
Surrogate Mother Medications
All surrogates should include a daily prenatal vitamin (or folic acid) at least one month before attempting to get pregnant. Some prenatal vitamins that include iron can cause an upset stomach/nausea. If you experience this side effect, you can switch to a iron free prenatal vitamin or take a daily folic acid pill. Folic acid combined with a healthy diet is a great start to a healthy pregnancy! (Most women will need to supplement with iron by week 20 in pregnancy; especially with twins. If you are sensitive to iron speak to your pharmacist or doctor about FeraMax 150 which many surrogates will take to avoid upset stomach/nausea).
Lupron (leuprolide acetate)
Use: Lupron prevents the usual hormone exchange that causes follicle production and ovulation by suppressing the pituitary stimulation to the ovaries.
Side effects: Headache, fatigue, hot flashes.
Administration: Lupron is an injection given subcutaneously (in the fatty tissue) by a ½ inch needle under the skin.
Estrace (estradiol)
Use: Estrogen is a hormone that helps grow the lining of the uterus which maintains an early pregnancy.
Side effects: Bloating, mild nausea, or breast tenderness.
Administration: Oral tablet or vaginal suppository.
Doxycycline
Use: Doxycycline is a pre-cycle antibiotic that prevents any possible low-grade pelvic infection.
Side Effects: None, but varies per individual.
Administration: Oral tablet.
Medrol (methylprednisolone)
Use: Medrol is a low-dose steroid pill to suppress the autoimmune system from interfering with embryo implantation. (It has a bitter taste which can be avoided by swallowing whole inside a piece of banana).
Side effects: None.
Administration: Oral tablet.
Low Dose Aspirin
Use: Aspirin assists with cycle stimulation and impending embryonic implantation. This medication will continue until 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Side effects: Upset stomach, heartburn, easy bruising or bleeding.
Administration: Oral tablet.
Progesterone/Prometrium/Endometrin
Use: Progesterone is the hormone necessary for the preparation of the uterine lining for the implantation of the embryo and the maintenance of early pregnancy.
Side effects: Breast tenderness, injection site tenderness, vaginal discharge and dizziness.
Administration: Intramuscular injection (into the muscle) or in the form of vaginal suppository.
