Deciding to become a gestational surrogate mother can be exciting! It feels very good knowing that you have helped to create another family, and have changed a couple’s lives forever. But before you jump into surrogacy, there are a few vital things you need to know.

1.Its not easy
Unlike a typical pregnancy, there are many more hoops you need to jump through with surrogacy. More tests need to be done and multiples like twins and triplets are common. There will be more doctor’s appointments, and someone else will need to be updated about everything that happens.

There is no privacy in surrogacy. Things you would normally only share with your spouse now needs to be shared with another couple.

You may be asked to postpone family vacations or holidays so that you do not deliver the baby or babies in the wrong hospital. Sacrifice will have to be make.

2.It doesn’t always work
Surrogacy is very time consuming. If you are lucky, a shorter gestational surrogacy can take about a year.

On the other hand, if the medical procedures do not work the first time, you could go through three or four or more cycles, some several months apart, and have a journey last more than two years. Sometimes a surrogate mother does not get pregnant at all.

Since a surrogate mother typically does not receive her fees until she is pregnant, she should never depend on that money coming in. Often, it does not come in at all.

3.You’ll need to give yourself shots
If you haven’t found out this critical piece of gestational surrogacy information, then you need to do a lot more research before you do anything else. Gestational surrogacy requires shots.

A lot of them. You will be required to give yourself 1-3 shots daily, for more than three months. Some of these shots are little needles that resemble diabetic insulin shots, but most are the long, 2-3 inch syringes that are to be injected into the muscular part of your buttocks.

Your spouse can help you with this if possible. This part of gestational surrogacy is unpleasant, but completely necessary.

4.How do you feel about selective reduction?
Selective reduction happens when there are more than two fetuses. If you become pregnant with triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets or more, how would you feel if the doctors and intended parents wanted to “selectively reduce” aka abort some of the fetuses to get to just two?

It is important to note that you are still more than able to become a surrogate mother if you would not selectively reduce under any circumstances. It’s just important to know that and find intended parents who feel the same way.

Multiples are very common in surrogacy. Do not assume it will not happen to you.

5.You need your own lawyer
If you become a surrogate mother, you will need to sign a contract. You need your own lawyer, not a shared lawyer with the intended parents.

The intended parents will pay for the cost of your attorney to look over your contract. This is in your best interest, as your attorney may find something that would inadvertently take advantage of you.

6.Set your own fees
No two surrogacy arrangements are alike, and the fees a surrogate receives are very personal, and vary completely. If you are considering becoming a surrogate mother, you need to research the different types of fees and see which ones are appropriate for your situation.

If you do not do this prior to finding intended parents, you may feel as though you are being taken advantage of later. Knowing what fees you are looking for also makes it easier to talk about money when the time comes.

Rayven Perkins is an author and two-time surrogate mother. To find out more information on surrogacy or how to become a traditional or gestational surrogate mother, please see her site
Information on Gestational Surrogacy

When choosing a pregnancy pillow it is difficult to know which is the best for you. There are different designs of it and each manufacturer of the pillows claim that theirs is the best in the market. Of course they will say that!

When you ask people in the store, unless they have used a specific pregnancy pillow from their supplies, they don’t care which one you get? As long as the make the sale.

The very basic feature to look for in choosing a pregnancy pillow is that you should look for one that provides specific support for the areas in which you suffer the most sleep-preventing discomfort.

Women who are going through pregnancy find it difficult to get comfortable in bed. It is said though that lying on your left hand side with your knees slightly bent is the best position is currently recommended by health care experts. This specific position facilitates supposedly circulation, digestion and waste expulsion by the body. It can take some getting used to, especially if you usually sleep on your front or back or are in the latter stages of pregnancy. But I digress…

While regular throw pillows can be used to support your body, people who have experienced pregnancy will know that they are not enough. The Pregnancy pillow is specifically designed to relieve night time discomfort. It is said that its ergonomic design relieves pressure on the hips, back and joints and to support your growing tummy.

The most basic pregnancy pillow tend to be in the form of wedges that you place under your bump or between your knees. This type of pillow helps align the hips and the back into a more comfortable position and is probably the most economical option.

Then there is the type they call “Body” pregnancy pillow. This type ranges from cylindrical tube shaped ones that you embrace so that your top leg and bump are supported, to more fancily designed ones that are supposed to make specific ailments more natural.

This eccentrically shaped pregnancy pillow tend to be specifically designed to fit the contours of the pregnant mother and so relieve pressure in your lower back, hips, neck, legs and shoulders.

There is also a pregnancy pillow designed for the whole body; this type of pregnancy pillow tend to be made from memory foam in order to provide support for the whole body while you are lying on them.

