During pregnancy, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy to support the growth and development of the fetus.

Here are some foods that you should avoid or limit while pregnant:

1. Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood: These foods can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause food poisoning, which can harm your baby.
2. Certain types of fish: Fish high in mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, should be avoided as they can harm your baby’s developing nervous system. Instead, opt for low-mercury fish like salmon, trout, and tilapia.
3. Raw or undercooked eggs: Raw or undercooked eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.
4. Unpasteurized dairy products: Unpasteurized dairy products can contain harmful bacteria, such as listeria, which can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
5. Certain types of cheese: Soft cheeses like brie, feta, and camembert can also contain listeria, so it’s best to avoid them during pregnancy.
6. Processed foods: Processed foods, such as deli meats and hot dogs, can contain harmful bacteria, so they should be avoided or heated to steaming hot before eating.
7. Caffeine: While moderate amounts of caffeine are generally considered safe during pregnancy, it’s best to limit your intake to no more than 200 mg per day.

Here are some foods that are good to eat during pregnancy:

1. Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Aim to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables each day.
2. Whole Grains: Whole grains like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal provide fiber and other important nutrients like iron, folate, and B vitamins.
3. Lean Proteins: Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, beans, and lentils provide important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
4. Dairy Products: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are a great source of calcium, which is important for the development of the baby’s bones.
5. Healthy Fats: Foods that are high in healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, provide essential fatty acids that support the baby’s brain and eye development.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs during pregnancy and to follow their recommendations for a healthy pregnancy. If you are interested in learning more about surrogacy options or are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, please contact us at 713-622-1144, and we will be here to help you with any questions.

There is a lot of information regarding surrogacy, and some of the terms may be confusing if you are unfamiliar with them. In this blog, we wanted to define some of the common terms you’ll see as you research surrogacy topics.

Surrogacy: Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproductive technology where a woman (known as a ‘surrogate’ or ‘gestational carrier’) carries a pregnancy for an individual or a couple.

Intended Parent, also referred to as IP: An Intended Parent is an individual or couple who cannot conceive on their own or carry a pregnancy safely – for any reason – and choose surrogacy to build their family.

Traditional Surrogate: A woman who uses her own eggs and carries and gives birth to a baby for the intended parents. She gets pregnant by artificial insemination or IVF with sperm from an intended father or sperm donor. Traditional surrogates are genetically related to the baby. Due to the legal complexity of traditional surrogacy, Shared Conception does not work with traditional surrogates and only utilizes gestational surrogacy to help build families.

Gestational Surrogate: Eggs from the intended mom or an egg donor are fertilized in the laboratory with sperm from the intended father or sperm donor to make an embryo. The embryo is implanted in the uterus of the gestational surrogate, who carries the baby until birth. The gestational surrogate is not genetically related to the baby and is not the biological mother. Another term for a gestational surrogate is gestational carrier.

Matching: A process in which a surrogate is matched with intended parents. Here at Shared Conception, we take many factors into consideration when matching surrogates and IPs. We make matches based on legal requirements, personality compatibility, and shared expectations.

In Vitro Fertilization, also referred to as IVF: Is a procedure in which eggs are removed from a woman’s ovary and combined with sperm outside the body to form embryos. The embryos are grown in the laboratory for several days and then either placed in a woman’s uterus or cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.

Egg Donor: A woman who donates eggs, or oocytes, for assisted reproduction via IVF.

Egg Retrieval: The process by which eggs are removed from either the intended mother or egg donor for fertilization.

Frozen Embryo Transfer: A process that occurs when a frozen embryo (an already fertilized and frozen egg) is thawed and transferred into a surrogate.

Fresh Embryo Transfer: The Intended Mother or egg donor takes hormones to stimulate egg production. The eggs are retrieved and fertilized to form embryos, then the embryo is transferred to the surrogate. Over the years, fresh embryo transfers have become much less popular as IVF experts feel that frozen embryo transfers have similar or even better success rates than fresh transfers.

Surrogacy Contract: A legal contract between the surrogate and intended parents. The parties negotiate the terms of the contract through their legal representation. Once the contract is signed, the terms of the contract govern the parties’ interactions. It is vital for both the intended parents and the surrogate to read the contract carefully so that all conditions are understood.

