The “C” Word

Posted by Shiva Landry on July 16, 2021 with 0 Comment

Feeling bloated is almost a rite of passage when pregnant. But when that feeling is a byproduct of constipation, it is EXTREMELY uncomfortable.

Here is why you may feel backed up and what you can do about it.

Constipation can begin as progesterone levels increase. Progesterone causes the muscles in your bowels to relax, allowing food to hang around the digestive tract for an extended amount of time. While uncomfortable, it’s not all bad. More nutrients absorb into your bloodstream for you and Baby. But and there is always a but, it can cause a traffic jam.

There are many ways to handle constipation:

Fiber: Fiber-rich foods help you eliminate waste. The recommended amount of fiber to consume is 25-35 grams each day. You can find fiber in whole grain cereals, bread, legumes, fresh fruits, and veggies. If you have a sweet tooth, dried fruits are a great way to satisfy and combat constipation.
Say no to “Refined”: Avoid refined grains such as white bread, white rice, and pasta. These are culprits for constipation.

Hydrate: Drink fluids, especially water, because they keep solids moving through your digestive tract and make stool softer and easier to pass. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day will help aid the process. If you are really in a bind (pun intended), prune juice is considered a mild laxative and can help.

Avoid big meals: A large meal can overwhelm your digestive tract and back things up. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help with less gas and bloating.

Prenatal Vitamins: OBs always recommend prenatal vitamins. They can cause constipation in some individuals. If this happens to you, ask your doctor about alternative prenatals or supplements that will fight constipation.

Probiotics: Yogurts containing active cultures have probiotics. Probiotics will stimulate the intestinal bacteria that breaks down food and keeps thing moving. Probiotics can be found in supplements as well. Ask your doctor for recommendations.

Exercise: Movement alone encourages healthy bowel movements. A simple walk can get things moving. As always, do not begin a new workout regimen until you check in with your doctor.
Warning about laxatives: Check with your doctor before taking any constipation medication. Not all medicines are safe during pregnancy.

Begin your surrogacy journey with Shared Conception. Call us at either our Houston 713-622-1144 or Dallas 214-390-4024 office for more information. Or, visit www.deliveradream.com to get started on an application to become a surrogate.

Hop in!

Posted by Shiva Landry on July 9, 2021 with 0 Comment

Pregnancy in the summer can be hard because it is scorching hot! But look on the bright side! You can float; getting some relief from gravity. Find a pool and hop in! Well, don’t hop. Step in safely. Relaxing in the water will not only cool you down but can be a great form of exercise and take some of the discomforts from achy backs and feet. You will feel weightless! Pool time will also help de-stress, and it’s fun for the whole family!

Floating

To get the most out of floating, make sure you are in a comfortable position. A flotation device such as a noodle, raft, or sling can help with that. You can even use multiple floatation devices, depending on how far along you are. Floating can support you, the baby, and help keep your head above water. Being in the pool is also an excellent opportunity to float belly down (but not for too long) and release the weight of a growing uterus pushing against your organs. Pro tip: for lower back relief, put the pool noodle under your knees.

Exercise

Floating can be exercise as well as support. It’s low impact, and easy on your joints. Swimming maintains muscle tone and increases your endurance. You will feel energized, refreshed, cool and confident this summer with some pool time. Swimming while pregnant has been shown to ease sciatic pain, reduce morning sickness, and improve your labor and delivery.

Safety measures

Please use caution when in a pool. Never swim alone. Notify someone if you feel light-headed and stay hydrated. Always check for water depth. Depending on what body of water you decide to plunge into, be aware of your surroundings, especially with smaller bodies of water. Avoid contamination and water-borne illnesses. Most importantly, say no to hot tubs. You do not want to raise your body temperature or increase a miscarriage or birth defects risk. It’s best to leave these alone for now.

Why Thanksgiving is GREAT Pregnant

Posted by Shiva Landry on November 20, 2020 with 0 Comment

It’s already November, and although many want 2020 to be a year of the past, let’s not rush past Thanksgiving. This amazing “eating holiday” can be the best day of a pregnancy! Think about it; it’s like an endless buffet with delicious and sometimes endless leftovers!

Why Thanksgiving is great when pregnant

Eat like a queen (and don’t cook or clean). You are pregnant. You are tired. Especially after a fabulous meal. Maybe….and this is just a suggestion, you should nap. Although a nice walk in the cool autumn weather can be good for your digestion and make room for dessert!

