Summer can be such a fun season, especially when it is filled with pool days, beach trips, family vacations and backyard cookouts. For surrogates, the summer months can also be a great time to focus on comfort, hydration, and simple ways to enjoy the season while taking good care of yourself.

Here are a few helpful summer tips to keep in mind during the summer months:

1. Keep Hydrated

Warm weather and sunshine make hydration even more important. Keep a water bottle with you when you are running errands, spending time outside, traveling, or relaxing by the pool. You can also mix things up with fruit-infused water, electrolyte drinks approved by your doctor, watermelon, popsicles, or smoothies.

2. Enjoy Pool Time

Swimming can be a wonderful summer activity. It is refreshing, gentle on the body, and a fun way to spend time with your own children or loved ones. Whether you are floating, walking in the shallow end, or simply sitting with your feet in the water, pool time can be a great way to cool off.

3. Plan Beach Days with Comfort in Mind

A beach day can still be relaxing and enjoyable with a little extra planning. Bring a comfortable chair, a large umbrella or beach tent, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and loose clothing. Early morning or late afternoon beach trips can also be a great way to enjoy the sand and water when the sun feels less intense.

4. Pack Smart for Family Vacations

If you are traveling with your family, think comfort first. Pack breathable outfits, supportive shoes, snacks, water, medical information, and any items that help you rest well while away from home. It is also helpful to check with your surrogacy team or medical provider before taking trips, especially if travel involves longer drives, flights, or being far from your clinic.

5. Choose Easy Summer Activities

Not every summer activity has to be a full-day event. Simple outings can be just as enjoyable. Try a picnic in the shade, a family movie day, a trip for ice cream, a splash pad visit, an evening walk, or a backyard water day with the kids.

6. Dress for the Heat

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing can make hot days much more comfortable. Flowy dresses, soft shorts, breathable tops, sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat can help you feel cool while still enjoying your favorite summer plans.

7. Make Time to Rest

Summer schedules can fill up quickly with vacations, camps, family visits, and activities. Give yourself permission to build quiet time into your days. A cool room, a good book, a favorite show, or a peaceful nap can be just as valuable as a big outing.

8. Capture the Memories

Your pregnancy is meaningful, and summer can bring so many sweet moments worth remembering. Take photos at the beach, by the pool, on vacation, or during simple family days at home. These moments can become part of the story you look back on with pride.

When planning summer activities, it is always best to listen to your body and follow the guidance of your doctor or medical team. If you have questions about swimming, beach trips, travel plans, or any other summer activity during your pregnancy, contact your doctor for medical advice. If you have questions during your surrogacy journey, the team at Shared Conception is also here to support you. Call (713) 622-1144 to speak with someone on our team.

A surrogacy journey is filled with meaningful moments, important decisions, and plenty of emotions along the way. Whether you are an intended parent or a surrogate, the experience can feel even more positive when you feel informed, supported, and prepared. Every journey is unique, but a few thoughtful habits can help make the process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

1. Keep Communication Open and Respectful

Clear communication is one of the most important parts of a healthy surrogacy journey. Intended parents and surrogates do not have to talk every day, but regular check-ins can help everyone feel connected and included. Sharing updates, asking questions, and being honest about comfort levels can prevent misunderstandings and build trust.

2. Set Expectations Early

Before the journey moves too far along, it is helpful to talk through expectations. This can include communication preferences, appointment involvement, delivery room wishes, photo sharing, and boundaries. Having these conversations early helps everyone feel more comfortable and respected as the journey progresses.

3. Lean on Your Support System

Surrogacy is exciting, but it can also come with moments of stress or uncertainty. Having supportive people around you can make a big difference. This may include your spouse or partner, family members, close friends, your agency team, counselors, or others who understand the process.

4. Celebrate the Milestones

There are so many special moments during a surrogacy journey. Matching, medical clearance, embryo transfer, pregnancy confirmation, ultrasounds, and delivery are all meaningful milestones. Taking time to celebrate these moments can make the journey feel even more memorable.

5. Trust the Process

Surrogacy involves several steps, and some may take longer than expected. Staying patient and flexible can help reduce stress. Trusting your agency, your medical team, and the process itself can help you feel more confident from beginning to end.

With the right mindset, support, and communication, surrogacy can be a beautiful and rewarding experience for everyone involved. If you are ready to get started on your surrogacy journey, are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, or just have general surrogacy questions, the team at Shared Conception is here to help. You can contact us by calling (713) 622-1144 or visit our website to browse various surrogacy related topics.

During pregnancy, a surrogate’s body goes through many changes while supporting the growing baby. One condition that can sometimes develop is gestational diabetes. While hearing this diagnosis can feel concerning at first, it is actually a fairly common pregnancy condition and is usually manageable with the right care and support.

Gestational diabetes occurs when the body has difficulty regulating blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Hormones produced by the placenta can interfere with how the body uses insulin, which is the hormone that helps control blood sugar. When this happens, blood sugar levels may rise higher than normal. Gestational diabetes typically develops in the middle of pregnancy and is usually detected through routine glucose testing that all pregnant women receive.