Additionally, it is best to get one that seems fairly durable and has a cover that is removable and washable as the pregnancy pillow are fantastic to use as nursing pillows when your baby is born.

Pregnancy Pillow Guide is a great source for pregnant women when trying to search for the best pillow for them. For more information please visit the site at http://pregnancypillowguide.blogspot.com

Pregnancy diet should be the topmost priority for a pregnant woman. It’s what you eat that makes the fetus healthy. If you’re malnourished, your baby cannot be healthy. Therefore, a diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water is what you need to have for a healthy pregnancy.

Your Diet During Pregnancy Should Contain

Carbohydrates

You need energy at this time and carbs are the best source for it. You must take:

*Cereals

*Whole-grain bread

*Pasta

*Rice

*Potatoes

*Fresh fruits and vegetables

Protein

Proteins stimulate growth of cells and formation of blood. You must take:

*Peanuts

*Pulses and legumes

*Tofu, cottage cheese

Iron

You just can’t do without Iron! It prevents anemia and aids in red blood corpuscles (RBC) production. You must take:

*Spinach

*Iron fortified cereals and whole grain breads

*Drumsticks

*Beetroots

Calcium

For strong bones and teeth, proper functioning of nerves, and muscle contractions, calcium is a must. If you don’t take adequate amount of this mineral in your pregnancy diet, your baby will suck it from your body reserves, thus, rendering you vulnerable to osteoporosis. Hence, you must take:

*Cheese

*Milk

*Yoghurt

*Spinach

Vitamin A

If you want good eyesight, glowing skin and strong bones, include this vitamin in your diet. You must take:

*Dark green leafy vegetables

*Carrots

*Sweet potatoes

*Mangoes

Vitamin B6 and B12

It’s no use taking protein, carbs, and fats, if you’re deficient in Vitamin B6. This is because this vitamin aids in proper assimilation of these nutrients. Vitamin B6 and B12 help in RBC formation and proper functioning of nervous system. You must take:

*Whole grain cereals

*Gram

*Bananas

*Milk

Vitamin C

It’s important for strong teeth, gums, and bones. You must take:

*Citrus fruits

*Tomatoes

*Broccoli

*Vitamin C fortified fruit juices

Vitamin D

This vitamin helps in the assimilation of calcium. It helps to make your bones and teeth strong. You must take:

*Exposure to adequate sunshine

*Fortified milk

*Milk products

*Whole grain breads

*Cereals

Folic Acid For Pregnancy

You should start taking folic acid before pregnancy and continue till the first few months of pregnancy. Folic acid prevents birth defects and neural tube defects in your baby. It aids in the production of enzymes as well as production of blood and protein. Even if you take folic acid in your pregnancy diet through natural sources, doctors advise to take it as a supplement as well. You must take:

*Dark yellow vegetables and fruits

*Green leafy vegetables

*Beans

*Peas

*Nuts

Your Pregnancy Diet Should NOT Contain

*raw eggs or any food that contains raw eggs

*fish with high mercury content like swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel

*milk that has not be pasteurized, cheese, juices, and apple cider

*raw or undercooked fish, meat, and processed meat

*caffeine

*cigarettes

*alcohol

*Non-edible items such as clay. Some women have a craving for such stuff. This condition is called pica. However, eating such items can be dangerous for your baby. Consult your doctor to handle these urges.

Take a good pregnancy diet and have a happy and healthy pregnancy!

Your diet during pregnancy is not only important for your health but also the health and wellness of your baby. Take care to eat a healthy and balanced pregnancy diet to enjoy a healthy pregnancy and give birth to healthy baby.http://www.pregnancy-period.com

To tell you when your baby is due, your doctor will use a pregnancy due date calculator. After you have it confirmed that you are pregnant, you will probably experience different emotions and feelings – excitement, nervousness, and fatigue. The next step is usually to fix an appointment with your doctor. But perhaps you would rather not wait that long to find out when you can hold your precious baby in your arms.

Of course, your doctor will be the best authority to tell you when your baby is due; but you can use an online pregnancy calculator to find out the tentative date of arrival of your baby. This is a tool that uses the following information to calculate the pregnancy due date.

*You would need to know the first day of your last menstrual period.

*You can get accurate results if you know your body’s cycle.

Pregnancy due date calculators can be surprisingly accurate. The pregnancy usually lasts 266 days. It is assumed that the time from the last period to the day on which you conceived is a fortnight. These calculations can help you find out your due date, and the formula is simple. You only have to add 280 days to the date on which you had your last period to figure out your estimated date of delivery. But even though you do the research, your doctor will have the last word on confirming the due date.

