10 Dos and Don'ts for a Healthy Pregnancy for Surrogate Mothers

Becoming a surrogate mother requires a high degree of responsibility and scientific planning. Regular prenatal checkups can detect problems early and ensure the health of the mother and baby. A well-balanced diet provides the nutrients needed for the development of the fetus, and adequate hydration and exercise reduce discomfort during pregnancy and improve overall health. Good sleep and emotional management are good for mental health, while avoiding harmful substances such as smoking and alcohol. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension need to be closely monitored, while legal support protects rights and interests. Building a support system reduces stress and boosts confidence. Following these recommendations, combined with professional guidance, can significantly reduce risks and ensure a smooth surrogacy. When in doubt, consult a medical professional for personalized support.

1. Regular prenatal check-ups

One of the most important things a surrogate mother can do is to visit her doctor frequently. This is known as a prenatal visit. The doctor will check the surrogate mother and the baby to make sure that everything is okay. The point of regular prenatal checkups is to recognize any abnormalities in the pregnancy and correct them as early as possible to ensure the health of the mother and baby. For example, if something unexpected happens to a pregnant woman during her pregnancy, the problem can be detected at an early stage and treated in time, thus allowing the mother and child to go through the pregnancy safely.

Why is prenatal testing important? Doctors can detect problems early: Through ultrasound and blood tests, doctors can find out if the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities or other potential problems. For example, if prenatal screening shows a high risk (higher than 1/250), further chorionic villus or amniocentesis tests may be needed.

Provide advice on maintaining good health: Doctors will give guidance on diet and exercise to help pregnant women maintain good health, depending on their specific situation.

Reduced incidence of problems during pregnancy: Studies have shown that pregnant women who receive regular maternity checkups are less likely to experience complications, and 95% of healthy pregnancies include regular prenatal visits.

How often should you go?

• Early pregnancy: once a month. The focus at this time is to confirm that the embryo is developing normally and to rule out problems such as ectopic pregnancy.
• Mid-term: Every two weeks. This stage focuses on monitoring the growth rate of the fetus and the health of the mother.
• Postpartum: weekly. As the due date approaches, doctors will need to keep a close eye on key indicators such as fetal position and amniotic fluid volume.

Babies are born healthier when their mothers visit the doctor regularly. This is because regular prenatal checkups not only reduce the risk of illness for both mother and baby, but also adequately prepare them for labor and delivery.

2. Balanced nutrition and diet

What you eat during pregnancy is very important. A balanced diet provides your baby with all the nutrients it needs to grow. A properly structured diet meets the needs of a rapidly developing fetus while protecting the mother's health.

Foods that should be eaten:

• Fruits: such as apples and bananas, which are rich in vitamin C and fiber, help boost the immune system and improve digestion.
• Vegetables: such as carrots and spinach, which are rich in iron, folic acid and other trace minerals.
• Proteins: such as chicken and beans, are important for fetal tissue building.
• Whole grains: such as bread and rice, provide energy while also containing B vitamins.

Important Vitamins:

• Folic acid: Helps your baby's brain develop and prevents neural tube malformations. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects by 70%. sources: spinach, oranges.
• Iron: Prevents fatigue and guarantees stable maternal hemoglobin levels. Sources: Red meat, lentils.
• Calcium: Helps the baby's bones develop and avoids maternal bone loss. Sources: Milk, cheese.

By consuming the above foods, pregnant women can not only meet their own nutritional needs, but also maximize support for the healthy growth of the fetus.

3. Staying hydrated

Drinking water is very important. When you are pregnant, your body needs more water than usual. This is known as hydration. Adequate water intake is important to maintain the environmental balance in your body.

Why do you need water?

• Protecting your baby's safety: insufficient hydration may lead to a decrease in amniotic fluid volume, which can affect the fetal viability [[1]].
• Prevents headaches and swelling: dehydration can cause blood pressure to fluctuate, triggering uncomfortable symptoms.
• Reducing the risk of preterm labor: not drinking enough water may increase the likelihood of preterm labor up to 15-20%.

How much water should I drink each day? At least 8 glasses (about 2 liters). Additional hydration is needed if it is hot or if you exercise. By adhering to daily water goals, pregnant women can significantly improve their overall health and set the stage for a smooth labor and delivery.

4. Physical activity and exercise

Exercise is good for surrogate mothers. It helps them feel better and stay strong. However, safety must be kept in mind when choosing an exercise program.

Safe exercise:

• Walking: simple and easy, suitable for all pregnant women.
• Swimming: reduces stress on the joints and is particularly suitable for late-term pregnant women.
• Yoga during pregnancy: improving flexibility and mental relaxation.

Benefits of Exercise:

• Help sleep better: moderate exercise regulates the biological clock and relieves insomnia.
• Make labor easier: regular exercise builds muscle strength and shortens labor time.
• Reduces back pain: strengthens the core muscles and reduces the burden on the spine.

Women who exercised during pregnancy experienced 30% less discomfort and recovered more quickly after giving birth, the study noted.

5. Adequate rest and sleep

Sleep is very important. Surrogate mothers need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure full physical and mental recovery.

Why is sleep important?