Pre-Birth Order: A court-issued order that is acquired before the birth of the child. This document places the names of the intended parents on the birth certificate and allows them to access to the child while he/she is in the hospital.

Post-Birth Order: A court-issued order that is acquired after the birth of the child. This order can be used for different purposes based on the specific state’s laws on surrogacy. In Texas, it’s just to complete the surrogacy process.

Surrogacy Agency: A surrogacy agency, such as Shared Conception, provides intended parents with all – or at least most – services required throughout the surrogacy process. Agencies aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible so you can focus on what’s important: the excitement of building a family.

Interested in Surrogacy?

An experienced surrogacy agency like Shared Conception can help you navigate the entire surrogacy process. Our mission is to give all that want a family the proper path to achieving one. Give us a call today or visit our Contact Page.

 

One question often asked is—are IVF and surrogacy the same? No, they are not. IVF, also known as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy are the two most common treatments for infertility, but often couples are confused about which option is best for them.

IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology used to help couples or individuals who are having difficulty getting pregnant conceive a child.

During IVF, eggs are surgically retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory dish, where fertilization occurs. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus, where they may implant and grow into a pregnancy. In some cases, the embryos may be frozen and stored for future use.

IVF is used to treat various fertility issues, including ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage or blockages, male infertility, and unexplained infertility. It can also be used in cases where other fertility treatments, such as medication or artificial insemination, have not been successful.

IVF is a complex process that involves multiple steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer. The process is typically done in several cycles, each taking several weeks to complete.

While IVF can be an effective treatment for infertility, it is not without risks and can be expensive. The success rate of IVF depends on the age of the patient, as usually, the success rate of IVF treatment declines with subsequent age. It is important for individuals and couples considering IVF to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider and to carefully consider their options before proceeding with treatment.

Surrogacy is the next logical step if the IVF procedure fails. Surrogacy is where a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another person or couple (the intended parents). The intended parents may use their own sperm and/or eggs or use a donor’s sperm and/or eggs to create an embryo that is then transferred to the surrogate. The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the baby, who is then handed over to the intended parents.

There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is inseminated with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, and she carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the baby. The baby is biologically related to the surrogate. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo that is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ sperm and/or eggs. The baby is not biologically related to the surrogate.

You can learn more about surrogacy, the process, or FAQs by visiting the pages on our website located under the ‘Parents’ tab. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss starting the surrogacy process, please call Shared Conception today or contact us here.

Unfortunately, back pain is a common symptom of pregnancy. Gaining weight, hormone fluctuations, and center of gravity changes are just a few causes of back pain. Here are the most recommended ways to relieve back pain while pregnant.

1. Posture Matters: Because your center of gravity shifts forward as your baby grows, you need to practice good posture. In order to do this- stand up straight and tall, hold your chest high, keep your shoulders back and relaxed, and don’t lock your knees. When standing, use a comfortable wide stand for the best support. If you must stand for long periods of time, rest your foot on a low step stool and take time for frequent breaks. Your posture while sitting is just as important. While sitting, be sure to choose a chair that supports your back or place a small pillow behind your lower back.
2. Wear the Proper Gear: While pregnant, opt for low-heeled shoes with good arch support and avoid flats and high heels. Wearing high heels can further shift your balance forward and cause you to fall more easily. You may also want to consider wearing a maternity support belt.
3. Be Careful While Lifting: While lifting a small object, squat down and lift with your legs. Don’t bend at the waist or lift with your back. It’s also important to understand your limits and to ask for help when needed. You don’t want to strain yourself too much during your pregnancy.
4. Don’t Sleep On Your Back: While sleeping can be uncomfortable in most positions while pregnant, try to avoid laying on your back. Sleep on your side, and keep one or both knees bent. A pregnancy support pillow between your bent knees, under your abdomen, and behind your neck can help ease your back pain.
5. Daily Physical Activity: Be sure to consult with your health care provider before participating in any exercises. Try gentle activities such as walking or swimming. A physical therapist can also show you ways to stretch and exercise while pregnant.
6. Know When to Contact Your Doctor: If you are experiencing back pain and can’t find relief with any of the above, or if the pain lasts longer than two weeks, you must speak with your physician. They may recommend medication such as acetaminophen or another treatment.

