Myths about Surrogacy

As surrogacy gains more popularity and interest these days, there are many known factors about the process but on the other hand, there are also many misconceptions. Today we will be looking at some of these misconceptions and bringing the truth to the surface.

MYTH: After being a surrogate, I will not be able to have kids of my own

Truth: After a surrogate gives birth and the child is given to their intended parents, and thus completing the surrogacy journey and contract, you will most certainly be able to carry your own child as long as you have your obstetrician’s approval. If you are healthy and of age, there is nothing holding you back from having more little miracles of your own. 

MYTH: Surrogacy is only for the rich and famous

Truth: Surrogacy has lately become very popular among celebrities who cannot carry their own child due to medical reasons. Just because you see surrogacy in the media more and more these days, it is still is a wonderful option for any infertile individual or couple, famous or not! This will not cost the intended parents millions of dollars.

MYTH: Being a surrogate is an easy way to earn money

Truth: You will be earning money as a surrogate mother, but this needs time and dedication to the entire journey and to the intended parents. Anyone who has been pregnant before knows it’s not the easiest thing in the world, but it is by far the most fulfilling when you see the faces of the intended parents light up as they see the little miracle you brought into this world just for them.

MYTH: Surrogates are related to the child they are carrying

Truth: The surrogate mother does not have any genetic relations to the child she is carrying as the embryo is made using the intended parents’ genetic material or donor material. Rest assured that the surrogate will not share DNA with the child to be.

MYTH: Gestational surrogacy and traditional surrogacy are the same

Truth: Surrogacy agencies only accept gestational surrogates. Gestational surrogacy means the surrogate has zero biological links to the baby that she is carrying. The embryos implanted into the carrier does not have the surrogate’s DNA. The embryos were either created from the intended parent's genetic material or an egg/sperm donor was involved. Donor material cannot be obtained from the surrogate. Traditional surrogacy is a lot less common and not an accepted practice at professional agencies. This is due to the fact that the surrogate uses her own eggs and therefore, she would be related to the baby she is carrying. The surrogate would be the biological mother and she would have parental rights to the child that is born. Gestational and traditional surrogates are completely different.

MYTH: Any women can be a surrogate for a family

Truth: Not all women can be a surrogate as there are a few basic guidelines that need to be met 

  

- Over 21 years old

- Has had one healthy, full-term pregnancy

- Non-Smoker

- No Medical issues 

- No Criminal background

Prevention's Against the Flu & Cold

It's that time of year again when you are buying more and more boxes of tissues, your eyes start watering, your nose starts running, and you need to make multiple cups of hot tea and buy many bottles of water. This is the beginning of the cold and flu season and it hits you right out of nowhere!

For our pregnant ladies out there, we want you to take some extra precautions: Pregnancy causes your immune system to be slightly weakened due to the body working hard to keep the baby strong and healthy!

Here are a few prevention tips to keep clear of the cold and flu:

- The first step to take for both your protection and the baby’s is to get the flu shot: this will only ward off flu germs; therefore, you may still be at risk for catching a cold. The flu shot will help strengthen your immune system to help fight off other germs that might try and catch you.

- Always wash your hands with soap and water! This is highly important and we cannot stress this enough! You will want to wash your hands immediately after coming into contact with germs, for example, after using a public restroom. Many people will be using the facilities and some (dare I say!) do not wash their hands. Always keep in mind that the door handles will have the most germs. For your protection, we would suggest that after washing your hands use an extra paper towel to open the doorknob in order to keep away from direct contact with germs. If there is no soap and water available for you to use, always keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer, this will definitely save your day and help kill those germs. 

-  Keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids; water is the best for hydration because it helps to flush toxins out of your system and keeps you nice and healthy. If you do happen to get sick, staying well-hydrated is just as important for your recovery.

- Avoid people who are already sick. If someone is coughing or sneezing, keep your distance. Likewise, if you are sick and contagious, take time to rest at home so you can get better and not spread germs to those you come in contact with.

- Do not touch your eyes and mouth. The germs can easily infect you through those areas since they are open and will have direct contact with the germs, easily penetrating the body’s defenses. 

- Make sure to get enough sleep! Getting at least 7-9 hours per night will also help strengthen your immune system. If you are sleep deprived, this will have negative effects on your body and will cause your immune system to weaken.