Guest Pregnancy Journal – Week 18
This incredible Mum of three shares her 18 week pregnancy reflections as a surrogate. Carrying a baby for another couple is not something many people experience, and her honesty about pride, hormones, adjustment and love is deeply moving.
Surrogacy is extraordinary. It is generous. It is complex. And it is beautiful.
18 Weeks Pregnant – Baby is the Size of a Capsicum
Cravings: Carbs. All the hot chips.
Symptoms: Nothing currently – enjoying these few peaceful weeks before heartburn likely kicks in.
I’ve been feeling…
Great! Time is absolutely flying by. I’m so busy with my own three children that I don’t really get a chance to stop and dwell too much.
My partner has been…
The most incredibly supportive guy in the world. Having your wife carry a child for another couple isn’t exactly everyday life, but he’s been with me every step of the way.
He’ll go to the supermarket late at night for mint chocolate and puts up with the mood swings. He’s my biggest supporter.
I feel anxious about…
The hormones after birth.
As a surrogate, baby goes to their parents from birth. I cannot wait to witness that incredible moment. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t apprehensive about how I’ll feel in the weeks that follow.
My heart will be happy. It will just be an adjustment period of waiting for my body to settle and realise everything is okay.
When I need to relax I…
Jump in a scalding hot shower, put on comfy pyjamas and go to bed. I’m a total nana and not ashamed to admit it.
When I see my body I feel…
Incredibly proud.
This body has grown and nourished my three children. It was home to my three angel babies, even if only for a short time. And now it’s helping make another couple’s dream come true.
I will never take that for granted.
The most helpful people to talk to recently have been…
Two friends who have also been surrogates. These amazing women have been a wealth of knowledge and guidance. I’m so grateful I can message them at any time.
Diet, exercise, sleep, stress…
Diet is fairly standard — except for the hot chips I seem to be living on.
Exercise is almost non-existent, but I’m on my feet all day at work.
Sleep is good (touch wood).
Stress is inevitable as a busy working Mum studying part-time — but I tend to just take each day as it comes.
If I could say anything to baby right now it would be…
It’s not my baby, but I can’t wait to meet my little womb mate. You have the most amazing Dads waiting patiently for you.
The Strength of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is layered with emotion. Pride. Anticipation. Generosity. Hormonal reality.
It is possible to feel confident, calm and proud — and still acknowledge that postpartum hormones may bring an adjustment period.
If you’re navigating pregnancy in any form — whether first time Mum, surrogate, or after loss — you may also find comfort in:
- 26 Weeks Pregnant After Miscarriage
- 16 Weeks – Gender Anxiety in Second Pregnancy
- 19 Weeks – Hyperemesis & Third Pregnancy
Want to Record Your Own Pregnancy Story?
Our guided Pregnancy Journal holds space for every type of pregnancy journey — the joyful, the complicated, the generous, the unexpected.
If you’d like to share your story anonymously, email megan@forgetmenotjournals.com.