Things You Should NOT Do When Acting as a Surrogate
When acting as a surrogate, the primary goal is to maintain a healthy pregnancy and protect both yourself and the baby you're carrying. There are specific activities, habits, and choices to avoid during pregnancy, and especially surrogacy, to ensure the best outcomes. Below is a list of things you should limit or not do as a surrogate, under the advisement of a medical professional (i.e IVF clinic, OB/GYN, or MFM):
Physical Activities to Avoid
High-Impact Activities:
Avoid trampolines, horseback riding, skiing, or other activities that carry a high risk of falls or injury.
Contact Sports:
Sports like soccer, basketball, or martial arts, where collisions are likely, should be avoided.
Heavy Lifting:
Refrain from lifting heavy objects to prevent strain or injury.
Excessive Exercise:
While light to moderate exercise (e.g., walking, prenatal yoga) is encouraged, high-intensity workouts or long-distance running should be avoided unless approved by your OB.
Dietary Restrictions
Unsafe Foods:
Avoid raw or undercooked meats, sushi with raw fish, raw eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
High-Mercury Fish:
Stay away from fish such as swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish due to their high mercury content.
Caffeine Overload:
Limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day (about one 12-ounce cup of coffee), as recommended by most OB/GYNs.
Alcohol and Drugs:
Do not consume alcohol, recreational drugs, or any unapproved medications.
Health and Lifestyle Practices
Smoking:
Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, as it can harm the baby’s development.
Drugs and Medications:
Do not take over-the-counter medications, supplements, or herbal remedies without consulting your healthcare provider. This includes gummies or other THC products.
Hot Tubs and Saunas:
Refrain from using hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms, as high heat can be dangerous for the baby.
Medical Compliance
Skipping Appointments:
Never miss your scheduled OB/GYN appointments or prenatal check-ups.
Ignoring Medical Advice:
Always follow the recommendations and guidelines of your obstetrician or reproductive specialist.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Stressful Environments:
Minimize exposure to high-stress situations, which can negatively impact your health and the pregnancy.
Lack of Communication:
Avoid keeping concerns, questions, or discomforts to yourself. Open communication with intended parents, doctors, and support systems is essential. [Pro tip: You can use your agency to help you navigate difficult conversations!]
Environmental Exposures
Toxins:
Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, such as those in certain cleaning products, pesticides, or paints.
Radiation:
Stay away from unnecessary radiation exposure, like X-rays, unless cleared by a doctor.
Other Surrogacy-Specific Guidelines
Travel Restrictions:
Avoid traveling to areas where medical care may be inaccessible, or where travel restrictions could delay emergency care. Travel restrictions will also be in place depending on how far along in the pregnancy you are and parentage status.
Non-Compliance with Surrogacy Contract:
Abide by all terms outlined in your surrogacy agreement, including restrictions on lifestyle or activities.
By adhering to these precautions and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, the intended parents and your surrogacy matching company, you can help ensure a safe and healthy surrogacy experience. Always consult your OB/GYN or fertility clinic for tailored advice and recommendations.