Many doctors use the pregnancy due date calculator even before an ultrasound test. After a comprehensive examination, be prepared to hear your doctor’s estimation of the due date, which could be different from yours by a few days or weeks. This is because your doctor has had the advantage of a full physical exam.

There is one more way to use the pregnancy due date calculator. Suppose you can recall with conviction the actual date on which you conceived, which means you would need to specify the day on which your had sexual intercourse during your ovulation cycle, you can simply add 266 to that date and you would get an almost accurate due date. You must know your body’s ovulation cycle and keep track of when you had sexual contact. Yet, no matter what, it is preferable that you go by your doctor’s evaluation.

For the most part, it is fun to use the pregnancy due date calculator after you discover that you are pregnant, particularly when you are eager to know when your baby is due. Obviously your findings are no substitute, as you will need the doctor’s endorsement. Nevertheless, it can give great pleasure just to know the approximate date when you can expect your baby.
Since a pregnancy is expected to last for 40 weeks from first day of your last menstrual period, or 38 weeks from the date on which you conceived, this is all the information you need to get an estimate of your due date with a pregnancy due date calculator, especially if you are the sort who has a regular menstrual cycle.

Pregnancy due date calculator can tell you exactly when you can expect the stork to visit. There are different ways in which you can calculate the expected date of delivery. You can even try an online pregnancy calculator to find your due date. Visit http://www.pregnancy-period.com to read more.

Morning sickness is the commonest and the most dreaded pregnancy symptom. According to a report published in British Medical Journal in 2004, “Nausea and vomiting are the commonest symptoms experienced in the first trimester of pregnancy.” Well, the good news is that not all women experience nausea during pregnancy with the same severity. Some may feel sick in the morning or start their day by puking, while some feel nausea, the whole day.

Why Does This Happen?

Don’t go by the name “morning sickness.” It can happen any time of the day. Although hormonal changes are blamed for this condition, medical experts have yet to find the exact cause of this nasty symptom. It has been found that the level of pregnancy hormone named human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen rise during the initial three months. They decrease at the same time when nausea starts to fade.

Is There A Need To Call A Doctor?

You need not call your doctor for mild morning sickness. It’s a temporary phase that will pass away with the first trimester.

You need medical intervention if.

*You vomit excessively and lose much fluids as well as important minerals and nutrients

*You are dehydrated after vomiting

*You are suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, which is disturbance in fluid and electrolyte due to vomiting. In this case, you need to be hospitalized.

*you notice weight loss

*you vomit several times during a day and for several days

*your vomit is brownish in color or accompanied with blood

*your urine seems concentrated and dark in color

How To Handle Morning Sickness Effectively?

Here are certain tips to tackle nausea during pregnancy:

*Eat a cracker before you retire to bed.

*Keep some snack at your bedside. In case you wake up at night, you can munch on them; *his keeps nausea at bay.

*Don’t jump out of bed in the morning. Take your time to get up after you wake up.

*Munch a dry cracker or something similar the first thing in the morning.

*Eat several small meals throughout the day. Don’t keep your stomach completely empty.

*Avoid spicy and fatty foods.

*Drink lots of liquids. (Plain water is the best)

*Cut your caffeine intake.

*Make crackers, dry toast and other such stuff, your handy snacks.

*Eat protein-rich snacks.

*Ginger tea helps. Drink it everyday.

*If you find your nose getting sensitive to smells, stop sniffing at foods! Jokes apart; avoid steaming foods, as they spread aroma. Try cold foods instead.

*Don’t hit the bed as soon as you finish your meal.

*A cat nap during the day is good for you.

*Breathe fresh air, take a walk down the road; it will lighten up your mood.

*Indulge in light exercise. (Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise.)

*Smile a lot!

Morning sickness is not an ogre. It’s just your body trying to adjust to change.

Morning sickness also known as nausea during pregnancy is a pregnancy symptom that almost every woman faces to some extent during her early pregnancy.http://www.pregnancy-period.com

Discovering that you are pregnant can be a joyful moment and all you want to do is celebrate as you learn about the signs of pregnancy. The wonder of becoming pregnant is so great that with so many advances in science, there is no way to know exactly when you conceived. There are plenty of home pregnancy tests that tell you instantly whether you are pregnant; nevertheless it is good to know what you can expect in terms of pregnancy signs so that you are pleasantly surprised rather than shocked.

Here Are The Signs Of Pregnancy You Can Watch Out For
Did you miss your period?

The first thing you want to check is whether you missed your period. This is not a definite sign of pregnancy since the cause can be varied. But if you are normally regular and missed one, you can get suspicious about being pregnant.

