Complete Guide to Nutrition and BMI for Surrogates

Nutrition during surrogacy is an important part of the journey and key in maintaining a safe BMI.

Nutrition and body mass index (BMI) both play important roles in a healthy surrogacy journey because they directly affect fertility, pregnancy health, and recovery for both the surrogate and the baby.

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Here’s a thorough breakdown:

1. Why Nutrition and BMI Matter in Surrogacy

A surrogate’s body will be supporting not only her own health but also the growth and development of another person’s baby. Adequate and balanced nutrition helps:

    • Support implantation and early pregnancy

Proper intake of folate, iron, vitamin D, and healthy fats supports early fetal development and reduces risks of birth defects.

    • Maintain stable energy levels

Surrogacy can involve multiple medical appointments, hormonal treatments, and pregnancy demands — a nutrient-rich diet helps sustain energy.

    • Prevent complications

Adequate nutrition lowers the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, anemia, and low birth weight.

    • Promote healthy fetal growth

Nutrients like protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain, bone, and organ development.

2. The Role of BMI in Surrogacy

BMI is often part of surrogacy agency and fertility clinic eligibility requirements because it can influence both conception success and pregnancy safety.

Typical requirement: Many clinics prefer a BMI between 19 and 30 (some accept up to 32).

Why it matters:

    ◦ Low BMI (<18.5): May affect hormonal balance and menstrual cycles, reducing embryo implantation success.

    ◦ High BMI (>30–32): Associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and C-section delivery.

    ◦ Healthy BMI range: Supports optimal hormone regulation, healthy blood flow to the uterus, and manageable pregnancy weight gain.

3. Practical Nutrition Guidelines for Surrogates

Dos

•  Before pregnancy (pre-conception phase):

  • Focus on whole foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds.

• Begin a prenatal vitamin (with at least 400–800 mcg folic acid).

•  Stay hydrated (8–10 glasses of water daily).

•  Limit processed foods and high-sugar drinks.

•  During pregnancy:

  •  Increase calories modestly (about +300/day in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters — not “eating for two”).

• Prioritize:

  • Protein (lean meats, legumes, eggs)

  • Calcium (dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens)

  • Iron (red meat, beans, fortified cereals — paired with vitamin C for better absorption)

  • Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, salmon)

Don'ts

• High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel)

• Unpasteurized dairy

• Excess caffeine

• Alcohol

4. Additional Considerations

 • Blood sugar monitoring may be required for surrogates with higher BMI.

 • Regular exercise (walking, swimming, prenatal yoga) helps manage weight and circulation.

 • Medical supervision is key — nutrition plans should be personalized by a prenatal care provider or dietitian.

 • Mental health & stress management also affect nutrition habits and pregnancy outcomes.

💭 Final Thoughts

In short, ACRC sees health not as a box to check, but as the foundation for a safe, joyful, and successful journey — because a healthy surrogate means a healthy baby and a positive experience for everyone!