If you’ve decided to become a surrogate, you are giving the gift of life to a family who is unable to bring a child into this world for a variety of reasons. This amazing and life-changing experience will fill you with joy at the thought of helping a family in need. However, before you begin the journey to become a surrogate, you’ll need to be up-to-date on immunizations. Vaccines protect both your health and that of the baby you will carry.
Before Surrogate Pregnancy
If you’re not sure which immunizations you will need, here is a list of vaccines that are beneficial before the pregnancy:
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): Most people receive this vaccine when they’re children and maintain the immunity to these diseases throughout their life. However, a simple blood test can verify if you are current on the MMR vaccine. If you’re not, you should be inoculated one month before conceiving. This will ensure you can avoid these highly contagious diseases. Rubella, in particular, can cause miscarriage. Once your immunity is confirmed, you can move forward with your surrogacy plans.
- Chicken Pox: Adult chicken pox is no laughing matter. Children recover from this disease quite well. However, chicken pox contracted during pregnancy can cause dangerous repercussions for the baby in utero, such as deformations, neurological issues or even miscarriage. Bloodwork can verify if you are immune or if you need a chicken pox booster.
- Hepatitis B: Most women are at low risk of contracting Hep B since it’s only transmitted via bodily fluids. However, if you have this disease, it can be transferred to the baby. For that reason, it’s not a bad idea to receive a Hepatitis B vaccine before conceiving.
During the Pregnancy
During the pregnancy, the following vaccines can be beneficial:
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDaP): Also known as whooping cough, pertussis claims the lives of approximately 20 newborn babies per year. For that reason, healthcare professionals encourage women to receive this vaccine sometime between the 16th and 32nd week to provide protection after the baby is born.
- Flu: Although rare, there is a chance that the flu can cause congenital disabilities or miscarriage. Flu medications for pregnant women are limited, so having a flu vaccine can give you an added measure of protection.
Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendation
Depending on your individual medical history, your doctor may want you to forego some of the vaccinations mentioned above. It’s important to always defer to your doctor’s advice as they understand your situation best. Other vaccines may also be required if you or the baby will be traveling out of the country before or after he or she is born.
Contact Western Fertility Institute to Find out More About Surrogacy
If you have questions about becoming a surrogate, contact Western Fertility Institute. We can match you with a couple in need of the gift of surrogacy. We will guide you through the process, ensuring you have all the information you require. To get started, reach out to us today.