Do surrogacy is affected by any occurring diseases? 

Surrogacy is an infertility treatment option for women who have uterine malformation and are unable to start their family with other available treatment options. Psychological well-being management, especially for surrogate mothers is a critical aspect of the surrogacy procedure.

Sick woman pic for surrogacy occuring diseases

Apart from mental health following are certain health conditions and medicine intake that can affect surrogacy outcomes: 

Zika virus infection 

The vertical transmission of Zika virus infection from infected mother to fetus during pregnancy provides a serious impact on pregnancy outcome. The transmission of infection is possible even from asymptomatic mothers to fetuses. The congenital infections cause various symptoms including ophthalmologic (eye) abnormalities, small-sized head (microcephaly), and other neurologic abnormalities. The onset of Zika infection during the few weeks of pregnancy, which is also known as nascent staged Zika infection is also dangerous as it causes a miscarriage.

The Zika virus can transmit through the egg and also cross the placental barrier. Therefore, both egg donors and surrogates need to screen for Zika infection.  

Zika virus has a risk of microcephaly development. The abnormal small head of the born child is the characteristic feature of this condition. The Zika virus-infected donated egg used in the fertilization for the creation of an embryo or child born from the Zika virus-infected surrogate has a higher risk to develop neurological issues.

Clinically it has been assumed that women who had a history of Zika infection before pregnancy or develop the infection during the gestational period may transfer the virus to the fetus. Reproductive endocrinologists and IVF specialists are well aware of the potential risk associated with pregnancy. To reduce this risk, Zika virus screening becomes compulsory for egg donors and surrogate

The estimated risk of the perspective of reproductive donation including egg donation has been confirmed through case studies. It is also necessary to mention, FDA has found that the positive evidence of the Zika virus can persist in semen and other tissue such as the placenta. The sexual transmission of this viral infection is also possible. Therefore, Zika virus infection screening is an important step for both gestational and traditional surrogacy.

According to the different study findings, the chances of Zika virus transmission through egg donation is less. However, this risk is higher in sperm donation. Semen contains sperms, which is a leukocyte-rich material and more susceptible to Zika viral attack. Researchers have suspected that the Zika virus can survive in both the freeze and thaw processing of semen. Therefore, frozen sperm transfer can also cause transmission of this viral infection to both the surrogate and fetus.

Medications

Surrogates need to avoid prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements during pregnancy. 

Medicines for acne

Acne medications like spironolactone and isotretinoin have been associated with serious birth defects. The Surrogate should avoid them during pregnancy.  

NSAID pain medication

The effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, have been extensively studied, and these drugs put the fetus at risk of congenital defects and damage to internal organs. These risks are highest in the first trimester.

Over-the-counter drugs

Many over-the-counter drugs are safe during pregnancy, but like many, they are not. For example, antidiarrheal drugs, antihistamines, decongestants, expectorants, and nasal sprays may have some potential risks. Always consult a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication during pregnancy. 

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs

Some antidepressants have little risk of going through them, especially if they cannot take a greater health risk for a pregnant lady and her unborn baby.

Antibiotics

Tetracycline class antibiotics should be avoided in general, while antibiotics such as penicillin and erythromycin are generally considered safe.

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