that both the mother and baby remain healthy, especially in complicated pregnancies or labor situations. It’s essential to understand that every pregnancy is unique and what might be the best delivery method for one person might not be the same for another. The primary concern is always the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Can I become a surrogate if I’ve had a C-section?
A C-section scar is not a scarlet letter in the surrogacy world. Most women who have had a C-section can become surrogates because having a C-section doesn’t typically affect your ability to carry a pregnancy to term. As long as the uterus is healthy and capable of carrying a pregnancy, a woman who has had a C-section can become a surrogate. With that in mind, it’s important that you talk to your doctor to find out if it’s safe for you to get pregnant again, just like you would if you were planning to have another child on your own.
Can I be a surrogate if I’ve had multiple C-sections?
Although having had a C-section does not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a surrogate, how many C-sections you have had can be a factor in determining your eligibility. According to the ASRM recommendations for gestational carriers, a surrogate “should not have had more than a total of five previous deliveries or three deliveries via cesarean section.”
At Fairfax Surrogacy, we have worked with many gestational surrogates who have had more than one C-section. However, to comply with the ASRM guidelines, we require the number of C-sections you’ve had to be limited to two or fewer.
How long after a C-section can I get pregnant again?
A C-section is a major abdominal surgery. It’s important to give your body time to recover and heal properly after this type of delivery. Most doctors recommend waiting at least six months to a year before trying to conceive again after a C-section, and that includes becoming pregnant as a surrogate.
The recovery period after a C-section is not just about the visible scar on the abdomen; it’s about the internal healing that needs to take place. The uterus, which has been cut open to deliver the baby, requires time to heal completely. Rushing into another pregnancy can increase the risk of uterine rupture, a rare but serious complication where the uterus tears along the scar line from a previous C-section. Plus, getting pregnant too soon after a C-section can increase the risk of placental problems, such as placenta previa or placenta accreta. These conditions can pose serious risks to both the mother and the baby.
The body’s nutritional stores also need to be replenished after pregnancy and childbirth, especially after a major surgery like a C-section. Waiting for the recommended time ensures that the body is in the best possible shape to support a new pregnancy. For those considering surrogacy, it’s crucial to be transparent with the surrogacy agency about your medical history, including the date of your last C-section, so that they can guide you appropriately.
What gestational surrogates should expect with a C-section
Having a C-section as a gestational surrogate is similar to having one in a pregnancy of your own; however, one of the benefits of being a surrogate is that you don’t have to care for a newborn while you’re recovering. There are some additional things you’ll need to keep in mind if you are going to have a C-section as a gestational surrogate, too.
For example, you may be wondering if the intended parents are allowed to be in the room during the procedure. In some cases, the intended parents may be allowed to be in the room during the C-section to witness the birth of their child. However, some hospitals may only allow one or two support people in the room, and the medical team may prefer to have only necessary medical personnel present during the surgery.
It’s important to discuss your preferences and expectations regarding the birth experience with your surrogacy agency, medical team, and your intended parents long before delivery day. At Fairfax Surrogacy, this discussion starts during your initial intake process and continues throughout the journey. We’ll even walk you through setting up a birth plan with your intended parents to ensure everyone, including the hospital staff, is on the same page about their birth expectations once the big day arrives.
Your journey with Fairfax Surrogacy
At Fairfax Surrogacy, our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of both the surrogate and the baby. We understand that every individual’s journey is unique, and having a C-section in your medical history doesn’t automatically disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. Our experienced team will work closely with you, reviewing your medical records and consulting with healthcare professionals to determine your eligibility.
Beyond just the medical aspects, we recognize that deciding to become a surrogate can be filled with emotions and questions, especially after a C-section. Our dedicated support team is here to guide you every step of the way. From understanding the impact of a C-section on your surrogacy journey to navigating the emotional and psychological aspects along the way, we are here to provide answers, resources, and unwavering support.
If you’re considering or are required to have a C-section during your surrogacy journey, we’ll ensure you’re well-informed about the procedure, recovery, and any additional considerations specific to surrogacy. At Fairfax Surrogacy, we believe in empowering our surrogates with knowledge, fostering a community of support, and ensuring that every surrogate feels valued and cared for throughout their journey with us.
Take the first step in your surrogacy journey, and contact us today!
