Blog
Portugal in the News
Portugal has recently been in the news regarding its surrogacy laws. The Portuguese parliament has adopted a law allowing surrogacy, which received applause from The National Council for Medically Assisted Procreation. The Portuguese law allows commercial arrangements...
5 Ways an Agency Helps Intended Parents
If you decide to use a surrogate to expand your family, you must consider whether or not you would like to work with a surrogacy agency or independently. The independent route may be slightly more cost-effective, but it also can be more stressful and uncertain. Many...
Sex during Surrogacy
One of the questions we are asked from our potential surrogate mothers is if they can have sex while she is pregnant. The short answer is yes. But, there are a few conditions. Initially, it is not recommended to have intercourse before and after the embryo transfer....
A Spouse’s POV on Surrogacy
I am a proud two-time surrogate. I have no problem telling people about it whether they agree with my decision or not, and I do not have a problem answering (sometimes invasive) questions. I take it as an opportunity to debunk myths and educate people about a topic...
The Holiday Rush
Now that Halloween is behind us and the sugar rush has dissipated, Thanksgiving is next in line. Let’s look forward to yummy comfort food and more family time. Go ahead, take an extra scoop of mashed potatoes because – you deserve it! And most importantly –indulge...
Dealing with body changes/pain during pregnancy
As we all know from our bio babes, pregnancy causes so many changes to the body. It can be uncomfortable at times and even downright challenging. Not to mention after giving birth! Although body changes during and after pregnancy are natural, some struggle with...
Flu Shot when Pregnant
So many opinions on vaccinations lately. What's a surrogate to do? As Shared Conception always recommends, talk to your doctor before going to a clinic or getting a flu shot outside your doctor's office. As a surrogate, refer to your contract to see what it states...
Which way is up?
The vertex position. A technical term that describes when a baby is delivered headfirst. The vertex position is the ideal position when you are getting ready for labor. But it’s not always the case. Usually, weeks before you give birth, the baby moves in a position...
Gender Reveal Ideas!
Gender reveal parties have taken off in the past decade – they have almost taken a life of their own. With their Pinterest Boards, Amazon party kits, and even dedicated websites this is becoming a new tradition. There are so many ways to celebrate the revelation of...
Our Placentas II – Placenta accrete
We have recently discussed placenta previa, the cause, risk, symptoms, and treatments. But we are not done talking about the placenta! Shared Conception would like to fill you in on another condition that affects our placentas, known as placenta accrete. What is...
Fall into these Healthy Habits this Season!
Avoiding sushi and soft cheeses are well-known foods to avoid when you're pregnant. But here are a few more not-so-well-known changes to make when pregnant. Try them out! The following can help with fewer aches and pains, less stress, and more energy! Floss Your...
Our Placentas
The Placenta Pregnancy and the ability to be a surrogate is nothing short of a miracle. From the joy it gives another family, to the science behind carrying a child that isn't biologically related to you. There are many things involved in each process, including...
Ever hear of a Gentle Cesarean?
Planning a C-section? We all have our ideal labor and delivery planned in our heads or on paper. As a surrogate, this would not be your first experience with labor and delivery. Some of us have to deliver via cesarean due to medical conditions or previous C-section...
Surrogacy pregnancies are different from biological pregnancies
The most popular question asked as a surrogate is, "How can you give up the baby." People can't help themselves. And they don't understand – it's different than a biological baby. Surrogacy is not mainstream yet. There is not a lot of information out there. Everyone...
New Needle Support
A common apprehension when considering surrogacy is the injections that must be administered before the IVF transfer and throughout the first trimester. Shared Conception would like to share with you our new findings that will put you at ease! Our surrogates are just...
Tips for a Surrogate Partner
As a partner to a surrogate mother, you will hear how selfless and generous they are, but you deserve some kudos too! Although the workload is on her, you play an essential role in the entire process. You will serve as a chauffeur, nurse, take on more household or...
Surrogacy Years Later
Before, during, and after surrogacy is a commonly discussed topic. When you begin the surrogacy process and establish your support network, there are many questions from friends, loved ones, and even children to be asked and answered. Usually, questions are welcomed...
Stretch for pregnancy
If you find being pregnant sore and uncomfortable, try some pregnancy-safe stretches. Stretching can help relieve aches and pains and melt away any stress or tension as well. Benefits Pregnant or not, stretching has its benefits. Stretching lengthens your muscles and...