7.8 Blood Pressure During Surrogacy Pregnancy

During a surrogacy pregnancy, one of the simplest—but most important—ways to protect both the baby and the surrogate is by keeping a close eye on blood pressure. High blood pressure doesn’t always come with symptoms, but if left unchecked, it can lead to serious complications. That’s why regular monitoring is part of every prenatal appointment.

At GSHC, we stay closely connected with our surrogates throughout the journey. But we also rely on each surrogate’s follow-through—especially when it comes to attending appointments, watching for warning signs, and communicating changes early.

1. What Blood Pressure Tells Us

Pregnancy naturally puts more stress on the body, which can raise blood pressure. Even a slight increase can impact the baby’s growth or the placenta’s ability to do its job. If it gets too high, it can also put the surrogate at risk for conditions like preeclampsia or organ strain—and may affect when and how the baby is delivered.

This is why those quick checks at the OB’s office are more important than they might seem. They help catch any problems early, even before symptoms appear.

2. When Is Blood Pressure Checked?

Your OB will check your blood pressure at every prenatal visit, starting from the very first appointment all the way to delivery. These numbers are recorded as part of your vital signs. Even if you’re feeling fine, those readings give your doctor important insight into how your body—and the baby—are doing.

3. What Happens If Your Blood Pressure Is High?

If your OB sees a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher, they may take different steps depending on your symptoms and how far along you are:

• Hospital Monitoring: You may be admitted for closer observation, lab work, or medication. They’ll also monitor the baby closely.
• At-Home Monitoring: If things stabilize, you might go home with a blood pressure cuff, check-ins, and some activity changes—like cutting back on movement or resting more often.
• Early Delivery: If your blood pressure can’t be safely managed, and you’re far enough along, your doctor may recommend delivering the baby early—often between 36 and 38 weeks—to protect everyone involved.

4. How High Blood Pressure Affects the Baby

If high blood pressure goes untreated, it may reduce blood flow to the placenta, which can slow the baby’s growth or lead to a preterm birth. Some babies may need extra care in the NICU after delivery, especially if they’re born early or with low birth weight.

But the good news? When high blood pressure is caught and managed early, these risks can often be avoided.

5. What GSHC Surrogates Are Required to Do

At GSHC, we do everything we can to support you—but we also count on you to stay consistent with your care. Here’s what that means:

• Go to every OB appointment—no skipping
• Share your visit summaries, especially your blood pressure readings
• Let your case manager know the same day if your pressure is high
• Follow all instructions from your OB or specialist (MFM), including any medication or activity restrictions
• Tell us immediately if you notice signs like:
• Headaches
• Blurry vision or seeing spots
• Swelling in your face or hands
• Chest pressure or trouble breathing
• Pain in the upper right side of your belly

Blood pressure during a surrogacy pregnancy is a simple number that tells us a lot.

By staying on top of your OB visits, tracking your vitals, and communicating openly, you help ensure a smooth and safe journey for yourself, the baby, and the intended parents.

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Be consistent. Be proactive. Keep the journey safe.