Are your breasts tender?

During early pregnancy, the breasts get tender, similar to how they do before your period. But if you are pregnant, they also get swollen, sort of painful.
Do you have morning sickness?
Morning sickness is a common pregnancy sign. But you will have to also confirm that it is not because of something you ate. Quite a few women experience morning sickness or nausea as the first sign of pregnancy.

Are you more exhausted than usual?

Another early pregnancy sign is exhaustion. But fatigue alone is not decisive when it comes to pregnancy as it could be due to other reasons too. However, when combined with other signs it could mean you are pregnant since you need to rest more during pregnancy due to the changes you experience in your body.

Do you urinate too often?

After you conceive, for the first six or eight weeks, you will find yourself visiting the bathroom too many times. This pregnancy sign is quite common. The reason for this is as your baby grows, you feel the pressure on your abdomen and feel the need to urinate often.
Do you have frequent headaches?
Headaches are one of the pregnancy signs that you can start feeling around the sixth week after conception. Usually taking a nap can get rid of it.

Are you experiencing spotting blood?

Amazingly, pregnant women experience spotting blood as a sign of pregnancy. It happens when the embryo implants itself. So if you have a period that is too light to be called one, it might be a good time to test for pregnancy.

Mood swings, constipation higher body temperature, aversion to food or food cravings are also other pregnancy signs to watch out for. While these are not conclusive, they can certainly be an indication that you must get ready to make that appointment with your doctor so that you can do everything you can to give birth to a healthy baby.

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience and the sooner you find out the better. All of the pregnancy signs listed above are indicative of pregnancy, but you must get a pregnancy test done to be sure.

Signs of pregnancy may vary from person to person.While some women would witness tell tale pregnancy signs,others would have a very subtle manifestation of pregnancy symptoms.Visit http://www.pregnancy-period.com to know more about pregnancy and related issues.

Pregnancy problems cannot be ruled out during pregnancy. These problems could affect the fetus and the mother-to-be. Sometimes, a minor condition could easily develop into high risk. There are situations when the pregnant woman is exposed to radiations, chemicals, drugs, infections and substances that can cause birth defects in the newborn baby.

During pregnancy, some women experience more problems or pregnancy complications than others. A majority of them have morning sickness or suffer from constipation. The best way to tackle such situations is to get medical help as quickly as possible so that neither the mother nor the baby is harmed.

Here is a look at some of the most common pregnancy problems:

High Blood Pressure

It is necessary to keep a check on the blood pressure. High BP is accompanied by protein in the urine. This usually happens between the 20th week of pregnancy and the end of the first week after delivery. Some women get headaches, swelling in the ankles and wrists, problems with eyesight and pain in the abdomen.

Ignoring this can lead to a medical condition called eclampsia which is life-threatening complication. The usual advice for pre-eclampsia is bed-rest. The doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure. The baby is likely to be premature. However, after the baby is born, the mother gets better.

Vaginal Bleeding

One of the most dangerous pregnancy problems is vaginal bleeding and it is best to consult your doctor to find out why. Some reasons for vaginal bleeding could be:

*Miscarriage

*Ectopic pregnancy

*Placenta previa – placenta implanting in the lower uterus

*Placenta abruption – placenta separating from the uterus

*Vaginal infection

During late pregnancy, some women have a little bleeding and this is mixed with mucus. This is nothing to worry about as it means that the cervix is preparing itself for delivery. Many women who experience bleeding can very well have a successful pregnancy.

Itchy skin
It is common for pregnant women to experience itching of the skin. This happens because there is an increased supply of blood to the skin as it stretches. But if it becomes acute itching, it is best to have your doctor check it, since it could be serious.
Gestational Diabetes
Temporary diabetes affects a few pregnant women. This is caused by inadequate production of insulin in the body, resulting in increased blood sugar levels. As a routine, urine tests are done throughout pregnancy. If there is high blood sugar, it can be identified during the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. Often the doctor gives advice about how to keep sugar levels in check.
Some pregnancy problems that cannot be ignored are a sense of ill-being, fever, pain in the abdomen, swelling in the face, hands and eyes, problems with eyesight, painful urination, severe vomiting, an injury to the stomach, acute thirst with very little urination, acute headache, lack of movement from the baby after the twenty second week, etc.

The good news is that most pregnancy problems can be treated quite effectively.

Pregnancy problems are the only issue that can mar the joy of pregnancy. However, with proper information about the possible problems and pregnancy complications,you can cope with them easily and enjoy a healthy pregnancy. http://www.pregnancy-period.com

There is no doubt that one of the joys of being pregnant is the shopping that goes with it! Although it is not all glamorous, there is a real excitement in preparing for your new baby.