There are several factors that may increase the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. These can include a family history of diabetes, being over the age of thirty, or having experienced gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. However, many women who develop it have no clear risk factors at all.

If a surrogate is diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the good news is that most cases can be managed with simple lifestyle adjustments. Doctors often recommend monitoring blood sugar levels regularly, following a balanced meal plan, and staying physically active with safe pregnancy-approved exercise. In some cases, medication or insulin may be recommended if blood sugar levels need additional support, but it’s best control gestational diabetes with diet and lifestyle changes rather than insulin.

Fertility clinics, obstetricians, and surrogacy agencies work closely together to make sure both the surrogate and baby stay healthy throughout the pregnancy. Surrogates also keep intended parents informed so everyone can feel confident that the pregnancy is being carefully monitored.

Many surrogates who develop gestational diabetes go on to have smooth pregnancies and healthy deliveries. With proper care, communication, and support, it is simply one more part of the journey that can be successfully managed along the way.

If you have any concerns during your surrogacy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The team at Shared Conception is here to support you every step of the way.

If you are considering becoming a surrogate, it is completely normal to have questions about the medical process, especially the medications involved in IVF. While everysurrogacy journey is a little different, most surrogates follow a similar medication protocol designed to prepare the body for a healthy embryo transfer.

One of the first medications many surrogates take is estrogen. Estrogen helps thicken the uterine lining so it is ready to support an embryo. This medication may be taken as a pill, patch, or injection depending on the clinic’s protocol. A well-prepared uterine lining plays an important role in helping the embryo implant successfully.

Another common medication is progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the uterine lining and supports early pregnancy. Many surrogates take progesterone through injections or vaginal suppositories. This medication is typically started shortly before the embryo transfer and continues during the early weeks of pregnancy.

Some surrogates may also take medications that temporarily suppress their natural cycle. These medications help doctors better control the timing of the embryo transfer. Birth control pills or medications that regulate hormone production are often used for this purpose.

In addition to hormone medications, fertility clinics sometimes recommend supplements such as prenatal vitamins, folic acid, or low-dose aspirin. These can support overall health and help create the best possible environment for pregnancy.

It may sound like a lot, but fertility clinics guide surrogates through every step of the process. Most surrogates receive a clear medication calendar and detailed instructions so they know exactly what to take and when.

Many women say the medications quickly become part of their routine. And for many surrogates, knowing these steps are helping intended parents grow their family makes the journey even more meaningful.

If you are interested in becoming a surrogate mother or would like to discuss questions involving surrogacy, please reach out to the team at Shared Conception. You can call us at (713) 622-1144.

One of the most important steps in a surrogacy journey is signing the surrogacy contract. While it may look like a stack of legal paperwork, this agreement plays a key role in protecting both the surrogate and the intended parents. Understanding what it covers and what it does not can help everyone feel more confident moving forward.

A surrogacy contract typically outlines the legal and financial terms of the arrangement. It often includes details about compensation, medical procedures, and expectations during the pregnancy. The agreement may explain how medical decisions will be handled, who is responsible for certain expenses, and what will happen if unexpected situations arise. It also addresses important legal matters such as parental rights, ensuring that the intended parents will be recognized as the legal parents after the baby is born.

While the contract is thorough, it cannot cover every possible situation that may come up during a surrogacy journey. Legal agreements focus on rights, responsibilities, and financial arrangements. They also do not guide day-to-day communication, relationship building, or the small details that come with a nine-month pregnancy.

This is where surrogacy agencies like Shared Conception play an important role. Agencies help fill in the gaps that a legal document cannot address. They provide support, guidance, and communication throughout the entire process. From helping both parties stay on the same page to offering resources when questions arise, agencies help ensure the journey runs smoothly.

Shared Conception works closely with both surrogates and intended parents to create a supportive experience beyond the legal agreement. While the contract sets the foundation, having a trusted agency involved helps turn the process into a positive and meaningful partnership for everyone involved. Call us today for more information on how to get started as a surrogate mother: (713) 622-1144.

Spring often brings warmer weather, family trips, and festive celebrations. For many people, it also means spring break vacations and St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. If you are a surrogate mother, you may wonder how these seasonal events fit into your pregnancy journey. The good news is that you can still enjoy the fun while keeping your health and the baby’s well-being a priority.

Spring break can be a great opportunity to relax and spend time with family. Many surrogates plan low-key getaways or short trips during this time. If travel is involved, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor first. Most providers simply recommend staying hydrated, taking breaks to walk and stretch during long drives or flights, and avoiding overly strenuous activities. A calm beach day, sightseeing, or spending time with loved ones can be perfect ways to enjoy the season.

St. Patrick’s Day is another celebration that pops up during the spring months. While many festivities traditionally include alcohol, there are still plenty of ways for surrogates to join the fun. Mocktails, sparkling water with lime, or festive green drinks can help you feel included without compromising your health. Many surrogates enjoy attending family gatherings, local parades, or themed dinners while celebrating responsibly.

