How to Prepare Your Body for Surrogacy: A Health & Wellness Guide from a Doctor’s Perspective

By Dr. Naman Arya, MD, MPH, MSHCM

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division at Surrogacy4All.

Introduction

As a medical doctor who works closely with surrogates and intended parents, I’m often asked, “What can I do to get my body ready for surrogacy?” It’s a great question—and one I love answering because preparation is everything. Becoming a surrogate is a major physical, emotional, and mental journey. It requires more than just a generous heart; it demands a healthy, stable body and mind.

In this guide, I’ll Walk you through how to prepare your body for the unique and rewarding experience of surrogacy, using standards established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Whether you’re just beginning to explore this path or have already started your application process, these wellness tips and medical facts will help you take the best
possible care of yourself.

Why Preparing Matters: Setting the Foundation for a Healthy Pregnancy

The healthier you are going into a surrogacy journey, the smoother the experience islikely to be—both physically and emotionally. As a doctor, I can tell you firsthand that optimal pre-conception health reduces risks and improves outcomes for everyone involved: the surrogate, the baby, and the intended parents.

Preparation involves a combination of medical screenings, lifestyle adjustments, mental health support, and sometimes, even a few changes to your daily routine.

1. Get a Full Medical Evaluation

Before beginning the surrogacy process, you will need a comprehensive physical exam. This includes:

• Bloodwork and lab panels
• A full reproductive health screening
• A full reproductive health screening
• A Pap smear
• Ultrasounds of your uterus and ovaries
• An evaluation of your Body Mass Index (BMI)

ASRM Guidelines: Ideal surrogates should be between 21 and 45 years old, have had at least one full-term, complication-free pregnancy, and be in good general health.

FDA Requirements: You must also be screened for communicable diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia, particularly if donor eggs or sperm are involved.

Tip from a Doctor: Don’t wait for the agency to schedule everything. Schedule an annual wellness exam with your OB/GYN and request basic bloodwork and a uterine ultrasound to get a head start.

2. Focus on Nutrition: Fueling a Healthy Body

You don’t need to follow a fancy or restrictive diet but eating well is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prepare your body for pregnancy.

What to Eat:

• Leafy greens, whole grains, lean protein
• Prenatal vitamins with folic acid (400-800 mcg daily)
• Omega-3 fatty acids for brain development (fish oil or flaxseed)
• Calcium and iron-rich foods

What to Avoid:

• Excess caffeine (keep it under 200mg/day)
• Alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs
• Highly processed foods and trans fats

Doctor’s Note: Nutritional deficiencies can impact fertility, fetal development, and your
own energy levels. Think of this as training for a marathon, you want to be in peak form.

3. Maintain Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy BMI (ideally between 19 and 35, though some clinics prefer under 30) is an important factor in your eligibility as a surrogate.

Why BMI Matters:

• A high BMI increases risks for gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia.
• A low BMI can affect hormone balance and embryo implantation.

Doctor’s Suggestion: If your BMI is outside the recommended range, consider working with a registered dietitian or personal trainer who understands reproductive health goals. Small, consistent changes are better than crash diets.

4. Establish a Regular Exercise Routine

Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and helps your body handle the demands of pregnancy more easily.

Recommended Exercises:

• Walking or light jogging
• Prenatal yoga or Pilates
• Swimming
• Light strength training

Frequency: Aim for at least 30 minutes, 4–5 times a week.

Tip: Avoid overly strenuous activities that may strain your joints or abdomen. Once pregnant, you’ll switch to lower-impact options as recommended by your healthcare provider.

5. Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management

Hormones, fertility, and emotional resilience are all deeply affected by how well you sleep and manage stress.

Tips for Better Sleep:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Limit screen time before bed
• Avoid caffeine late in the day

Stress-Reduction Techniques:

• Meditation and mindfulness apps (e.g., Calm, Headspace)
• Journaling or talk therapy
• Spending time in nature or with supportive friends and family

Doctor’s Advice: Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can negatively impact ovulation, embryo implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. Prioritizing your mental well- being is a key part of physical preparation.

6. Stop Smoking and Avoid Secondhand Smoke

This might sound obvious, but it’s non-negotiable. Smoking, even casually, can disqualify you from becoming a surrogate.

Why It Matters:

• Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight
• It affects hormone levels and uterine lining quality
• Secondhand smoke has similar negative effects

What to Do: If you currently smoke or vape, speak to your doctor about quitting resources. Many surrogacy agencies require you to be smoke-free for at least 6–12 months before beginning.

7. Understand and Support Your Mental Health

Preparing emotionally is just as crucial as preparing physically. Surrogacy can be a beautiful experience—but it’s also layered with emotional challenges.

What to Expect in a Psychological Evaluation:

• Your motivations for becoming a surrogate
• Your understanding of the legal and emotional implications
• Your support system (partner, family, friends)

Ongoing Support Options:

• Therapy or support groups for surrogates
• Meditation and journaling
• Talking openly with your intended parents and agency coordinators

Doctor’s Insight: We want to ensure you're not only capable of carrying a baby, but that you’re emotionally prepared to give that baby to another family. It’s a gift, but also a transition that requires mental strength.

8. Start Prenatal Supplements Early

Even before embryo transfer, taking prenatal vitamins sets a healthy foundation. Look for:

• Folic acid (400–800 mcg)
• Iron (27 mg)
• DHA (200–300 mg)
• Calcium and Vitamin D

Why Early Matters: Neural tube development begins very early—often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Starting supplements now ensure those nutrients are already in your system.

9. Build a Relationship with Your Healthcare Team

Throughout your surrogacy journey, you’ll work with:

• Your primary care physician
• Your OB/GYN
• A fertility clinic team
• A mental health provider

Tip: Be open and honest with all of them. Ask questions. Share concerns. A great support team makes all the difference.

Testimonials from Surrogates

Melissa, 36, Illinois “The best thing I did was start prepping early. I treated my body like it was already pregnant—eating clean, exercising, and taking my prenatals. When I finally matched with a family, I felt ready—not just physically, but emotionally too.”

Aria, 31, Florida “The medical tests were detailed, but they made me feel cared for. It wasn’t about passing a test, it was about making sure this would be a safe, healthy journey for all of us.”

Final Thoughts from a Doctor

Surrogacy is one of the most generous gifts a person can offer. But that gift begins with you taking care of your own body and mind. The better prepared you are physically and emotionally, the more successful, smooth, and joyful the experience will be.

Start with small changes today, eat well, move your body, manage stress, and stay informed. Every step you take is a step toward building a family for someone who is waiting with hope in their heart.