Top 10 Things to do to Ensure a Healthy & Happy Surrogate Pregancy

August 20, 2018

Posted In: Surrogacy

Staying Healthy and Happy During a Surrogate Pregnancy is Easy With These Tips

No matter if you are pregnant with your own baby or a surro-baby, every pregnant woman knows pregnancy can be rough on your body and your emotions! Nurturing and growing a baby can take a lot of energy. This is such an exciting time for you and the intended parents, so we have some tips on how to get the most out of your pregnancy to stay not only healthy but happy.

Listen to Your Doctor

This might seem obvious, but a surrogacy will be a little different than your own pregnancy. Since you will get pregnant through IVF, your experience with your doctor will likely be a little different than your other pregnancies.  With the ability to simply Google symptoms and questions 24/7 it can sometimes feel overwhelming and scary, so make sure you voice all your concerns and questions directly to your doctor in order to get the best care. They know your body and medical history and they are there to help you do what’s best for you and the baby.

Exercise

Staying active during pregnancy will help keep your energy up and help your body prepare for labor. It is also a great way to relieve stress. Stress happens to everyone whether or not they are pregnant, but it can feel magnified when you are pregnant. Staying active and happy will help you in so many ways! Just make sure you discuss any potential new exercise routine with your doctor.

Vitamins

Taking your prenatal vitamins as advised by your doctor is important for you and the baby, especially if you are experiencing a lot of nausea or morning sickness. Taking vitamins are a great way to ensure that your body has all the right nutrients for you and baby. If your prenatal vitamin makes you feel sick, talk to your doctor for recommendations for alternative brands. This can often make a big difference.

Sleep

Too tired to even finish reading this article? Go take a nap! Being pregnant and growing a new life can be exhausting. Making sure you get a full night’s sleep will make you feel much better. If you need a little extra nap, then take one.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy during pregnancy is important; not just because it will give you and the baby the nutrients you need but it will also help you feel better and have more energy throughout the day. Make sure you drink lots of water. Most doctors will also suggest that you limit your caffeine and avoid alcohol. If you feel you need caffeine to stay awake try drinking cold water or even splashing your face with cold water. Even a small nutritious snack can help you gain a little extra energy.

Make time for yourself

When you are a busy mom and you are trying to get everything done, it is hard to remember to take care of yourself. Especially when you are pregnant and may feel more tired, emotional, hungry, or stressed than normal. However, set aside time every day to do something relaxing that you love. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming, even spending 15 minutes reading a book or meditating can make a huge difference. Your surrogacy journey will fly by, so take the time to stop and enjoy the moment.

Support

Your surrogacy journey at ISC will expand your support system. From your intended parents, the staff at ISC, and the other surrogates you will meet in our surrogate groups, someone will be there to help you at all times. If you’re comfortable, keep the lines of communication open with the intended parents who will be there to help support you. Because you are carrying their child, you can help them be a part of the pregnancy. They are what will make your surrogacy journey truly unique and special. Having a solid support system isn’t just important during bad times — it is important to share the happy moments of your life as well.

Stay Educated

When you read a pregnancy book or article, it seems like the items of what you need to avoid in pregnancy are longer than the things you get to do! It can seem frustrating but it is important to make sure you avoid some of these things. Some of them can be dangerous to either you or the baby. Others will just make you much less comfortable. It is important to brush up on what you can and can’t do. Even though you have already been pregnant before, the do’s and don’ts can change a lot.

Read up on information from other surrogates and talk to women going through the same thing. There are many blogs and forums where you can learn about the journey of both intended parents and surrogates. It is important to get to know and understand their journeys to really get an understanding of the incredible gift you are giving.

Document your Journey

Whether you start a blog to share with the world or keep a journal for yourself, consider writing about your experiences as a surrogate. Keeping a journal has been known to reduce stress. Something as simple as a gratitude journal can help focus on positivity.

Know your Limits

It is okay to know your boundaries and say no to things that are too much. Being pregnant is a lot of work! Don’t overstretch yourself when obligations feel overwhelming. The nine months of your surrogate pregnancy will fly by. If you are tired and need to rest, then kick back and rest. People know how hard it can be to be pregnant, so when you need it, take advantage of it!

The staff at ISC will be there throughout your journey, available 24/7 to help with any issues or concerns as they come up. Start to get to know us today!