The most important purchase will be your pram – something that will be used everyday. Travel systems are the most popular choice and if you are looking for a stylish and practical pram it is hard to beat a Mamas & Papas pram. The Pliko Pramette is one of their best sellers and great as the pram folds umbrella style and therefore fits into the smallest of boots. For true style statement look at bugaboo. These great prams are celebrity favourites and their bright colours make them difficult to miss!

A car seat is one piece of equipment you really need before your baby is born. Even if you dont own a car, you will need a seat if you plan to take lifts from people. You will also need a car seat if you are having your baby away from home and will be travelling back by car. Most hospitals wont let you leave until they have seen your baby safely sitting in his car seat.

Baby monitors! Hardly something you would think to be a difficult purchase but now with so many on the market offering so much more, the choice is huge! You can also buy a camera and listener so you can watch and listen to your baby. The e-thos Family Monitoring System 5.6 inch monitor and camera set from Mothercare is just under 200 pounds but certainly looks the part. However, the Tomy Walkabout Classic is difficult to beat.

The other absolute favourite gadget is a simple microwave steam steriliser. The advantage being that you store it in your microwave freeing up your work surface. Philips AVENT Express II Microwave Steam Steriliser is perfect.

It is not long before you are moving your baby onto solids. It is so easy to make all of his or her food for the first 6 months and the Kenwood Hand Blender is the perfect kitchen gadget for preparing small amounts when you just want to blend your extra vegetables from your own Sunday lunch.

The last key purchase certainly deserves a mention. A new cot can be expensive so borrowing one from a friend has its advantages. In doing this you can spend as much as you can on a new cot mattress. With so much in the news on cot deaths it is comforting to buy the best. John Lewis have a great range including the Baby Coir Spring Cotbed Mattress.

John Mce writes on behalf of Baby Says Hello where you can create personalised birth & baby announcements cards and a beautiful birth announcement webpage to send to all your friends and family, http://www.babysayshello.com.

Pregnancy clothes are no longer the unflattering garments of yesteryears. Today, there is a whole new line of fashion dedicated to the chic mom-to-be, and with good reason too. Most major stores will offer you a wide choice in maternity or pregnancy clothes, so that you can look great and feel great throughout your pregnancy

Some pregnant women would hesitate go in for maternity clothes, since the expense could cut into the money being carefully saved for the new baby. But look at it this way – all you need is a few new clothes that can make you comfortable as well as well dressed, and it really doesn’t cost all that much. Remember, the happiness of the mind is as important as physical well-being when you are pregnant!

The Idea Behind Pregnancy Clothes

Pregnancy involves changes in the shape of your body. By investing in pregnancy clothes, you will never have the feeling that you are dressed in clothes that don’t fit you. In fact, some maternity clothes are specially designed to provide support and comfort to your body. So when is the best time to go shopping for pregnancy clothes? You can shop for maternity clothing as soon as you know you are pregnant. Some clothes are designed to fit you before you start showing and also to accommodate your growing figure as you do start showing.

What To Buy

When you are at the store, to buy, start with a comfortable pair of jeans or a comfortable set of maternity pants in navy or black. Add some yoga pants, as these can be amazingly snug. Dresses that are in the wrap around style are a good investment too, since you will find them easy to wear right through and after your pregnancy as well. If you happen to be a working woman, there are three-piece pregnancy clothes that are flexible and let you choose your own outfit combinations.

All the above can be mixed and matched with what you already possess in your wardrobe. For tops, choose the A-line; wrap tops, tunic tops, etc., will make you, feel great too.

As far as possible, select natural fabrics like cotton or jersey, as they are less likely to irritate your sensitive skin during pregnancy. It is also a good idea to shop for clothes that are easy to maintain. It is better to invest in good quality clothing to get the best out of them.

Here are some tips:

*Choose vertical stripes and small prints to look chic
*One color rather than multicolor will help you look slimmer
*Black is great, but not for summer
*Low heeled shoes and boots are a good idea

Accessories like jewelry, bags, scarves and shawls are a terrific idea to add to your stylish look during pregnancy. And they can make a big difference to a plain outfit. Whether you enjoy dressing conservatively or fashionably, there is a massive range of pregnancy clothes to choose from for every budget. Now, just because you are pregnant does not mean that you cannot look fabulous. Right!

Pregnancy clothes are designed with the idea that you can maintain that pre-pregnancy stylish look and still be comfortable during the pregnancy. Visit http://www.pregnancy-period.com to know more.