Canadian data analysis underscores importance of support during and after pregnancy, researchers say
Surrogates have a greater chance of being newly diagnosed with a mental illness during and after pregnancy than women who carry their own offspring, researchers have found.
In addition, regardless of how they conceived, women with a previous record of mental illness were found to have a higher risk of being diagnosed with such conditions during and after pregnancy than those without.
While laws around surrogates, or “gestational carriers”, vary around the world, the practice is booming. According to Global Market Insights, the market is expected to grow from $27.9bn (£20.8bn) in 2025 to $201.8bn (£150.2bn) in 2034.
“Our findings underscore the importance of adequate screening and counselling of potential gestational carriers before pregnancy about the possibility of a new-onset mental illness, or exacerbation of a prior mental illness during or after pregnancy,” said Dr Maria Velez, the first author of the research, from McGill University in Canada. “As well, the provision of support during and after pregnancy may be particularly important for gestational carriers.”
