Quick answer
Surrogate BMI requirements vary by program. Many agencies and clinics use a maximum BMI as part of screening, but the exact number is not universal. Some programs use stricter limits while others allow physician review around the cutoff.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine publishes guidance on evaluating gestational carriers, but individual fertility programs still make their own clinical eligibility decisions.
Why BMI is considered
Clinics evaluate BMI alongside pregnancy history, blood pressure, metabolic health, prior complications, medications, age, and other factors that may affect pregnancy or fertility-treatment risk. BMI is therefore one screening variable rather than a complete measure of whether someone can safely carry a pregnancy.
What to do if you are close to a cutoff
- Ask whether the cutoff belongs to the agency, the fertility clinic, or both.
- Ask whether the program allows case-by-case physician review.
- Do not assume every agency uses the same number.
- Be prepared for the IVF clinic to make the final medical-clearance decision.
Related eligibility questions
Programs also commonly review prior pregnancy outcomes, number of C-sections, smoking or substance use, current medications, mental-health history, and overall obstetric risk.
See the full surrogate requirements guide and our guide to common disqualifications.
A program cutoff is not the same thing as a universal medical rule. Always ask who set the requirement and whether individual review is possible.