Surrogates may be at greater risk of mental illness than women who carry own child

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.

- Nicola Davis

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 will grow from $27.9bn (£20.8bn) in 2025 to $201.8bn 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 of McGill University in Canada, the first author of the research. "As well, the provision of support during and after pregnancy may be particularly important for gestational carriers."