Surrogate Mother Mental Health: Understanding Psychological Challenges and Care During Pregnancy

Thanks to progress in medical technology and legal frameworks, surrogacy has become an increasingly common infertility treatment. However, despite these advances, the psychological effects of surrogacy on mothers and babies remain significant. The type and intensity of emotional challenges of surrogacy vary from country to country. In regions where surrogacy is widely accepted, surrogate mothers often receive more emotional support, making the journey easier. In contrast, in countries where surrogacy is still taboo, surrogate women may experience stigma, social judgment, and psychological distress.

So, what are the main mental challenges of a surrogate mother during pregnancy, and what kind of care is needed to protect her well-being? Let’s explore.

Importance of Mental Health of Surrogate Mothers During Pregnancy

A surrogate mother's physical and mental health directly impacts the baby growing inside her. Factors like hormonal changes, stress, anxiety, and depression during surrogacy pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth. Therefore, alongside regular medical check-ups, mental health support for surrogate mothers is essential to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Read more: Feeding A Surrogacy Baby: Is Breastfeeding Possible?

Psychological Challenges of Surrogate Mothers

Some common psychological challenges during surrogate pregnancy may include:

 Social Judgment and Stigma

One of the most common emotional challenges of surrogate mothers is the negative perception of surrogacy in society. Many surrogate women face judgment, criticism, or inappropriate behavior from others, which increases stress and emotional pressure.

Fear of Surrogacy Legal Uncertainty

In countries without clear surrogacy laws, surrogate mothers may fear complications during or after pregnancy—such as medical risks, disputes with intended parents, or unclear surrogacy contracts. These legal uncertainties often lead to anxiety throughout the surrogate pregnancy.



Unwanted Emotional Attachment of Surrogate Mother to the Baby

Since the surrogate carries and feels the baby’s growth, she may naturally develop a strong emotional bond. The thought of separation after birth can cause sadness, stress, and even grief.

Hormonal and Emotional Changes

Like any pregnant woman, a surrogate experiences hormonal fluctuations that can cause mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. Without proper psychological care, these surrogacy challenges may become overwhelming.

The Best Time for Psychological Counseling in Surrogacy

Surrogate mothers should receive psychological counseling at all stages of the surrogacy process:

• Before Pregnancy: To prepare emotionally for the emotional journey ahead;
• During Pregnancy: To manage stress and negative emotions;
• After Birth: To cope with any feelings of loss and adjust to normal life after surrogacy.

Read more: Surrogacy: A Complete Medical and Legal Guide

 Mental Health Care Tips for Surrogate Mothers

Regardless of how pregnancy is achieved, all expectant mothers need emotional support. Effective strategies include:

• Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and massage;
• Engaging in light physical activity such as yoga and walking;
• Maintaining adequate sleep and rest to stabilize mood;
• Eating a nutritious diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids;
• Attending regular counseling sessions to manage surrogacy stress;
• Receiving emotional support from family, friends, and intended parents, which greatly reduces anxiety and depression;

Surrogacy in Iran

In Iran, surrogacy is not prohibited and most authorities have allowed it. However, there is no specific and precise law for this treatment method and it is not yet accepted by the general public. Therefore, pregnant women in Iran will experience more challenges than other women.

• Despite the skilled and specialized counselors in Iran, it will be difficult to access counselors who have sufficient experience in this field.
• This topic is a taboo in many Iranian families and women will have little social support.
• The lack of a clear and specific legal framework will cause concerns about surrogacy in Islam.
• Unlike developed countries where infertility treatment organizations are fully present in the treatment process from start to finish, there are fewer legal and medical authorities for surrogates in Iran.
  

Conclusion

While surrogacy offers hope to couples struggling with infertility, it comes with significant emotional and psychological challenges for surrogate mothers. From social judgment and hormonal changes to fear of unclear surrogacy laws and emotional attachment, the mental health burden is high. That’s why continuous psychological support and counseling are essential from the very beginning until after delivery. Supporting surrogate mothers ensures a healthier experience for both the surrogate woman and the baby.

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FAQs

When should a surrogate mother seek counseling?

Ideally, counseling should begin before the surrogacy process starts, continue throughout the pregnancy, and extend after delivery.

Is surrogacy more emotionally challenging than natural pregnancy?

Yes. Surrogate mothers usually feel heavier psychological pressure due to social stigma, fear of legal problems, and the emotional difficulty of parting with the baby.

What helps reduce stress during a surrogate pregnancy?

Effective strategies for reducing surrogacy-related stress include engaging in mild exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, practicing meditation, following a healthy diet, and seeking strong emotional support.

What is the role of family and society during a surrogate pregnancy?

Acceptance, emotional support, and avoiding judgment are key factors in reducing psychological stress for surrogate mothers.