Surrogacy has become a viable option for individuals and couples looking to expand their families. However, the journey towards successful surrogacy involves various factors, with lifestyle playing a crucial role in meeting surrogacy health requirements.

For those planning on becoming a surrogate, meeting the strict requirements and having a history of previous successful pregnancy and delivery is crucial. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial in ensuring a healthy pregnancy, minimizing the risk of complications, and ultimately, the success of the surrogacy process.

Importance of Healthy Lifestyle For Surrogates

Exercise and Active Lifestyle

Regular exercise is another important lifestyle factor to consider when meeting surrogacy health requirements. Staying active throughout pregnancy can help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and high blood pressure. Potential surrogates should engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, to support their overall health and well-being.

Medical Care and Prenatal Care

Access to quality medical care and consistent prenatal care are essential components of a healthy surrogate pregnancy. Regular visits to a fertility specialist for fertility treatments and adherence to medical advice help monitor the health of the surrogate and the fetus. These preventive measures are crucial in detecting and managing any potential health issues early, including chromosomal abnormalities and complications related to blood pressure.

Stress Levels

In addition to diet and exercise, managing stress levels is also crucial for meeting surrogacy health requirements. Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and it is important for surrogates to have healthy coping mechanisms in place to manage any anxiety or stress that may arise. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation, can help gestational surrogates stay calm and focused throughout the pregnancy.

Harmful Substances

Avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs is essential for meeting surrogacy health requirements. These substances can have negative effects on both the surrogate and the baby, and should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy. Surrogates should also be honest with their healthcare providers about any prescription medications they are taking, as some may not be safe during pregnancy.

Diet and Nutrition

One of the key aspects of lifestyle that can impact surrogacy health requirements is diet and nutrition. It is important for potential surrogates to maintain a healthy and balanced diet in order to support a healthy pregnancy. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help ensure that both the surrogate and the baby receive the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development.

Health Requirements For Surrogates

Health requirements for surrogates are critical to ensure the safety and success of the surrogacy process for both the surrogate and the intended parents. These requirements are designed to evaluate a potential surrogate’s physical and mental health, ensuring she is capable of undergoing a healthy pregnancy and delivery. 

  1. Age Criteria: Surrogates should be between the ages of 21 and 45. This age range is chosen to ensure that the surrogate is mature enough to make an informed decision and is within the optimal age for a healthy pregnancy.
  2. Reproductive History: It’s imperative for a surrogate to have at least one previous successful pregnancy and delivery, demonstrating her ability to carry a pregnancy to term with minimal complications. Additionally, a history devoid of significant pregnancy and vaginal delivery complications, such as severe gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, is essential to minimize risks in the surrogate pregnancy.
  3. Health and Physical Condition: Maintaining a healthy birth weight within a recommended BMI range helps reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications. Surrogates must also be in good overall physical health, free from significant medical conditions that could impact the pregnancy outcome. Furthermore, being a non-smoker and free from illicit drug use is critical, as these factors can lead to fetal growth issues and other serious complications.
  4. Psychological Health: Undergoing a comprehensive psychological screening is a prerequisite to ensure the potential surrogate can emotionally handle the surrogacy journey. This includes the mental resilience to carry a child for someone else and the process involved in relinquishing the baby post-birth.
  5. Lifestyle Factors: A stable lifestyle with strong support systems is crucial for managing the surrogacy’s emotional and physical demands. Additionally, a surrogate should not have a history of alcohol abuse, which can negatively affect fetal development.
  6. Medical and Prenatal Care: Surrogates must commit to attending all medical appointments and adhering to healthcare providers’ advice throughout the pregnancy to safeguard their health and that of the baby.
  7. Legal Readiness: Willingness to enter into and abide by a surrogacy agreement is necessary. This legal document outlines the rights and responsibilities of the surrogate and the intended parents.
  8. Screening and Tests: Comprehensive medical screenings, including blood tests, physical exams, and detailed gynecological evaluations, are conducted to assess the health and suitability of the surrogate. Additionally, screening for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis is crucial to prevent transmission to the baby.

The Role of Professional Surrogacy Agencies in Health Screening

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey that many women experience in their lifetime. However, not all pregnancies are smooth sailing, and there can be various factors that affect the health of both the mother and the baby. For women who have had successful previous pregnancies and deliveries, the possibility of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions may still arise during their next pregnancy.

Finding a suitable candidate for gestational surrogacy involves a thorough screening process to ensure the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the baby. Reputable surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics like Southern California Surrogacy often have requirements for potential surrogates, such as previous successful pregnancies, a healthy medical history, and a commitment to following medical guidelines throughout the pregnancy.

The surrogacy journey includes various medical procedures, including artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF), to implant the embryo in the surrogate’s uterus. Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate mother receives regular medical care and monitoring to ensure the health of both herself and the baby.

Join the Journey of Miracles with Southern California Surrogacy

Are you ready to make a profound impact on lives by becoming a surrogate or egg donor? Southern California Surrogacy invites you to step into this life-changing adventure. By filling out our surrogacy form, you’re taking the first step towards becoming an integral part of a family’s story. Embrace this opportunity to contribute to the miracle of life and start your rewarding journey today!