Have seconds, thirds…..It’s nice to overeat on this holiday, some eat in abundance no matter a pregnancy during T-day dinner. But when you’re pregnant, it’s perfectly acceptable to have thirds of stuffing.

Take home those leftovers! Not only will you be stocked for a few days and not have to worry about cooking, you can also savor this wonderful and delicious holiday for a few more days.

Comfy and cozy. Maternity clothes were designed for this holiday. Especially after that second slice of pie. While everyone else is undoing belts and buttons, you can be thankful for those elastic waist pants or leggings.

Some pregnancy tips for Turkey day:

Stay hydrated. In order to prevent eating so much you feel like you are going to burst, drink plenty of water before your meal. This can help you feel fuller so you are less likely to overdo it.

Pumpkin pie actually is good for pregnant women. Well, at least the pumpkin part. Pumpkin helps regulate blood sugar. Making a pumpkin sauce or soup is less of a sugary path for pumpkin. It may help reduce selling and cramps in your legs. It’s rich in calcium and zinc which is good for your baby.

Stay away from salt. Sodium affects water retention and blood pressure. To minimize puffy legs and swollen ankles, don’t add extra salt to your plate.

Don’t eat the stuffing from inside the turkey. To avoid salmonella and E.coli, cook the stuffing (or request to have some) cooked outside of the bird to be on the safe side.

Most importantly, have a great time with your friends and family. Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today. We want you to be informed, fulfilled and satisfied knowing you can contribute to the world in a unique and precious way. Also, you can visit www.deliveradream.com to find out more information!

Why Halloween Pregnancy is the Best

Posted by Shiva Landry on October 30, 2020 with 0 Comment

Holidays can stress out a pregnant woman, which is the last thing you need when you’re already tired, swollen, and emotional due to all the hormones battling it out inside of you. But Halloween is really the only holiday with zero stress, which is why it’s the best time of year to be hosting a baby bump. You don’t have to plan, buy, or cook a big elaborate meal. This holiday only involves fun costumes and sugar — and really, aren’t those the best part of any holiday?

Here are our top 3 reasons why Halloween rocks for our surrogates!

You Can Wear Whatever You Want

Sure, those maternity jeans were a good idea in theory. But the minute your belly started growing, anything tight makes you feel less like a maternal goddess and more like a stuffed sausage. Lucky for you, a laid-back look is totally on trend during Halloween season. Not only will no one care if you rock sweats and socks with soccer sandals to work — they’ll compliment you on your clever PJ costume.

One Word: Candy

Women who crave sweets when pregnant and are lucky to have a bun in the oven when Halloween rolls around. It’s like you received the Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory. Grocery stores become abundant with every candy you could possibly dream of. Does the baby prefer nougat or peanut butter? Let’s find out.

Perfect Excuse to Stay in on Halloween

If squeezing into a costume and walking the neighborhood with your children (or someone else’s) sounds like zero fun, blame the bump and stay in. You can pass out candy to all the neighborhood cuties, or sit and enjoy the thrillers that are only on TV around this time each year.

Be careful not to overdose on the sweets! Too much candy for anyone is not good, especially if you are pregnant. If you have any questions relating to your pregnancy health, consult your doctor.

Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form! We would love to hear from you!

Become a Surrogate!

Posted by Shiva Landry on July 10, 2020 with 0 Comment

A lot of us are lucky enough to be able to think, discuss and waiver on having another little one added to our family. These days are chaotic, unpredictable and ever-changing. We can feel overwhelmed at times and the thought of another baby is bittersweet. Yet, there are many couples that cannot even think about having a baby, and simply because they can’t. We are not all blessed with fertility.

Infertility is on the rise. It’s more common than most people think. Today, about 1 in 6 couples wishing to conceive and sadly experience infertility. This then, leads many to the long road of fertility treatments. The use of assisted reproductive techniques is also increasing due to a greater need. Unfortunately, these treatments don’t work for everybody. And, more times than not, a woman does not get answers as to why she cannot conceive. This does not leave out the increasing numbers of male infertility issues either. There are so many people struggling to achieve a family – and that’s where we come in.

