Is Your Bmi Too High? Follow These Simple Steps on How to Lose Weight Before Becoming a Surrogate
It takes a special woman to become a surrogate for a couple that can’t conceive a child on their own.
Reputable surrogacy agencies such as Made in the USA Surrogacy have intense screening processes that should include the prospective surrogate’s health history and previous pregnancy details if the woman has had a pregnancy in the past.
This health screening helps to ensure that the surrogate will have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
The goal of our surrogate is the safety, good health and well-being of both the surrogate and the baby.
A prospective surrogate should have a BMI within the normal range for her height, age, and bone structure.
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, and a normal BMI for a woman of childbearing age is roughly between 18.5 to 24.9. However, we do accept surrogate mothers as high as 30 BMI.
How to Determine Your BMI Before Becoming a Surrogate
Women interested in becoming a surrogate can easily determine their BMI by using a simple online BMI cart calculator.
A BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight, and a reading of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Any BMI reading of 30 or over is considered obese.
Exceptions to the Above BMI Guidelines
Even though Body Mass Index charts figure in age and height, the numbers can still be off for very short or exceptionally tall individuals.
Athletes and bodybuilders will have more overall muscle bulk, but they shouldn’t be considered overweight solely on their higher BMI numbers.
People that have some types of disabilities often have muscle loss known as muscle wasting which can throw off a BMI calculation. Individuals of Asian or Native American descent typically have higher body fat percentages than people with European ancestry.
The best way of determining your ideal Body Mass Index is to get a physical exam by a medical doctor and/or evaluation by a nutritionist, or also check your body fat percentage.
Why Is a Good BMI Strongly Recommended to Ensure a Healthy Pregnancy?
Higher BMI numbers have been shown in research studies to affect a woman’s ability to conceive or carry a baby to term.
For males, a higher than normal BMI is linked to lower sperm counts that obviously impact a couple’s ability to conceive a child. Recent studies link obesity and higher BMI numbers to infertility.
Surrogates undergo IVF, and too high or too low BMI numbers can impact her ability to become pregnant and sustain a pregnancy through to delivery.
Many fertility doctors are very strict on their BMI restrictions, and it’s important to work hard on keeping your body in a healthy range.
Other Health Risks Associated with Higher BMI Readings
Along with issues involving fertility, there are many other concerning health risks associated with higher than average BMI rates.
Other health risks include:
- Diabetes
- Immune Disorders
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease
- Gallbladder Disease
- Breathing Issues
Tips for Losing Weight Before Becoming a Surrogate
In order to become a surrogate with our surrogacy agency, we recommend potential surrogates get an in-depth health exam to determine your overall health status.
If the BMI is higher than normal, steps should be taken to lower that number.
Along with eating a nutritious and balanced diet, a potential surrogate should undergo a weight loss regimen under the supervision of her doctor. Many women have success mostly by adding in more natural foods like fresh fruits and vegetables into the diet.
Some foods/beverages to avoid include:
- Foods Higher in Sugar Content (Soft Drinks & Candy)
- Fatty Meats
- Salty Snacks like Chips
- Processed Foods
How to Achieve a Healthy Weight Loss
Any woman who plans to become a surrogate should be under a doctor’s supervision or a personal trainer who is well versed in nutrition when trying to achieve a healthy weight loss. This action will also get those high BMI numbers down to a more normal range.
Some tips for losing excess weight include:
#1 – Healthy Diet
Again, eating a healthy diet is the best way to get into better shape overall.
Avoid foods high in sugars, salt, preservatives, and fats, and add in more fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, leaner meats and lower fat proteins such as nuts.
#2 – Drink More Water
This tip might seem too simple, but it is one that is consistently effective in any plan to lose weight.
Our bodies are mostly made up of water, and this essential element needs to be replaced every day. Drinking more water also helps with hunger cravings as the body is fooled into thinking that it is full.
#3 – Get More Exercise
Everyone should have a regular exercise routine to stay healthy.
For a prospective surrogate, regular exercise helps prepare her body for becoming pregnant. The exercise routine should include cardiovascular workouts several times a week.
To get motivated to exercise, it helps to choose energetic activities that are enjoyed.
Some ideas for getting fit through exercise includes:
- Take Walks
- Meet Up with Friends for Competitive or Active Pursuits
- Take a Class like Dance, Cycling or Yoga
- Ride Your Bike – to Work, Errands & Weekend Rides
- Swimming
- Host Backyard Parties with Volleyball, Basketball or Other Active Games
- Join a Gym or Fitness Center
- Wear a FitBit or Follow Other Fitness Related Apps such as MyFitnessPal
Should Prospective Surrogates Take Prenatal Vitamins?
Before undergoing IVF, your fertility doctor will most likely prescribe you a prenatal vitamin to prep your body even before becoming pregnant. This is to ensure that you get the necessary vitamins, minerals and other essential items that your body will need for carrying a baby to term.
Before beginning any prenatal vitamin regimen, prospective surrogates should always get professional medical advice to ensure her safety.
While these vitamins can help increase better health, they should not be used in place of eating a healthy diet and doing regular exercise to stay fit.
How do I get started as a surrogate mother?
Women who are interested in becoming a surrogate can get helpful information and advice by speaking with our surrogate agency staff.
If you are interested in becoming a surrogate, please fill out this form and we will contact you directly to start your application!
Prospective surrogates can increase the chances of having a healthy pregnancy by living healthier lifestyles and following commonsense diet and exercise programs.