Back pain during pregnancy might be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection. If you have back pain during your pregnancy that’s accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever, or burning during urination, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you have any questions about surrogacy or how Shared Conception can help, please call us or contact us here.

We commonly hear about postpartum depression, but there is also a condition called postpartum blues. We wanted to discuss both conditions, the symptoms, and the differences between the two.

Postpartum blues and postpartum depression are two different conditions that can occur after giving birth. While they share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two.

Postpartum blues, also known as baby blues, is a common condition that affects up to 80% of new mothers. It typically begins a few days after delivery and lasts for up to two weeks. Symptoms of postpartum blues include mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. It is thought to be caused by the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth, as well as the physical and emotional stresses of giving birth and adjusting to life with a new baby. Postpartum blues is generally considered a mild and self-limited condition, and most women recover within a few days or weeks without any formal treatment.

Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that can occur weeks and months after giving birth. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, and it can interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself and her baby. Other symptoms of postpartum depression may include loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Postpartum depression is thought to be caused by a combination of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors, and it often requires treatment, such as therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

In summary, postpartum blues is a mild and self-limited condition that is common in new mothers and typically resolves on its own within a few days or weeks. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is a more serious and persistent condition that requires treatment and can interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself and/or her baby. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Interested in surrogacy?

If you have any questions about surrogacy, please contact Shared Conception by calling us today or filling out our form on: contact us.

We all know that children can often have many questions, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, their questions can sometimes be challenging to answer. If your child was was born via surrogacy or you are a surrogate parent, they will most likely have questions about what that means. Below are some of the most popular children’s books on surrogacy.

1. The Kangaroo Pouch: A Story About Surrogacy for Young Children by Sarah Phillips. Various doctors and childhood professionals vetted this book to ensure the content is appropriate for young children. The story’s main character is Oliver, a young kangaroo whose mother becomes a surrogate for another kangaroo family. It narrates the surrogacy process from start to finish.
2. Daddy Dog and Papi Panda’s Rainbow Family: It Takes Love to Make a Family by Anthony Hale. This book features same-sex parents that had their children through adoption and surrogacy. It presents the topic of a modern family in a simple, yet fun way that is easy for children to understand.
3. Grown in Another Garden by Crystal Falk. In this story, the main character learns how he was born via surrogacy. This book is great for explaining why some families choose surrogates and why surrogates choose to help other families.
4. Penny’s Pocket: A tale of a sibling brought home through a gestational carrier by Elizabeth K Hebl. This book has a tale of a family of opossums who use a surrogate to bring home a second child and is excellent for helping children understand infertility and surrogacy.
5. You Began as a Wish by Kim Berman, PhD. This book answers many questions children may have about where they came from in a simple, easy-to-understand manner.
6. The Very Kind Koala: A Surrogacy Story for Children by Kimberly Kluger-Bell. This is a picture book for children as young as three years old. It introduces surrogacy through the simple story of a koala bear and her husband who needed the help of a very kind koala to carry their baby in her own pouch.

There are many wonderful books available to help you explain the process of surrogacy to your children. All of the books we mentioned in this blog can be found on Amazon.com with full descriptions and further reading recommendations.

Below you will find 7 helpful tips for surrogates to have a healthy pregnancy. By following these tips and taking care of your health, you will ensure that the baby will grow and develop healthily, and you will also feel better throughout your surrogate journey.