“We” are Shared Conception. A highly-rated surrogacy agency looking for strong, courageous and just plain wonderful women looking to help create a family. It takes a special woman to become a surrogate mother. Now, there are the physical, medical and emotional requirements. But, it requires someone with a big heart. Surrogate mothers are selfless, loving and overall amazing! They help others in times of need, love being pregnant and want to share one of the most precious moments of people’s lives.

Shared Conception works hard to simplify the surrogate process for all of our potential surrogates, from start to finish (and even after). We will walk you through what may seem like a complicated process and are with you every step of the way! If you are interested in making someone’s dreams come true, contact Shared Conception today! Or, visit our website and fill out a contact form and see if you prequalify. Visit www.deliveradream.com for more information.

Reasons To Actually Love Your Summer Pregnancy 1280x960

Pregnant? Beat the heat this summer!

Posted by Shiva Landry on June 12, 2020 with 0 Comment

Believe it or not, there are some advantages to being pregnant in the summer. You don’t have to worry about squeezing your swollen feet into shoes when you have the option to wear sandals, and those stylish flowy dresses are very comfortable and chic.

But, with temperatures in Texas already climbing and becoming more muggy, it can get unbearable. Summer can also pose some of its own risks to those that are pregnant. Overheating is very common and scary.

Here are some ways to remain cool and comfy this summer:

Drink water. You need an extra 2-4 glasses of water a day when you are carrying. Stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go. The sudden urge of thirst can sneak up on you at any time. Make it tasty by adding a slice of lemon, cucumber or lime for a hint of flavor.
Seek shade. Over exposure to the sun, puts you at risk even more while pregnant. Not only can it cause you to overheat, but if your skin is prone to melasma (dark patches that appear on your skin) the shade can help prevent it.
Changes in body temperature can be risky. It’s hot outside and cool inside. Your body is in overdrive when it has to continually adjust to temperature. If you find yourself outside for long periods of time, wear light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and have your water handy.
Putting your feet up is part of your job! When it is hot, our feet, ankles and legs swell up faster. Even if you are working, put a stool underneath your desk for an invisible relief!
Take a cool shower. This will not only cool down your body but help minimize swelling. This will also help you relax before bed. And remember, there is no limit to cool showers! Some of our Shared Conception surrogates have told us that they take multiple showers a day!

Interested in learning more about surrogacy? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com and let’s talk!

Surrogacy Through a Family Member

Posted by Shiva Landry on May 11, 2020 with 0 Comment

When Intended parents search for a surrogate, they have many questions and try to get the idea of the lifestyle that a potential surrogate lives. If that person is part of your family, it is probably more comforting to know them, their medical history, and background. However, such a close relationship can lead to other complications. That is why intended parents much cautiously and carefully evaluate the situation and consider the following:

Fees, Expenses and Reimbursements

It is quite possible that the family member that will potentially become your surrogate will refuse any financial compensation. It can be uncomfortable for many because it creates an imbalance. There are other ways of compensation such as contributions to your surrogates biological child’s college fund, a prepaid vacation or big gift post-delivery. Most of these generosities should also be stated in writing in the contract.

Psyhcological Evaluation

Any agency, including Shared Conception, will help schedule a thorough psychological evaluation for your surrogate, whether it’s your sister, cousin, niece, etc. Most evaluations include an oral interview and psychological test. This is a step that must not be skipped.

Independent Legal Counsel

Although family members prefer to keep their dealings informal, it’s important to remember that surrogacy is a legal arrangement that involves legal transactions and must be taken care of correctly, with legal representation for both parties. Surrogate mothers put themselves at risk physically. It is imperative to have representation. Shared Conception works with highly trained attorneys that represent your best interests.

Guardianship

Before an embryo is transferred, it is necessary to have a pre birth order for guardianship of the child in the gestational agreement. This way, all expectations are realistically managed.

Counseling Facilitation

Shared Conception can arrange family counseling before the transfer, or IVF procedure. From our experience, we know family member can ride a roller coaster of emotions. Unresolved family issues can surface during a stressful time. In the event of a failed pregnancy attempt, the surrogate mother may blame herself. Counseling can help all participants move through a stressful or grieving process and in deciding on the next step.

Think twice about asking a family member to become a surrogate mother. However, when adequately prepared, having a family member help you create your family becomes a rewarding experience for the entire family. Shared Conception is equipped and ready to help. Visit us online www.sharedconception.com or give us a call today! We would love to hear from you!

