How to Support Your Surrogate During Pregnancy

Surrogacy is an incredible life-changing event for both intended parents (IPs) and surrogates. But it’s also an emotional roller coaster. 

At Great Beginnings Surrogacy Services (GBSS) in San Diego, California, we understand the joys and fears our IPs and surrogates feel during their journey together. Dr. Samuel Wood and our team work hard to match the right surrogate with the right IP and then guide them throughout each step of the process, from prescreening to the birth of the baby.

We know our IPs want to do everything they can to keep their surrogate healthy and happy throughout the pregnancy. Here, we want to share some tips on what you can do to support your surrogate during pregnancy.

Communicate regularly

Communication is key to any relationship. It creates an understanding, builds trust, and ensures needs are met.

Schedule regular calls or video meetings so you can check in with each other and stay connected. You can also email or text between your scheduled calls to ask how she’s doing. These notes show her that you care and want to do all you can to help during the pregnancy.

But it’s important to respect her boundaries too. We know you want to participate in her journey as much as possible, but your surrogate may find it stressful if she feels the need to respond to too many calls or texts. Listen to her needs. 

Attend important OB appointments

Prenatal care is an important part of every pregnancy. You want to talk to your surrogate about how comfortable she feels with you attending her OB appointments. Though she’s carrying your child, she’s the patient. 

Your surrogate sees her obstetrician at least once a month for checkups. You can attend every OB appointment if you and your surrogate agree. But if you can’t get to every appointment, attend the important ones, like the first prenatal visit, the second-trimester ultrasound, and the last few appointments leading up to delivery.

You may also want to plan on being with your surrogate during the glucose tolerance test. It’s a long one that requires a lot of waiting, and she may enjoy having company.

Help with daily life

Pregnancy is tough on the body. Your surrogate may struggle with morning sickness, overwhelming fatigue, or aches and pains. These ailments can make everyday chores like cleaning, grocery shopping, and cooking more difficult.

Helping her clean and picking up groceries are great ways to support your surrogate during pregnancy. You can hire a housekeeper and set up a grocery delivery service if you live far away.

Spend time together

You and your surrogate may have been total strangers before your first match meeting, and now you’re sharing this intimate experience together. Spending time with her outside the doctor’s office can help you feel more connected. 

This time also allows you to get to know each other so you can better understand her needs and provide the type of support she can use. 

We are experts at matching intended parents with their perfect surrogate and supporting both parties throughout the entire surrogacy process. Let us help you find your surrogate and grow your family. Call our office or book an appointment online today to learn more about surrogacy and how we help.