unnamed

Tips for a Cool Summer

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Texas, and many other places around the country, can be brutal during the summer with the high temperatures and humidity. It is awfully uncomfortable and being pregnant can make the heat more intense. You may think “I will never feel cool again” – but don’t worry! Shared Conception has you covered with these tips on how to stay cool and enjoy yourself this summer.

  • Do outdoor tasks in the early morning or evening – when it is not as hot.
  • If it is over 90 degrees, stay in the shade, indoors or wherever there is air conditioning!
  • Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Can someone say “mocktail” – sip a delightful concoction to treat yourself.
  • Sunscreen! And don’t forget to reapply!
  • Take a quick cool shower (or two) to cool down throughout the day.
  • If it doesn’t need to be done now – REST!
  • And always ask for help from your support system!

Now, you may notice your skin changes too. When you are pregnant, your body can respond to all the hormonal changes and produce high amounts of melanin. This can cause dark spots and patches. Staying out of excessive sunlight will protect your skin and as mentioned above, find a sunscreen that will not irritate your skin to apply frequently. The heat can make your skin dry and itchy too. Lotions and moisturizing washes can soothe the itch, but most importantly, staying hydrated will work from the inside out.

Shared Conception is dedicated to keeping our surrogates happy and healthy. If you are looking into becoming a surrogate and giving the precious gift of life, give us a call today. You can also visit us online at www.SharedConception.comfor more information or to fill out our online questionnaire to see if surrogacy is the right path for you.

Unknown 2 1

Happy Easter from Shared Conception

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Many of our surrogates have promised themselves to eat as healthy as possible when they find out that they are pregnant. But when holidays such as the upcoming Easter Holiday come around, we are constantly surrounded by candy and sweet treats. It’s everywhere this time of year. The chocolate covered treats in the stores’ seasonal section, is on display in every store. The children’s Easter Baskets or the large selection of baked goods we often see at Easter Brunches are hard to resist. Being pregnant is not a free pass to consume every chocolate egg in sight! Be aware of too much sugar.

Gobbling down Cadbury Eggs, Jelly Beans (and other candy) will cause your blood sugar level to spike, but unless you are pre-disposed to gestational diabetes, you do not need to completely avoid sugary goods. It is okay to have sweet treats while pregnant as long as it’s in moderation. You don’t want to replace nutrient-dense foods or take in too many calories. Candy is nothing but empty calories and can cause excessive weight gain or lead to gestational diabetes.

Many things can trigger cravings for sweets. Hormonal status and a growing baby are all factors that can contribute; depending on which trimester of pregnancy you are in.  Believe it or not, fatigue is a very common cause of these cravings. This is why it is important to reduce your load of responsibilities. Take the help offered to you, ask for help and nap. That pile of laundry can be folded later, the dishes in the sink can sit for a little longer and you can call someone in your support system to help so you can rest.

So, before you reach for that hollow chocolate bunny, fill up on those nutrient-dense foods. Shared Conception wishes you and your family a Happy Easter! If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, give us a call today or check out our website for more information at www.SharedConception.com! We would love to hear from you!

 

References:

http://pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnancy/articles/940229/

https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/is-it-safe/black-licorice-not-safe-during-pregnancy/

 

Surrogacy with Shared Conception

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Surrogacy is growing in popularity and is becoming more socially accepted here in the United States, and even internationally. In the United States, there are some variations to laws regarding surrogacy which need to be considered when choosing surrogacy to extend or build your family.

Shared Conception provides an excellent surrogacy program here, in Texas. We are dedicated to finding the right surrogate for our intended parents.  We are always compassionate and professional and are with you every step of the way. Sometimes this starts with a simple conversation. Shared Conception offers a free consultation for potential clients. This gives potential clients an excellent opportunity to learn about the process, become educated about surrogacy and answer any questions that you may have.

Once onboard, our extensive matching process screens surrogate mothers-to-be, to find one that fits with your preferences and needs. Whether it is location, lifestyle, background or all of the above, Shared Conception will find you an amazing gestational carrier. We prescreen every potential surrogate prior to acceptance into our program.

