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Check if your BMI meets the clinical standards used by IVF doctors for gestational surrogacy.
This quick tool helps surrogates and intended parents understand BMI guidelines before starting their journey.
| BMI Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Healthy | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0 – 29.9 |
| Obesity | 30.0 or above |
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²
Maintaining a balanced BMI helps IVF doctors assess pregnancy readiness and minimize risks during surrogacy.
Your BMI result offers a general picture of body size based on height and weight — but it does not measure body composition or health status directly.
A slightly higher BMI doesn’t automatically mean you’re unhealthy or ineligible. Doctors look at many other factors — such as blood pressure, lab results, and pregnancy history — to form a complete view of your health.
💡 Tip: Review the full surrogate eligibility criteria — your previous pregnancy history, lifestyle, and overall health are equally important.
Most fertility doctors in the United States prefer a BMI of 30 or below for gestational carriers.
This standard reflects clinical data linking higher BMIs with increased risks such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.
These are medical guidelines, not agency rules.
Some IVF physicians may accept candidates with a BMI up to 32, depending on overall health and previous pregnancy outcomes.
Ultimately, it’s the IVF clinic—not the agency—that makes the final medical determination of eligibility.
If your BMI is slightly above 30, don’t lose hope.
Many successful gestational carriers began their journeys after making small, healthy changes.
Focus on gradual, sustainable improvements in daily activity and nutrition.
Work toward your clinic’s guideline — most prefer ≤ 30; some may consider up to 32.
When you’re ready, apply and our coordinators will align your timeline with clinic requirements.
It’s common to wonder whether a surrogate’s BMI could affect IVF success.
In practice, each IVF clinic sets and enforces its own medical standards, including BMI limits, to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
You don’t need to monitor a surrogate’s BMI yourself — simply follow your fertility clinic’s guidance and rely on its thorough screening process.
💡 Further reading for intended parents: Gestational Carrier BMI: Why You Don’t Need to Worry Too Much
Every surrogacy journey is unique. Here are the most frequently asked questions about BMI and medical eligibility — to help both surrogates and intended parents feel informed and confident.
BMI guidelines are determined by IVF physicians, not by surrogacy agencies.
Each fertility clinic has its own medical criteria to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for both the surrogate and the baby.
Ivy Surrogacy follows the medical recommendations of each clinic.
Most IVF doctors in the U.S. prefer a BMI of 30 or below for surrogates.
Some clinics may consider candidates with a BMI up to 32, depending on their health history and previous pregnancy outcomes.
These medical standards help reduce risks like gestational diabetes, hypertension, and complications at delivery.
BMI can influence hormone balance, embryo implantation, and pregnancy stability.
A moderate BMI helps create the safest environment for both the surrogate and the baby.
That said, BMI is only one part of the overall medical evaluation—other factors such as blood pressure, hormone levels, and prior pregnancies are equally important.
Possibly.
If your BMI is slightly above 30, your IVF doctor may suggest simple lifestyle adjustments and re-evaluation after a few months.
Many surrogates successfully qualify after improving their health under medical supervision.
BMI itself does not determine compensation.
However, meeting the medical standards set by the clinic is required before being approved and matched with intended parents.
No.
The surrogate’s medical eligibility—including BMI—is assessed and approved by the fertility clinic before any match is finalized.
Intended parents can simply rely on their IVF physician’s expertise to ensure that all medical criteria are met.
If your current BMI is now within the medical guideline range, you can move forward with the matching process.
Once matched, the fertility clinic will confirm that you meet all health requirements before proceeding with medical screening.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For personalized medical advice, always consult your physician, OB-GYN, or midwife.
