It is a huge decision to become a surrogate mother. There are many things to consider before you make this commitment. Surrogate motherhood has its risks, and there are some.
Surrogate mothers can experience side effects and risks just like any other traditional pregnancy. These risks can be avoided by a surrogacy professional. However, there is always the possibility. Any woman who is considering surrogacy needs to consider how these possible risks and complications might affect her life.
What are the risks for surrogate mothers? There are two main categories: emotional and physical.
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Surrogate Mothers: Physical Risks
Side effects and physical risks are inherent in any type of pregnancy. Medical issues such as can arise when you have a child.
- Morning sickness and nausea
- Weight loss
- Swelling
- Pain in the back
- Heartburn
- Bloating and gas
- Itchy skin
- Frequent urination
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypertension
- Reproductive organ damage
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labor
- More
Your OBGYN, who you can choose from based on where you live and your comfort, will be there to help you through your pregnancy to minimize the chance of side effects and reduce risks. They can also help with any issues that may arise.
Surrogacy can present unique medical problems that go beyond the traditional risks of pregnancy. This is due to the necessity of IVF treatments that are used in most traditional and gestational surrogacies today.
There are some side effects to IVF with surrogacy. Preparation is required for you to administer certain fertility drugs by yourself via shots. These and other medications may cause:
- Injection locations bruising
- Temporary allergic reactions
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- More
There are potential risks associated with embryo transfer. Although the process is relatively painless and quick, there may be some cramping or bleeding. You might need to remain on bed rest for several hours or days.
When you have a surrogate baby, there are some additional medical risks. Surrogate pregnancy is more common than the traditional ones, and it comes with some of the same risks as.
All surrogate mothers should consult a doctor, surrogacy specialist, and a physician to reduce the risk of developing serious health problems. The doctor will give you a list of recommended medications and a plan to follow. You should keep in touch with the professionals if you are a surrogate. They will update you if there is anything wrong.
Remember: You must pass a medical screening to become a surrogate. This screening will ensure you are fit enough to surrogate before the process begins. It will also help minimize possible surrogate mom side effects. Your doctor can create a plan that is safe based on your individual circumstances.
Surrogate Mothers: Emotional Risks
Understanding the medical aspects of surrogacy is an important part of becoming a surrogate. However, it’s also crucial to understand the emotional risks associated with being a surrogate mom. Surrogacy is an emotional commitment. You will spend at least a year with your intended parents in an intimate partnership, working towards a common goal. There are both setbacks as well as successes.
People often wonder if surrogates suffer from emotional trauma when they are not able to return home with their baby after nine months of pregnancy. This isn’t an issue for most surrogates, as they know they are “babysitting” the child from the beginning. However, it should be something you think about. Surrogacy can also bring on other complications such as:
- Depression, post-partum and depression
- After the birth of the baby, Loss and grief
- Mental exhaustion
- Feel guilty about the lack of time you have for your family
- Pregnancy hormones can cause mood swings
- Stress caused by a difficult relationship with your intended parents
- Emotional pressure to carry the baby of the intended parents
Your surrogacy professional will require you to go through a psychological screening or social screening before you can become a surrogate. This is to ensure that you are aware of the possible emotional risks. The professional will discuss with you the possible emotions that you might feel as a surrogate, and help you decide if you are ready to deal with them.
This is key to creating a support network of surrogacy friends and family that you can turn to in the most difficult times of your surrogacy journey. You need to have people who can provide both practical support (such as childcare or household duties) and emotional support. To get the help that you need, you must be honest and open with them as well as yourself.
Remember: Your choice to become a surrogate doesn’t only affect you, but your entire family. While you’re undergoing IVF treatment and medication, your spouse and you will have to refrain from having sexual relations. Your spouse might also be required to perform additional household and family duties when you are in bed rest or incapacitated. Surrogacy can be avoided by having your spouse support you.
Traditional pregnancy can be stressful and complex emotionally. Surrogate pregnancy can make it even more difficult. A good surrogacy professional can provide emotional support for you throughout your journey through either their social workers or by referring to an experienced therapist.
Are the risks to surrogate mothers worth it?
Surrogacy is an extremely personal decision. You should only make it after you’ve fully researched the risks and potential complications. Surrogacy professionals can help answer your questions and address any concerns to determine if this family-building process works for you.
Surrogacy is a positive option for women who want to create families. The potential problems of surrogacy are outweighed by the benefits. They know that working with an experienced professional can help reduce the surrogacy risks. This allows them to focus on the important things — making a difference in a family’s lives forever.