When matched with a surrogate, Shared Conception helps with arranging many of the initial appointments such as:

  • Initial medical screening
  • Initial psychological screening
  • Referral to an egg donor agency, if needed
  • Assistance in acquiring life and disability insurance for your surrogate, if needed
  • Assistance in obtaining medical insurance for your surrogate, if she does not have insurance or if her personal insurance has exclusions.
  • Legal referrals
  • Escrow referrals
  • Travel arrangements, if needed
  • Coordination between you, your surrogate and IVF the clinic
  • All-around emotional support. There is always someone available if you have any questions.

 

If you are interested in becoming an intended parent or surrogate and would like more information, you can visit our website: www.sharedconception.comor give us a call at 713.622.1144 for an informative, no pressure conversation.

 

 

 

PregPosture

Pregnancy and Posture

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Pregnancy and Posture

Proper posture during pregnancy is an easy way to prevent back pain while adding extra pregnancy pounds during those blissful 9 months. Training your body to properly stand, sit move and even lie down puts less strain on your back. Proper alignment can decrease low back and neck pain. It even helps fight against fatigue. Although your blossoming belly makes you feel like you can topple over with a simple shift, there are several tips listed below that can help you maintain good posture.

  • Keep your chin tucked in so your ears are in a straight line with your shoulders.
  • Avoid standing in the same position for long amounts of time.
  • Choose the flat comfy and supportive shoes! Not high heels! For your back’s sake!
  • Consider a maternity support belt. It may not be the most fashionable item you own, but it is the most relieving.
  • When seated, sit in a chair that supports the length of your thighs and knees are level with your hips.
  • When lying on your side (because what other choice do you really have?) place a pillow under your belly and between your knees. This supports the weight of your uterus and top leg.

Remember, correct posture requires practice AND it makes such a difference.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate and would like more information, you can visit our website: www.sharedconception.comor give us a call for an informative, no pressure conversation at 713.622.1144.

 

 

Unknown

Pregnancy Skin

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Congratulations! You are pregnant! Exciting times are coming your way and a LOT of changes are in your near future. At Shared Conception, we like to celebrate pregnancy, but we are also conscious that there are some changes we don’t always welcome during our journey. So let’s talk PREGNANCY SKIN.

 

Your skin changes when you are pregnant. Hormones are especially responsible for any unwelcomed skin changes throughout your journey. Acne, stretch marks, skin tags, darkened skin, and random raised bumps can appear anywhere and at any time – LOVELY! Always remember, like pregnancy, this is temporary and usually occurs in the first and second trimesters.

 

But don’t forget the pregnancy glow! A benefit to changes in hormone levels and increased blood flow. The skin glands on your face can produce more sebum (oil) which can give a shiny glow. Increased blood volume can make your skin look luminous which means – no filters are necessary when taking pictures!

 

To help clear skin, use a gentle cleanser twice a day. Make sure you clean your hands before you wash your face to avoid adding bacteria to your skin. There are also a ton of natural home remedies you can access here. Harsh cleansers and topical treatments are not always recommended to use while pregnant. Make sure you speak to your doctor and read any labels – some often read “not for use while pregnant.”

 

It’s also common to develop dark spots on your skin. The most common darkened area is the linea nigra, the dark line stretching from the belly button to the top of the pubic bone. 75% of pregnant ladies notice this line. But don’t worry, it usually fades away a few months post delivery when your hormone levels begin to balance out and stop fluctuating.

 

Are you interested in surrogacy? Give Shared Conception a call today. For more information, visit us online at www.SharedConception.com– we would love to hear from you!

 

 

References:

https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/skin-changes-during-pregnancy/

https://www.babycenter.com/0_skin-darkening-during-pregnancy-melasma-or-chloasma_222.bc

 

 

 

 

 

 

images 2

Part 3: Surrogacy in the 3rd Trimester

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Congratulations! You have made it into the final stretch. And yes, pun intended! You might feel that your body is stretched out, you’re tired, you urinate frequently and you might not be getting the best night’s sleep. You definitely cannot see your feet, but that’s okay because they are most likely swollen. However, knowing that you are about to help to create a family is exciting. Imagine how your intended parents are feeling!

