Health Trends in Surrogacy: Marked Improvements in Surrogate Outcomes

Surrogacy has become an increasingly popular and reliable way for intended parents to grow their families. As the field has advanced, so too has the focus on the health and well-being of surrogates—those remarkable women who make parenthood possible for so many. Recent data reveals a heartening trend: surrogates are experiencing fewer pregnancy complications than ever before, a testament to improvements in medical protocols, screening, and support systems.

Fewer Pregnancy Complications Than Ever Before

According to a 2024 report from SurrogateFirst, 69% of surrogates did not experience any pregnancy complications in 2023. This is a significant improvement over 2021, when only 53% of surrogates reported complication-free pregnancies—a jump of 16 percentage points in just two years (SurrogateFirst, 2024). These numbers reflect a broader trend toward safer, healthier surrogacy journeys.

Year	Surrogates Without Complications
2021	53%
2023	69%

What’s Driving These Positive Changes?

Several key factors are contributing to the improved health outcomes for surrogates:

1. Stricter Medical Screening and Selection

Surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics have refined their screening processes, ensuring that only candidates with optimal physical and mental health profiles are selected for surrogacy programs. This means surrogates are better prepared for the demands of pregnancy, reducing the risk of complications (SurrogateFirst, 2024).

2. Advancements in Reproductive Medicine

Medical technology and protocols have advanced rapidly in recent years. Improved embryo transfer techniques, more accurate hormone monitoring, and individualized care plans allow doctors to minimize risks and tailor treatments to each surrogate’s unique needs (Drugs.com MedNews, 2023).

3. Comprehensive Support Systems

Surrogates now benefit from holistic support throughout their journey. This includes access to mental health counseling, nutritional guidance, regular medical check-ins, and peer support groups. Such resources help surrogates manage stress, maintain healthy lifestyles, and address any concerns early (SurrogateFirst, 2024).

4. Increased Awareness and Education

Both surrogates and intended parents are more informed than ever about the importance of prenatal care, healthy habits, and early intervention for any signs of complications. This proactive approach further reduces risks and improves outcomes (The Telegraph, 2023).

Why These Improvements Matter

Improved health outcomes for surrogates benefit everyone involved in the surrogacy process:

• For Surrogates: Fewer complications mean safer pregnancies, smoother recoveries, and a more positive overall experience.

• For Intended Parents: Knowing that their surrogate is receiving the best possible care provides peace of mind and allows them to focus on preparing for their new arrival.

• For Medical Professionals: Positive trends reinforce the effectiveness of modern protocols and encourage continued investment in research and support.

The Future of Surrogate Health

While the recent improvements are encouraging, the surrogacy field continues to evolve. Ongoing research, data collection, and a commitment to best practices will be essential to maintaining and building on these positive trends. As more intended parents and surrogates embark on this journey, the focus on health, safety, and support will remain at the forefront.

At Patriot Conceptions, we are dedicated to supporting surrogates and intended parents every step of the way. The recent data is not just a statistic—it’s a reflection of the care, dedication, and innovation that define modern surrogacy.

Citations:

• SurrogateFirst. "Future Trends in Surrogacy 2024 & Beyond." https://www.surrogatefirst.com/blog/future-trends-in-surrogacy-2024-beyond/

• Drugs.com MedNews. "Surrogate Moms Have Higher Rates of Pregnancy Complications." https://www.drugs.com/news/surrogate-moms-higher-rates-pregnancy-complications-111412.html

• The Telegraph. "Surrogates twice as likely to suffer dangerous pregnancy complications." https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/07/05/surrogates-pregnancy-complications-risk/