Resources For Surrogates

Nutrition plays a meaningful role in every pregnancy, but during a surrogacy journey, it carries added importance. As a surrogate, your body is doing extraordinary work. Supporting it with the right nutrients helps promote hormonal balance, supports implantation and fetal development, and contributes to your own well-being throughout the process.

At GRACE, surrogate health and safety are always the priority. While every pregnancy is unique and nutritional needs may vary, there are clear, evidence-based guidelines that help create a strong foundation for a healthy surrogacy pregnancy.

This guide is designed to help you understand what to eat, what to limit, and how thoughtful nutrition supports both your body and the surrogacy journey as a whole.

Why Nutrition Matters in a Surrogacy Pregnancy

Surrogacy often involves IVF medications, hormone support, and carefully timed medical protocols. Nutrition works alongside these elements by helping the body respond effectively and recover well.

A balanced, intentional diet can help:

• Support stable progesterone and estrogen levels
• Promote steady energy and healthy weight gain
• Reduce inflammation and digestive discomfort
• Support immune health and fetal development

Rather than focusing on perfection, the goal is consistency, nourishment, and mindful choices.

Core Nutrients Every Surrogate Should Prioritize

A surrogacy-friendly diet emphasizes whole foods that provide steady nourishment without unnecessary stress on the body.

Key nutrients to focus on include:

• Protein to support tissue growth and hormone production
• Healthy fats to aid hormone balance and brain development
• Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and digestion
• Iron and folate to support blood health and fetal development
• Calcium and vitamin D for bone strength

These nutrients are best obtained through food first, with supplements used when recommended by your medical team.

Foods That Support Hormonal Balance

Progesterone and estrogen play a central role in IVF cycles and pregnancy maintenance. While food cannot replace prescribed medications, certain foods can support the body’s natural hormonal environment.

Helpful choices include:

• Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds for healthy fats
• Eggs and lean meats for protein and B vitamins
• Leafy greens for folate and magnesium
• Berries and colorful vegetables for antioxidants

Eating regular, balanced meals helps avoid blood sugar swings, which can impact how the body responds to hormones.

Common IVF and Pregnancy Supplements

Many surrogates are prescribed supplements as part of their IVF protocol or prenatal care. These are always guided by medical providers and should never be adjusted without approval.

Common supplements may include:

• Prenatal vitamins
• Folic acid or methylfolate
• Iron, if levels are low
• Vitamin D
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Always follow clinic and agency guidance, as supplement needs can differ from one surrogate to another.

Foods to Limit or Avoid During Surrogacy

Some foods and habits can interfere with hormone absorption, digestion, or pregnancy safety. Avoiding or limiting these supports a smoother experience.

It is generally recommended to:

• Avoid alcohol entirely
• Limit caffeine according to medical guidance
• Avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and seafood
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products
• Limit highly processed foods and excess added sugars

These precautions are not about restriction but about reducing unnecessary risks during a medically supported pregnancy.