There are tests and more tests. The big one occurs between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy for gestational diabetes. This occurs at either the end of your second trimester or beginning of the third. Gestational diabetes causes higher than normal blood sugar and only occurs during pregnancy. It usually goes away after delivery and can affect any pregnant woman. If you fail the one-hour test, you have to take a second, longer, 3-hour test. Failing the first test does not mean that you have gestational diabetes. You do have to fast for the second test, so schedule your appointment early in the morning to prevent those hunger pangs.

And it’s back to those frequent doctor visits; similar to what you had in the first trimester. It usually increases around the 36-week mark. If you are carrying multiples, more frequent visits may be required. Make sure you arrive with a partially full bladder as urine tests are often administered. These tests will check for protein, sugar and any bacteria to rule out signs of preeclampsia. Then, as with any pregnancy, your doctor will listen to the heartbeat, you will get weighed, have belly measurements and your blood pressure will be checked.

As the due date approaches, your doctor will need to examine your cervix. Your cervix will change as labor approaches. Mostly, your doctor will feel to see if the cervix has begun to dilate. It’s not the most comfortable feeling but it is a quick check.

It is a busy trimester. Frequent doctor visits, preparation for delivery, managing your intended parents and wading through life with a rounded belly, may be hectic. Just remember to take care of yourself too. If you need help, call Shared Conception. Let us help you with the last part of your journey!

images 1

Part 2: Surrogacy in the 2nd Trimester

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Congratulations! You made it through the first trimester. On top of the usual suspects; morning sickness, fatigue, food aversions, frequent urination, etc., you may still have those pesky needles to inject. By this time, you can administer the shot with your eyes closed, but your backside may be suffering. It could feel like a constant bruise. The good news is that n your second trimester you will quickly wean off of these shots!

Also, unless there are any concerns or complications, you will be released to your OBGYN of choice, which often times, is at a more convenient location than your fertility clinic. You will have ultrasounds during the second trimester; one being the anatomy ultrasound where you can find out the sex of the baby. This is an exciting opportunity for the intended parents to attend if possible. If you are carrying for out-of-state or international intended parents, take video, pictures or even Facetime during these important and exciting appointments!

So you are feeling more like yourself, you no longer have to inject yourself and you see your chosen OB. It can’t get any better, right? The second trimester is full of exciting times for you and the intended parents. During this time, it is not uncommon for your intended parents to worry about birth defects, your diet and level of activity. If your intended parents seem concerned, take it kindly. Most of the time this is their first child, so think back to your first pregnancy. If this becomes an issue, call us at Shared Conception so we can help!

It’s important to remember that you are responsible if there are any changes in your insurance coverage. This can come into play if there are any life changes such as you or your partner’s employment, a relationship change, or a move. In this case, contact Shared Conception and we can walk you through the necessary steps to ensure that you are fully covered throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.

The staff at Shared Conception is here to assist you and the intended parents. Do not hesitate to contact us when necessary. We are just a phone call away!

images 1

IVF and Pregnancy by Trimester (a 3-part series)

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Part 1.

Since we are a surrogacy agency and all of our surrogate moms are gestational carriers, we thought it would be good to discuss each trimester in more detail in a 3 part blog series. If you are considering surrogacy and are curious about what happens after that positive pregnancy test – here it is.

The Pressure

If an IVF transfer fails, surrogates tend to feel that they failed the intended parents. It’s a very emotional period for all. Many times, the intended parents are concerned about their surrogate’s emotions and the surrogate is concerned about the intended parents. It’s a lot of pressure for both parties! It is not uncommon for the first or second embryo transfer to fail – patience is a virtue in these emotionally challenging processes but all of this can pay off.

The Test

A pregnancy test is conducted through a blood test. This blood test measures the hormone hCG, the pregnancy hormone. It is not recommended to take an at home pregnancy test after your IVF treatment, so try your best to resist. Some of the medications taken before the IVF and during the first trimester of pregnancy contain hCG and can create false positives and false negatives.

Continued Medications

Unfortunately, you must continue those progesterone shots throughout the majority of the first trimester. By this time, you are used to that little pinch – how long you continue the progesterone is dependent on your situation and will be instructed by your doctor.