1. Eat Well-Balanced Meals: This is especially important while pregnant. Eat plenty of protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The types of foods you should avoid are undercooked eggs, raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and certain types of fish with high levels of mercury.
2. Keep Hydrated: The leading cause of premature labor is dehydration (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). It is so important during pregnancy to drink plenty of water. In addition to keeping you hydrated, water helps transfer vital vitamins and minerals to the baby.
3. Take Prenatal Vitamins: Taking prenatal vitamins before and throughout your pregnancy will ensure that you and the baby receive essential nutrients that promote healthy growth and development.
4. Get Enough Rest: You should get at least eight hours of sleep a night. Also, be careful which position you choose to sleep in. Sleeping on your back can cut off the blood supply to the baby and make you feel lightheaded.
5. Reduce Stress: This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s a tough one. Like any pregnancy, you will probably experience mood swings and emotional challenges. It’s important to find ways to help you relax and reduce your stress levels. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to your surrogacy support system, including us here at Shared Conception.
6. Remain Active: Try to incorporate 30 minutes of low-impact physical activity into your daily routine. This can include walking, a prenatal exercise class, or even swimming. Always consult with your doctor first about which exercises are safe for you and your pregnancy.
7. Eliminate Harmful Substances: During your pregnancy, you should avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking. In addition, you should be aware of other harmful substances, such as exposure to chemicals like household cleaning supplies, changing cat litter boxes, caffeine, and certain over-the-counter medications.

Interested in Surrogacy?

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, please visit www.deliveradream.com or give Shared Conception a call today.

If you are just beginning your surrogacy journey, an important step is being matched with a surrogate mother. At Shared Conception, matching is a wonderful process in which Shared Conception excels in. We match surrogates with intended parents based on legal requirements, personality compatibility, preferences, and similar expectations.

We want to ensure that the surrogate and the intended parents are certainly equal in their beliefs and, most importantly, inner strength and that the surrogate has a harmonious pregnancy.

The information gathered from our initial meeting, and your application is vital to the matching process. After our professionals review your needs and circumstances, we immediately start the matching process and will find the ideal surrogate for you. The matching process can take a few days or weeks; other times, it can be a few months. Factors we use when looking for matches include personalities, location, fees, insurance coverage, type of contact wanted during the pregnancy and after delivery, as well as many other factors. We are looking for someone whose needs, expectations, and views are similar to yours.

Once there is a possible match, we contact the surrogate and the intended parents. We send your profiles to one another, and if both parties are interested in moving forward, Shared Conception arranges a Zoom video call between the parties and a member of our team. This is an excellent opportunity to start getting to know each other and building important rapport. Shared Conception will ensure the level of interaction between the IPs and surrogate is acceptable and comfortable for everyone before entering into a contract together.

This is such an exciting time in the process. Imagine all the hopes, dreams, expectations, and anticipation all wrapped up in the match between two families.

If you are curious about becoming a surrogate or want to learn more about how surrogacy works in our great state of Texas, contact us today! We are always here to help provide education and resources and are happy to answer any questions you may have about your surrogacy options.

Are you considering using a surrogate for your child? If you are, you have probably also thought about whether or not to use a surrogate agency. There are many pros to using a surrogacy agency during this journey.

There are several legal, medical, and procedural requirements that are involved with surrogacy. In the absence of an agency, all the paperwork, compliance, communication with the surrogate, medical information, and other essential requirements become the Intended Parents’ responsibility.

Having a baby, even through surrogacy, is a very emotionally intensive journey. Surrogacy agencies provide ongoing support for both the Intended Parents and the surrogate. Agencies also make sure that communication always remains open between both parties- this is especially important when IPs are trying to track the progress of the pregnancy.

Surrogate agencies also handle the complicated process of screening potential surrogate mothers. Here at Shared Conception, we know that the screening process is imperative and that a lot of thought and research must go into this process. We are not just a surrogate finder—we carefully choose individuals who are perfectly suited for our IPs. The surrogates associated with Shared Conception are unique, strong, caring, committed individuals who all feel compelled to fulfill their personal desire to help intended parents become moms and dads.

While going without an agency may seem to save you money in the short term, it can quickly become an expensive process if there are any issues. One benefit to having an agency is the expertise that is provided in many areas, including surrogacy law, psychological and emotional needs, conflict resolution, failed transfers, pregnancy complications, and other pregnancy issues.

With Shared Conception, our experienced and professional team helps create the best plan for your journey. We want everyone involved to have a positive experience. That is why we encourage all prospective surrogates and intended parents to contact Shared Conception to learn more about our processes. Give us a call or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!