“Mis”Conceptions

Posted by Shiva Landry on April 24, 2020 with 0 Comment

Have you heard of surrogacy? Throughout recent years, it’s become an increasingly popular alternative to pregnancy when all other fertility options are exhausted. Celebrities are doing it and being public about it. You may even know someone who is or has been a surrogate or someone that has needed one. Nevertheless, there are often stigmas, assumptions and myths attached to this intricate process.

Once of the most common misconceptions is that the surrogate mother is genetically linked to the child. A surrogate, or gestational carrier is impregnated through the IVF process with an embryo created by the intended mother (or donor egg) and the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm). This is called gestational surrogacy.

A popular belief to one who is not familiar or educated about the surrogacy process, is that the surrogate will become attached to the baby that they are carrying and be unable to give it to the intended parents at the time of birth. Surrogates, also known to us as “selfless women warriors”, already know that this is expected at the end of the surrogacy journey. Plus, the baby is not genetically linked to the surrogate, as mentioned above. And lastly, by law, in certain states like Texas, surrogates have no legal rights to the child.

An unfortunate fallacy to the surrogate process is that it is unaffordable. It is expensive but many families have grown their family through surrogacy, and you can’t put a price on that. Shared Conception is open to talking about how you can get loans and other ways to make your dreams of a family, a reality.

On a high note, surrogacy is becoming more and more accepted into today’s society. Shared Conception is dedicated to walking you through this process to achieve your goal of creating or expanding your family. Contact us with any questions; we will be happy to speak with you.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, Shared Conception pledges to wholeheartedly support you throughout the pregnancy. Our coordinators will expertly act as a liaison between you and the intended parents and ensure that everyone has a beautiful journey. Interested in becoming a surrogate? Give us a call today or visit www.deliveradream.com to fill out an application request form. We would love to hear from you!

Happy Easter from Shared Conception!

Posted by Shiva Landry on April 10, 2020 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 cravings can take the wheel. And, when holidays such as upcoming Easter 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 are very tempting. I don’t know about you. but that Reese’s® peanut butter egg gets me every time! It’s not easy to resist when filling the children’s Easter baskets or seeing the large selection of baked goods at Easter Brunch. 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. Unless you are pre-disposed to gestational diabetes, you do not have to completely avoid sugary goods. It is okay to have sweet treats while pregnant, as long as it’s in moderation. That is the key. 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 and possibly gestational diabetes.

While pregnant, 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!

Corona Virus and Pregnancy

Posted by Shiva Landry on March 20, 2020 with 0 Comment

This pandemic has thrown us for quite a loop. Have your prenatal appointments changed to telemedical appointments? With the ever-changing news, uncertainties and restrictions imposed in our lives, what does this mean for those of us who are pregnant? What is known however, is mostly positive. Pregnant women don’t seem to be particularly susceptible to the virus. This does not mean that they are immune to it either!

Currently, our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on reproduction and pregnancy is limited. There are reports of women who have tested positive for COVID-19, who have delivered babies who do not have disease. Additionally, there is limited information from published scientific reports about the susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19 and the severity of infection. Available data are reassuring, but are limited to small case series.

As of late, hospitals are taking extra precautions to help people give birth during this pandemic. This includes limited amount of support allowed in the labor and delivery room. This does not include virtual supporters. Check with your doctor about their preferences and guidelines, as it changes daily.

If you are delivering, it is said that hospitals are making plans to ensure that healthy pregnant women are separate from the infected ones. Also, hospitals are following CDC guidelines to evaluate pregnant women for Covid-19 symptoms. Anyone who exhibits symptoms is given a mask and delivers in a separate area.

Currently there is no evidence that a pregnant person can transmit the virus to the fetus during pregnancy or birth. There is also no evidence that the virus passes through breastmilk but as always, it’s best to check with you OB if you’re planning on pumping.

It’s important to note that coronaviruses are unrelated to the ZIKA virus, which has very clear implications for pregnancy and fetal development. Miscarriage and still birth are more common with influenza infection in pregnancy, and therefore could be a risk of COVID delaying pregnancy until risk of infection is low would be prudent to minimize the above risks.

Unfortunately, this has become our new reality. Stay informed and wash your hands! Pregnant women should continue to practice social distancing, diligent hygiene and seek information from your doctor! Shared Conception is there for our surrogates at any time.

Tag: pregnancy