Tips to ensure a healthy pregnancy
To have a successful pregnancy and birth, a gestational surrogate mother must be nutrition-conscious. This is of the utmost importance in fulfilling her responsibilities to the baby’s biological parents. Staying healthy and fit isn’t enough since even the surrogate’s food choices during pregnancy will affect the intended parents’ future with the baby. That’s why we regularly provide recommendations to trusted nutritionists and maternity fitness experts, around the country. From eating the right food and taking the necessary vitamin and mineral supplements, to maternity yoga and working out – New Beginnings Surrogacy supports a healthy lifestyle during our surrogate’s pregnancy.
If you are a surrogate mother, even if you work with another Surrogacy Agency, feel free to contact us for a referral in your area.
How to have a healthy Pregnancy
We believe that a surrogate mother, just like any other mother, has the duty to provide the baby she is carrying with the best possible health. Surrogates are encouraged to be conscientious of their nutrition to ensure normal in utero growth and the development of a healthy baby. This is the best way to have a smooth pregnancy, uncomplicated delivery, and happy post-partum phase.
Tips when Eating for Two
Major food groups contribute important dietary needs for baby to grow well. Here are some guidelines when eating:
Healthy Carbohydrates:
- Whole grains
- Sweet potatoes
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Healthy Proteins and Fat:
- Nuts
- Avocadoes
- Salmon
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Soy
Prenatal Nutrition Supplements
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is not the only task required by a surrogate mother before and during pregnancy. Key nutrient supplements are also a must. Just make sure that all supplements must be approved by your fertility doctor.
- Folate – The B vitamins (B9) prevent neural tube defects, anemia, brain and spinal cord defects (spina bifida and anencephaly).
- Vitamin B6 – Assists the proper development of the baby’s growing nervous system and brain in utero. B6 also helps with the surrogate mother’s early symptoms of pregnancy, like nausea.
- Iron – A lack of red blood cells can lead to reduced oxygen flow to the baby in utero. Iron supplementation avoids anemia by maintaining healthy iron levels during pregnancy.
- Calcium – A surrogate’s body uses calcium from her own bones to support the growth and development of the baby in utero. Calcium supplementation supports the baby’s nervous, circulatory and muscular systems, as well as normal heart rhythm and blood-clotting abilities.
- Vitamin D – Prevents abnormal bone growth and fractures in newborns. Vitamin D also prevents complications during pregnancy by supplementing the surrogate’s blood pressure, brain function, immunity and mood.
- Iodine – The source of the in utero baby’s thyroid comes directly from the surrogate mother beginning within the first trimester of pregnancy. Iodine supplementation provides healthy brain function and development.
Prenatal supplements provide your body with the additional nutrients it needs to meet the metabolic demands of a healthy pregnancy.
Foods to Avoid when pregnant
Of course, as with any list of the things you should do, surrogate mothers should also watch out to avoid the following foods as well. Keep in mind that fish having high levels of mercury must be avoided.
- No Swordfish
- No Shark
- No King Mackerel
- No Orange Roughie
- No Marlin
- No Tilefish
Unpasteurized dairy products must be avoided.
- No imported soft cheeses
- No raw milks
- No deli meats
- No hot dogs
- No raw meats
- No raw fish
Why does this matter?
- Unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and hot dogs can carry the bacteria – listeria – which can cause stillbirth or other serious health complications for the baby.
- Undercooked fish and meats can carry a number of harmful bacteria that can cause serious infections, salmonella poisoning or toxoplasmosis.
- Make sure that all fish and meats must be thoroughly cooked to well-done.
What is a Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy?
Every woman carries a pregnancy differently. One of the common questions that come up during a physical is about the expected gaining weight. Keeping an eye on how much weight you gain during pregnancy is important. Being overweight during pregnancy will increase health risks to the baby and could cause serious complications at birth. But beyond the health of the baby, improper weight gain can pose a serious risk for a surrogate mother, too. A surrogate’s risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery are increased if a healthy weight is not maintained.
More Helpful Resources About Surrogate Nutrition
As a surrogate, even if you don’t currently work with us, you are invited to contact us for referrals to nutritionists in your area. With the help of a nutritionist, you can make sure your weight gain is in check during your pregnancy.
