Navigating Gestational Diabetes During Surrogacy: Tips for a Healthy Journey

Surrogacy is an incredible and rewarding experience, but, like any pregnancy, it can come with physical and emotional challenges. One common pregnancy complication is gestational diabetes. It happens when the body cannot produce enough insulin to control the elevated blood sugar levels caused by additional pregnancy hormones. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of early labor and delivery, among other complications. Therefore, it's essential to understand this condition and learn how to navigate it effectively if diagnosed. 

 Here are some tips to help ensure a happy and healthy pregnancy with gestational diabetes.

1. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

A nutritious diet is crucial for managing blood sugar levels. Surrogates with gestational diabetes should focus on eating:

• Whole fruits and vegetables
• Lean proteins and healthy fats
• Whole grains
• Fewer foods high in sugar, such as soft drinks and pastries

It's important to eat consistently throughout the day by having three small-to-moderate meals and one or more snacks. Try to keep the amount and types of food — carbohydrates, fats, and proteins — similar each day. This consistency can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

2. Stay Active

Regular exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively, aiding in blood sugar control. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can help maintain fitness without placing excessive strain on the body.

3. See Your Doctor Regularly

Continuous monitoring is crucial for managing gestational diabetes. Surrogates should regularly check their blood sugar levels to ensure they stay within a healthy range.

In some cases, diet and exercise may not be enough to control blood sugar levels, and medical interventions may be necessary, like insulin therapy. Regular consultations with healthcare providers are essential to adjust treatment plans as needed.

Building a Collaborative Care Team

Successfully managing gestational diabetes as a surrogate involves collaboration between medical professionals, the surrogacy agency, and the intended parents. Building a strong care team ensures that everyone is informed, supported, and working together to prioritize the surrogate's health and the baby's well-being.

Here’s how to foster effective collaboration:

• Open Communication with Intended Parents: Keeping the intended parents informed about your health and any necessary adjustments in care can strengthen trust and understanding. Regular updates about your medical appointments, dietary changes, and progress can help everyone feel involved.
• Leverage Support from Your Surrogacy Agency: Many agencies offer resources tailored to specific challenges like gestational diabetes. Reach out to your coordinator for guidance, whether it’s connecting with dietitians, diabetes educators, or support groups.
• Engage with Specialists: A multidisciplinary team that may include endocrinologists, nutritionists, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists can provide comprehensive care. They can tailor recommendations to your unique needs as a surrogate.
• Advocate for Yourself: As the surrogate, your voice is crucial. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek clarity, or express concerns about your care plan. Ensuring you feel comfortable and supported in decisions is key to a positive surrogacy experience.

By creating a cohesive care team and fostering clear communication, surrogates can navigate gestational diabetes with confidence and the assurance that everyone is aligned toward a successful outcome. At Fertility Source Companies, we provide the resources necessary to ensure a healthy journey for both surrogates and intended parents. Contact us today to learn more about our surrogacy services.