Pregnancy is a time filled with joy and also a lot of sacrifices. During pregnancy, surrogates are responsible for another human being during these nine months. Therefore, during the gestational period, it has been encouraged to avoid certain precautions for the betterment of life.
Lifestyle
Many aspects of life will change during pregnancy. A surrogate can pursue most of her favorite hobbies, habits, and daily activities, but some of them are not safe with a child on board.
Smoking and recreational drug use
These activities are associated with higher levels of fetal organ damage, preterm birth, sudden infantile syndrome, and childhood asthma, among other adverse consequences.
Hot tubes
It is important to avoid anything that can cause overheating during pregnancy, including hot tubs, to reduce the risk of birth defects and pregnancy.
Rollercoasters
Punching, bumping, jumping, and rolling back and forth on roller coasters are fun, but they are often dangerous for surrogates due to their movements, high speed, pressure fluctuations, and possible side effects.
Ecological exposure
We are all in daily contact with the toxins of nature, but during pregnancy, we need to be very careful. It is best to avoid unnecessary X-rays and exposure to lead, mercury, and pesticides, which can be associated with birth defects and abortion.
Stress
In the short term, stress will not hurt a surrogate or her child too much, but the cumulative effects of stress over time can cause high blood pressure, weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other chronic illnesses.
Recommended foods
Certain macro and micronutrients like complex carbohydrates, fibers, monounsaturated fats, plant-based- protein, high-fat dairy, folic acid, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals boost fertility. It is necessary to mention that a balanced diet by selecting wholesome and ‘rainbow-colored natural food items like multicolor fruits and vegetables to get adequate fiber along with other essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
Physical activity
With the doctor’s permission, the surrogate can follow a safe exercise routine during gestation. However, some activities need to be interrupted until the baby arrives.
Harmful activities
There is an increased risk of falling during certain sports activities, such as horseback riding, skiing or snowboarding, ice skating, or a projectile in the abdomen (such as football, baseball, or tennis). It is, therefore, better to avoid such activities.
Hot Yoga
Yoga is a great way to stay fit and flexible during pregnancy, but hot yoga – along with high temperatures and intense exercise – can cause severe dehydration and the risk of rising body temperature.
Mountaineering
There is a risk of falling, but also of altitude sickness. Exposure to high altitudes during pregnancy can affect the oxygenation of the fetus, especially if she is not used to it.
Diving:
Like rock climbing, diving increases the chances of being exposed to hyperbaric oxygen, which can affect the development of the fetus in the mother’s womb.
Lifting heavyweight
Pregnancy hormones weaken and relax joints and ligaments, making one more prone to injuries. Weight-lifting and strenuous activity during pregnancy can be more harmful durning pregnancy. Therefore, avoid these.
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.
Ravi Sharma is a self-motivated, successful entrepreneur and has a solid experience in the fertility segment. and he is the director at ARTbaby Global (ARThealthcare). He is a pharmacy graduate with post-graduation in business administration and has 14 years of rich experience in the field of infertility segment. He loves to write about IVF, Surrogacy, and other ART (assisted reproductive technology) news, issues, and updates. He is a Pharmacy graduate (B. Pharm) and M.B.A (marketing).
His most recent success includes the successful launch of the medical tourism company, ARTbaby, which offers treatment options for infertility, egg donation, and surrogacy. He likes spending time with his family and writing about various aspects of IVF surrogacy and donating eggs.