Choosing to be a gestational surrogate is a remarkable and selfless decision. It’s a big deal because not only does it impact your life, but also the lives of other people — including a brand new human being. Your preconception health matters because it determines whether you’re accepted as a gestational carrier at all. It also impacts the environment for the embryo and can make or break your surrogacy journey as a whole.
By taking proactive steps to optimize your health before you get pregnant, you might improve the way you feel throughout the pregnancy and increase the chances of a successful surrogacy journey. There’s a ton of information on the web, so make sure to follow evidence-based, credible advice to prepare your body for embryo implantation and to support a healthy pregnancy.
Get Periodic Check-Ups
How is your health? You won’t know if you never get a check-up. Make sure to establish a primary care physician (PCP) and schedule an annual, preventive appointment that includes a blood draw for routine lab work. If you’re proactive with your health, you can stay on top of important things like preventive screenings (e.g. mammograms or colonoscopies), weight gain, changes in blood pressure or cholesterol, etc.
During the appointment, talk with your physician about your current state of health, including any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. Your PCP can then evaluate your overall health and provide recommendations for managing any existing conditions, if needed.
Nurture Your Body
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for fertility and a successful pregnancy. Talk to your primary care provider or OB/GYN to determine your ideal weight and create a plan if you need to gain or lose some pounds. You could also use this adult BMI calculator from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to determine if your weight is in a healthy range.
Before you get pregnant, focus on balanced nutrition by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated and limiting your intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive caffeine can also contribute to a healthier body.
Taking prenatal vitamins is crucial to prepare your body for pregnancy. Start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid at least three months before embryo implantation. Prenatal vitamins provide essential nutrients needed for fetal development and a lower risk of birth defects.
Prioritize Physical and Mental Well-being
It’s important for every person to get regular exercise, which improves overall health and can support a healthy pregnancy. Moderate-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga are great options. Talk to your healthcare provider to create an exercise plan that aligns with your fitness level and medical history.
Managing your stress levels is also crucial, as stress impacts both mental and physical well-being. Find healthy ways to cope with stress, like practicing relaxation techniques, meditation, journaling, or other self-care activities you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to talk to a counselor or therapist if you’re dealing with any emotional challenges.
Make a Plan for Sleep
Research shows that sleep disturbances and low quality sleep impact the cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body. In turn, stress can impact fertility and the ability to get pregnant. Sleep is also crucial for your body and mind because it:
- Supports healthy brain function
- Lowers risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke
- Improves concentration and memory
- Helps maintain a healthy metabolism
- Boosts the immune system
It’s not the easiest to get high-quality sleep during pregnancy, so try to optimize your sleep hygiene before embryo implantation and pregnancy begins. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and stick to a healthy sleep routine.
Ditch Bad Habits
To qualify to become a gestational surrogate, you must meet a list of requirements. Most of the criteria prioritize the health of the surrogate so she can have a smooth, successful pregnancy. That means to meet the qualifications, you have to say goodbye to habits that negatively impact your health, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use.
You should also avoid indulging in large quantities of sugar, processed foods, caffeine, and other substances that are generally considered “not good for you” in bigger amounts.
By focusing on these pre-surrogacy preparations, you can ensure that your preconception health is the best it can be. Taking these proactive steps will not only enhance your overall health, but also demonstrate your commitment to providing the best possible environment for the intended parents’ future child.
Surrogacy and Egg Donor Services
Since 2004, The Fertility Agency has helped bring over 1100+ babies into the world. We work with all intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors no matter their sexual preference, relationship status, ethnicity, location, etc. Our personal experiences and years of expertise provide us with the perfect balance of business and passion. Contact us for more information.