Being a surrogate often comes with an extra sense of mindfulness. You may find yourself choosing quieter activities or planning celebrations a little differently than usual. That does not mean you have to miss out on the joy of the season.

Spring is a time of growth and new beginnings, which makes it especially meaningful for surrogates. Whether you are relaxing during spring break or wearing a bit of green for St. Patrick’s Day, these moments can still be enjoyed while honoring the incredible journey you are on.

Have questions about being a surrogate mother? You can learn more about our surrogate mother program by visiting: https://sharedconception.com/surrogates/surrogate-mother-program/ or call us at (713) 622-1144.

Choosing to become a surrogate mother is an incredibly kind decision. Surrogacy is built on trust, commitment, and care, which is why agencies and medical professionals follow clear guidelines when approving candidates. These qualifications are designed to protect the health of the surrogate, support the intended parents, and give the baby the best possible start.

If you are considering surrogacy, understanding what qualifies you can help you feel more confident as you explore this path.

A History of Healthy Pregnancy

One of the most important qualifications is having at least one prior successful pregnancy and delivery. This shows that your body can carry a pregnancy to term and recover well. A history of uncomplicated pregnancies helps doctors assess potential risks and ensures a safer experience for everyone involved.

Good Overall Physical Health

Surrogates should be in good physical health with no major unmanaged medical conditions. Clinics look for women who are able to carry a pregnancy safely without added risk. Routine medical screenings help confirm that your body is prepared for the physical demands of pregnancy.

A Healthy Body Mass Index

Most fertility clinics require surrogates to fall within a recommended BMI range. This guideline exists because maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and support a smoother pregnancy and delivery.

Stable Mental and Emotional Well-Being

Emotional readiness is just as important as physical health. Surrogates typically complete a psychological evaluation to ensure they feel confident, supported, and emotionally prepared. Having a positive mindset and healthy coping skills plays a key role throughout the journey.

A Strong Support System

Successful surrogates often have encouragement from partners, family members, or close friends. This support is essential during pregnancy, recovery, and the emotional milestones of surrogacy. Agencies want to know that you are not navigating this journey alone.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Surrogates must be non-smokers and free from drug use.

Reliable and Responsible Communication

Surrogacy involves regular medical appointments, open communication, and adherence to agreed-upon guidelines. Being dependable, organized, and responsive helps build trust with intended parents and medical teams.

Stable Living Environment

A safe and stable home environment is important for your well-being during pregnancy. Clinics and agencies look for consistency and security rather than perfection.

Legal Eligibility

Surrogates must meet age and residency requirements based on clinic and state laws. Legal screening ensures that all parties are protected and informed before moving forward.

Becoming a surrogate is not about being perfect. It is about being healthy, supported, and committed. If you meet these qualifications, surrogacy can be a deeply rewarding experience that allows you to help create a family while being supported every step of the way. To learn more about the specific qualifications to be a surrogate mother at Shared Conception, please visit: https://sharedconception.com/surrogates/become-a-surrogate-mother or call us at (713) 622-1144.

If you’re on a surrogacy journey, chances are you’ve already had a few. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you’re a seasoned pro, ultrasounds during a surrogacy experience can feel a little different. You’re not just getting a peek at how the baby is doing; you’re also playing a key role in keeping intended parents informed and reassured every step of the way.

Here are the things we think you should know about ultrasounds.

Early Ultrasounds Are All About Confirmation

In the early weeks after embryo transfer, your fertility clinic will schedule an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy has “stuck.” This usually happens around 6 to 8 weeks and is often done transvaginally. It’s not the most comfortable process, but it’s quick and important. You might even hear the heartbeat at this stage, which can be a surreal moment, especially for the intended parents.

More Frequent Than Typical Pregnancies

Unlike a traditional pregnancy, surrogates often have more ultrasounds, especially early on. This is to monitor the progress closely and ensure everything is moving along smoothly. Once the pregnancy is confirmed and stable, your care will likely transfer from the fertility clinic to an OB, and things will start to feel more like a typical pregnancy.

You’re Not Alone in the Room (Even If You Are)

Ultrasounds during surrogacy can be an emotional highlight for the intended parents. If they’re local, they may attend in person. If not, you may be asked to video call them during the appointment or send photos afterward. You’re the eyes and ears for them during this experience, so sharing updates is part of the connection-building process.

Each Ultrasound Tells a Story

From watching tiny limbs wiggle to confirming growth milestones, ultrasounds are like chapters in the story of the pregnancy. They offer reassurance, spark joy, and give everyone involved a tangible sense of progress.

Are They Safe?

Ultrasounds are safe for both the surrogate and the baby. That being said, ultrasounds should only be performed by trained medical professionals and should only be scheduled when advised by your OB.

For surrogates, ultrasounds can be a meaningful reminder of the life you’re helping to grow and the lives you’re changing in the process. So while some appointments may feel routine, they’re actually small moments of magic along the way. Please contact Shared Conception at (713) 622-1144  if you have any questions about surrogacy, or if you want to learn more about becoming a surrogate mother, please visit: .