When you're searching for a surrogate, it’s easy to focus on personality, values, or past experience—but there’s one key factor many intended parents overlook: BMI.In this episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne shares what BMI really means for surrogacy, why fertility clinics and agencies have strict BMI cutoffs, and how to approach the topic with compassion and clarity. This is the conversation Alyssa wishes she could have with every intended parent before they fall in love with a surrogate match that doesn’t meet medical screening.🎧 If you’re unsure what “too high” or “too low” really means—or what the risks are to your surrogate, baby, and budget—this episode is your roadmap.What You’ll Learn:01:44 — The BMI red flag in a forum post that sparked this conversation02:23 — Why a surrogate’s OB clearance doesn’t mean clinic approval03:44 — The medical risks of high BMI for surrogate and baby06:52 — How high BMI affects embryo transfer success and miscarriage risk08:27 — Real-world costs of BMI-related complications09:32 — What are the actual BMI cutoffs (and who sets them)?11:14 — The “double standard” debate: IVF for self vs. IVF for surrogacy13:20 — Why BMI is more than a number—and when to make exceptions17:09 — OB clearance vs. final clinic approval18:05 — Why independent surrogacy doesn’t mean cutting corners21:40 — How to talk about BMI respectfully with your surrogate23:26 — Ethical concerns when agencies push surrogates outside guidelines25:26 — 5 steps to protect your journey and future babyResources Mentioned:Free Surrogacy Starter KitASRM guidelines: Recommendations for practices using gestational carriers: A committee opinionSurrogate vetting essentialsBloomBridge Surrogacy App: https://gojunie.com/solutions/bloombridgeCase management“It's not about judgment—it’s about lowering risks and giving your baby the healthiest start possible.”

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