It’s no secret that pregnancy changes a woman’s body in many ways, some completely unexpected. Surrogates experience the multitude of physical and emotional changes during pregnancy as well as the added involvement of the intended parents and a specialized team of healthcare providers. Surrogacy can feel different than carrying your own child because there is an extra focus on your health from people other than your immediate family and friends. When the pregnancy changes begin to present themselves, remember that you have a dedicated team to turn to with any questions or concerns. To avoid some of the most common pregnancy discomforts, use incorporate the following five tips into your routine.

#1 Practice Yoga

Consult with your healthcare team before starting any exercise, but know that yoga can be a great way to promote flexibility and increase the strength of the muscles required for childbirth. Mayo Clinic also states that prenatal yoga can be helpful for nausea, headaches, and lower back pain. For many, yoga is a top alternative to more high-impact exercises and carries many of the same benefits.

#2 Add Meditation to Your Routine

Surrogacy can be an emotional journey filled with ups and downs, much like a regular pregnancy. Because there are usually more people involved in your surrogacy, it’s easy to get wrapped up in whatever is happening around you and put your own needs on the back burner. It’s also very common to experience mood swings during pregnancy. To ease your mind and promote relaxation, try meditating several times a week. This is a great way to tune in to your body and mind and can help you refocus when you need it. Even five minutes a day can be a simple way to incorporate some self-care and personal reflection into your routine.

#3 Get High-Quality Sleep

Getting enough sleep is always important but becomes especially crucial during pregnancy. If you didn’t have a set bedtime before, create one and try to stick with it. Communicate with other people in your household that your sleep is a priority so that they can help you stay on track. If you’re feeling tired at work or while out and about, don’t shy away from taking a 15-20-minute nap to reset. Feeling rested is important for the baby but also helps you manage your health and emotional wellness.

#4 Eat Well

To keep the baby healthy during your surrogacy, eating a diet rich in nutrients and vitamins is key. There are also several foods to be aware of that can help ease other uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. To prevent or reduce feelings of nausea, try eating smaller portions throughout the day. Skipping meals may be tempting but can make you feel worse. Ginger ale or ginger gum is also handy to keep around when your stomach isn’t feeling its best. Foods high in fiber are good for your digestive health and can help prevent constipation. To keep uncomfortable gas at bay, avoid heavy starches such as potatoes or certain vegetables like broccoli or brussels sprouts. Keeping a list handy of certain foods that trigger symptoms will help you stay on track.

#5 Exercise Regularly

In addition to yoga, regular cardio exercise is a wonderful way to ease uncomfortable symptoms of your pregnancy during the surrogacy process. Something as simple as taking a walk during lunch can do wonders for fatigue, back pain, and stiff muscles. As always, make sure your doctors are aware of any exercise routines you plan on starting and consult with them first.

Start Your Surrogacy Journey with SPS

When you’re ready to become a surrogate, start with a trusted and experienced agency that has your needs in mind. Surrogate Parenting Services is committed to providing you with the best surrogacy experience you can have. SPS takes care of everything from setting you up with your ideal team to guiding you through each step of the pregnancy. For more information, contact SPS at (949) 397-6855 today.