Your hormone levels are continuously checked until you graduate from the clinic and start going to your OBGYN doctor. These blood tests ensure a healthy pregnancy, monitor estrogen and progesterone levels, and can help discover any signs of concern in the first trimester.

Transferring to your OB

Unless there are risks or complications between 10 and 12 weeks, a surrogate is usually released to her OBGYN that cares for her throughout delivery.

Other than the additional medications and close monitoring, an IVF pregnancy is very similar to any other pregnancy. It can come with morning sickness, fatigue and all the other wonderful symptoms of pregnancy. Many surrogates choose to embark on this life-changing journey because they just love to be pregnant.

Stay tuned for our next blog in this 3-part series, which will be about Surrogacy in the Second Trimester.

Help create a family with Shared Conception. Interested in surrogacy of have any questions? Call us today! You can also visit us online at www.sharedconception.com

 

Unknown

Traveling as a Surrogate

Posted by Shiva Landry on with 0 Comment

Being a surrogate is a loving and selfless thing to do. Surrogates know that giving this wonderful gift will come with some personal inconvenience for them and their family. One of the major factors of difficulty that you may face as a surrogate, is traveling while pregnant. Your contract will outline specifics, and you will legally agree to your limitations; which can be outside of your doctors’ restrictions. If you are planning on traveling during your journey, it is important to talk to your doctor ahead of time as well as checking your contract for travel stipulations.

The biggest tips we can offer to you when traveling is this:

  1. Stretch!Long trips can be wearing on your pregnant body. Get up, move around and stretch every 2 hours. This will help avoid developing blood clots and improve circulation. Ask your doctor about decompression stockings for long plane and car trips. They are not pretty, but may help blood flow. If you are driving, plan for plenty of rest stops for bathroom breaks and stretches.
  2. Purchase Trip Insurance. Avoid any monetary backlash by purchasing trip insurance when available. This will reduce your stress. If there are any unforeseen complications before your trip, you will be able to get a refund and take your trip at a more convenient time.
  3. Choose an aisle seat. Whether on a bus, train or plane, choose an aisle seat. You have better accessibility to the restroom and it will be easier for you to get up and down.
  4. Dress comfortably! Wear loose, breathable clothing and comfy shoes. Don’t be afraid to bring your slippers for plane rides and hotel rooms.
  5. Records. Bring a copy of your prenatal records – just in case!
  6. Enjoy!Worrying will get you nowhere!

Interested in surrogacy? We would love to chat with you. Give us a call today.

 

 

 

 

 

images

2 Week Wait…..Concerns?

Posted by Shiva Landry on

Not only is IVF stressful, but so is the post-IVF two week wait!! You can’t wrap yourself in a cocoon of safety and stay stress free for this entire period of time, because life gets in the way. Even so, it is exhausting! You become hyper aware of your body and can’t help but be in tune (and worrisome) of every twinge, ache, pain and cramp.  Some cramping is common. Although it can strike fear in the hearts of many as a sign of a failed cycle, it also may be a sign of implantation. If the cramping is severe or accompanied by bleeding or fever, contact your doctor right away. Otherwise, try to take it easy, especially the first few days. Your doctor will give you instruction about what you can and can’t do in this two-week time period. Light spotting is also common. It occurs in a large percentage of IVF cycles. During the two-week wait, it is normal to spot and is sometimes related with implantation. It is caused by an embryo implanting itself into the uterine wall. But still, you should always let your doctor know about any unusual bleeding. Stress is naturally paired with an IVF cycle. This isn’t surprising. Getting support during the 2-week wait is important for your well-being. Surrounding yourself with loved ones will help reduce any stress and anxiety. Treat yourself to a (doctor approved) long walk, box of chocolate goodies, or a good book. Do something that may take your mind off of your current situation and help pass the time.  Don’t overthink it. You could be pregnant and have no symptoms or be pregnant accompanied by every symptom. You may not be able to help how sensitive you are to your body at this time. Just try your best not to obsess over it. Always remember, your doctor is the best source for medical questions and concerns and will instruct you regarding the limits of what you can and can’t do for the next two weeks.  Take a slow deep breath; you will survive the two-week wait! If you have any questions, Shared Conception will be here for you! We can even put you in contact with others that have been through this situation. Call us today!