How BMI Affects Fertility in Surrogacy and Tips to Maintain a Healthy BMI

When it comes to surrogacy, the health and well-being of the surrogate are critical to

ensuring the success of the pregnancy and the health of the baby. BMI can influence the ability to conceive, carry a healthy pregnancy, and deliver a baby safely. Therefore, most fertility clinics have BMI requirements.

Maintaining a healthy BMI is about creating the optimal environment for both the surrogate and the baby. In this blog, we’ll explore how BMI affects fertility and pregnancy in surrogacy and provide practical tips for surrogates on how to maintain a healthy BMI throughout the journey.

What is BMI and Why Does it Matter for Fertility?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement that compares a person’s weight to their height. It helps determine whether a person’s weight falls within a healthy range. The categories of BMI are:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5

• Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9

• Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9

• Obese: BMI of 30 or greater

Maintaining a BMI within the “normal” range (18.5 to 24.9) is optimal for fertility and a successful pregnancy. Both being underweight and overweight can lead to complications and impact the health of both the surrogate and the baby.

How BMI Affects Fertility and Pregnancy in Surrogacy

1. Impact of Being Underweight (BMI Less Than 18.5)

When a surrogate has a BMI lower than 18.5, it often indicates that they are not getting enough nutrition, which can lead to fertility issues. Being underweight can affect reproductive hormones, making it harder to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. Some of the potential effects include:

• Irregular Ovulation: Low body fat and insufficient nutrient intake can interfere with hormonal balance, leading to irregular or absent ovulation, making conception more difficult.

• Increased Risk of Miscarriage: Underweight surrogates may face a higher risk of miscarriage due to the body’s inability to support early pregnancy and fetal development adequately.

• Difficulty Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy: Without enough nutrients or body fat, it can be harder to support the growth and development of the baby, leading to complications such as low birth weight or preterm birth.

  
  

2. Impact of Being Overweight or Obese (BMI Over 25)

On the other hand, having a BMI above 25 can also affect fertility and the ability to carry a healthy pregnancy. Excess body fat can lead to hormonal imbalances and other issues, including:

• Hormonal Imbalance: Excess fat can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, which can impact ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive.

• Increased Risk of Pregnancy Complications: Obesity is linked to several pregnancy-related complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, which can lead to preeclampsia, and the risk of cesarean delivery.

• Difficulty with Fertility Treatments: Women who are overweight may face challenges when undergoing fertility treatments because excessive body fat can interfere with hormone production.

  
  

3. Why a Healthy BMI is Essential for Surrogates

Having a BMI in the “normal” range (18.5 to 24.9) is ideal for supporting fertility, a healthy pregnancy, and minimizing the risk of complications. A healthy BMI can:

• Support regular ovulation and improve the chances of pregnancy.

• Help maintain stable hormone levels for both the surrogate and the baby.

• Reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

• Create a healthier uterine environment for implantation and fetal development.

How Surrogates Can Maintain a Healthy BMI

Maintaining a healthy BMI is essential for surrogates to support their own health and the success of the pregnancy. Here are some strategies that surrogates can use to maintain or achieve a healthy BMI:

1. Eat a Balanced and Nutrient-Dense Diet

A well-balanced diet is critical for maintaining a healthy BMI and ensuring the surrogate’s body is receiving the right nutrients. Rather than focusing on calorie restriction, surrogates should prioritize a nutrient-rich diet that supports fertility and pregnancy:

• Protein: Lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins like tofu and legumes help build and repair tissues, including the uterine lining, and provide energy for the surrogate’s body.

• Whole Grains: Foods like brown rice, quinoa, and oats provide fiber, which helps maintain healthy digestion and stable blood sugar levels.

• Healthy Fats: Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish provide essential omega-3 fatty acids that support both fertility and fetal development.

• Fruits and Vegetables: These are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help regulate hormones, support healthy fertility, and provide energy.

Surrogates should aim for a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet that supports their fertility and overall health.

2. Stay Active with Moderate Exercise

Regular physical activity is key to maintaining a healthy BMI. It’s important to find a balance between staying active and not overdoing it. Surrogates should engage in moderate exercise, such as:

• Walking: A low-impact way to stay active without putting excess strain on the body.

• Swimming or Cycling: These exercises are easy on the joints but still provide a full-body workout.

• Strength Training: Light strength training can help build lean muscle and improve metabolism.

Exercising regularly helps surrogates maintain a healthy weight and ensures they are physically prepared for the demands of pregnancy.

3. Get Sufficient Sleep and Manage Stress

Hormonal balance and weight management are closely linked to sleep and stress levels. Surrogates should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to ensure their body is functioning optimally.

Managing stress is also essential. Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help surrogates manage stress effectively.

4. Work Closely with Healthcare Providers

Surrogates should have regular check-ins with their physicians and nutritionists to monitor their BMI and overall health throughout the surrogacy process. These professionals can offer personalized guidance and ensure that the surrogate is on track to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for the pregnancy. If needed, healthcare providers may recommend supplements or adjustments to the surrogate’s diet to support optimal health and fertility.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy BMI is crucial for surrogates who want to optimize their fertility and ensure a smooth and healthy pregnancy. Both being underweight and overweight can lead to complications that affect not only the surrogate’s health but also the well-being of the baby. By prioritizing balanced nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep, surrogates can maintain a healthy BMI that supports their fertility and reproductive health.

At Collective Surrogacy, we are dedicated to supporting surrogates throughout their journey. We are here to help ensure a successful and healthy surrogacy experience for everyone involved.

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