• Helps the body recover: cell repair and hormone production peak during deep sleep.
• Reduce Stress: Quality sleep helps control cortisol levels and reduces anxiety.
• Keep your baby healthy: prolonged late nights may interfere with the oxygen supply to the placenta and affect fetal development.

Tips to improve your sleep:

• Go to bed at the same time every day to develop a biological clock habit.
• Use comfortable pillows, especially those designed for lumbar support.
• Avoid screens at bedtime to reduce blue light stimulation.

Data shows that pregnant women who get less than six hours of sleep are more likely to feel fatigued and stressed, whereas adequate sleep of seven to nine hours makes people happy and refreshed.

6. Avoidance of harmful substances

Surrogate mothers must avoid things that could harm their babies. These include smoking, alcohol and drugs.

What should be avoided?

• Cigarettes: Nicotine can impair fetal lung development, leading to low birth weight and breathing problems.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol may cause fetal alcohol syndrome, manifested by brain damage and growth retardation [[8]].
• Too much caffeine: Excessive intake may make the fetus small.

Studies have found that alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of fetal damage by as much as 50%, making total abstinence the safest option.

7. Managing stress and emotional well-being

At times, becoming a surrogate mother can be difficult. It is important to take care of your emotions. This is known as mental health.

Ways to manage stress:

• Talk to a counselor: a professional can help with complex emotional issues.
• Spending time with family: intimacy brings emotional support.
• Practice deep breathing: Meditation techniques help to calm the mind.

Benefits of managing stress:

• Enhances emotional stability and reduces depressive tendencies.
• Reduce the probability of labor complications.
• Let the baby feel the positive emotions of the mother and indirectly promote its healthy development.

8. Monitoring of medical conditions

Some surrogate mothers may have chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and these issues need to be closely monitored.

Common Conditions:

• Diabetes mellitus: may lead to oversized fetus and increase the risk of cesarean section. However, with scientific management, the success rate can be up to 90%.
• Hypertension: may trigger preeclampsia, but regular medication and regular review can bring the success rate to 85%.

How to monitor:

• Take your medication as prescribed.
• Measure your blood sugar level regularly.
• See your doctor often to adjust your treatment plan.

9. Legal and ethical preparedness

Surrogacy involves many rules. Surrogate mothers should work with an attorney to understand their rights.

Why is legal help important?

• Protecting the legal rights and interests of surrogate mothers.
• Clarify the terms of the agreement to avoid disputes.
• It is important to speak with your attorney in detail before signing a contract to ensure that all parties are in agreement.

10. Support systems

Having someone to help will make surrogacy easier. Friends, family and professionals can offer support.

Who can help you?

• Family members: provide daily care and companionship.
• Intended Parents: joint participation in the decision-making process.
• Counselors: answering psychological confusion.

Benefits of Support:

• Reduces stress and improves well-being.
• Increased confidence and positive results.

common problems

FAQ 1: What are the key health screenings surrogate mothers need to have during pregnancy?

Surrogate mothers are required to undergo regular prenatal check-ups during pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and child. Monthly in the early stages, every two weeks in the middle stages and weekly in the later stages. Doctors monitor fetal development through ultrasound and blood tests to detect chromosomal abnormalities and other problems early. In addition, the checkups include monitoring the mother's blood pressure, blood sugar and weight to prevent complications such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. These tests not only reduce the risks of pregnancy, but also prepare for labor and delivery.

FAQ 2: How do the diet and lifestyle habits of the surrogate mother affect the health of the fetus?

The diet and lifestyle habits of a surrogate mother directly affect fetal development. A balanced diet provides key nutrients such as folic acid, iron and calcium to help prevent neural tube malformations and bone problems. Meanwhile, maintaining adequate water intake prevents the risk of preterm labor caused by dehydration. Avoiding smoking, alcohol and excessive caffeine is also crucial, as these harmful substances can lead to low birth weight or fetal alcohol syndrome. A good routine and proper exercise will help strengthen your body and minimize pregnancy discomforts.

FAQ 3: How can surrogate mothers manage their emotions and stress to safeguard their mental health during pregnancy?

Mood management and stress relief during surrogacy is very important for the health of the mother and baby. Surrogate mothers can calm their moods by talking to a professional counselor, practicing deep breathing or meditation. Support from family members and intended parents can also reduce the psychological burden. Studies have shown that a good emotional state not only reduces the probability of labor complications, but also indirectly promotes healthy fetal development. Therefore, building a support system and actively seeking help is an important part of the surrogacy process.

summarize

Becoming a surrogate mother is a rewarding but highly responsible journey. Following these 10 key things can effectively safeguard the health of mother and baby and make the surrogacy process smoother. Regular checkups can detect potential problems early; a balanced diet provides essential nutrients for fetal development; adequate hydration and proper exercise can help minimize pregnancy discomforts; and good sleep and mood management are essential for mental health. In addition, avoiding harmful substances, monitoring chronic diseases and knowing the legal rules can reduce risks across the board. Building a support team can help both emotionally and practically. In short, scientific planning and professional guidance are central to successful surrogacy. When in doubt, consult a medical professional for personalized advice.