Surrogacy in Bakersfield: Guide for Surrogate Moms

Poor air quality impacts both maternal and fetal health significantly during pregnancy. Epidemiological evidence shows that gestational exposure to air pollution increases risks for (1) low birth weight, (2) preterm birth, (3) congenital malformation, (4) intrauterine growth restriction, and (5) neonatal mortality. Mothers affected by poor air quality face elevated chances of preeclampsia, hypertension, and gestational diabetes. This article published in Science Direct will help our surrogate mothers make good choices when estalishing their walking routine; Safe in the womb? Effects of air pollution to the unborn child and neonates.

A major systematic review published in JAMA Network Open analyzed over 32 million births across 57 studies and found that exposure to PM2.5 or ozone was associated with (1) increased risk of preterm birth in 79% of studies and (2) low birth weight in 86% of studies. The developing fetal respiratory and cardiovascular systems are particularly vulnerable, as pollutants can cross the placental barrier and directly affect fetal development. Read these 2 reference articles: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health | PubMed Central.

• Description: The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District operates monitoring stations throughout the region with a focus on tracking air quality metrics. This particular station serves as a reliable source for real-time air quality data, which can be valuable for our surrogate mothers who are monitoring their exposure to particulate matter and ozone levels.
• Address: Central Bakersfield monitoring location
• Phone/Website: https://ww2.valleyair.org/
• Hours/Availability: Real-time data updated continuously
• Accessibility: Access through MyRAAN interface and mobile-friendly website for location-based air quality data
• Current Status: The current Bakersfield Air Quality Index (AQI) is give has a number between 0 and 100. For example: “53 Moderate level with real-time air pollution PM2.5 (10µg/m³), PM10 (33µg/m³)” (source: Live Air Quality Data).

• Description: Areas along the Kern River tend to experience better air circulation patterns compared to more central urban locations. These riverside areas often provide a more comfortable environment for prenatal exercise and relaxation, though we recommend monitoring daily air quality conditions before planning outdoor activities.
• Address/Location: Along Alfred Harrell Highway and Kern River Parkway
• Access Information: Multiple access points via Kern River Parkway Trail system
• Pregnancy Amenities: Paved walking paths, multiple restrooms, shaded picnic areas, and benches
• Safety Rating: Generally well-maintained public areas with regular patrol presence

Walking provides several health benefits to both mother and child and is the most commonly chosen physical activity during pregnancy. This study published by the NIH discusses the benefits: Walking for health during pregnancy: A literature review and considerations for future research.

Is there any risk to walking during your surrogacy in Bakersfield? Actually, regular walking reduces risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery while promoting healthy weight gain and improved mood. A systematic review of 91 studies found that acute and chronic prenatal exercise don’t adversely impact fetal heart rate or umbilical blood flow, with walking showing no harmful effects on placental circulation: The effect of fetal heart rate on umbilical artery flow velocity waveforms – PubMed.

A randomized clinical trial demonstrated that walking with moderate intensity does not increase fetal developmental disorders or placental blood flow problems Walking for health during pregnancy: A literature review and considerations for future research.

Is there an optimal time to take a walk during the day while you are pregnant? We haven’t found research specifically answer this question for pregnant women, but general walking benefits suggest morning walks may boost energy levels throughout the day, while evening walks can aid relaxation and stress reduction. However, as for anything related to your physical health, we advise you to discuss these matters with your primary physician during your surrogacy in Bakersfield.

We advise any expectant mom under the care of Los Angeles Surrogacy in Bakersfield to avoid going alone on a walk. Not just for reasons related to your safety in this environment, but also for medical reasons: if you don’t feel well while walking, you want to have someone by your side who can help you immediately.

• Description: Hart Memorial Park spans 370 acres along the Kern River, approximately eight miles northeast of Bakersfield. The park offers extensive walking trails, two fishing lakes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The natural setting of the park provides a peaceful environment for low-impact prenatal exercise, though we recommend checking current conditions before each visit. Plan for a 2-3 hours excursion.
• Address: Alfred Harrell Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93308
• Phone/Website: (661) 872-3179
• Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Gestational Care Amenities: Individual and group picnic spots with tables and grills. Parking lot at east park entrance for access to hiking and equestrian trails, multiple restrooms, level walking paths around lakes.
• Safety Rating: 4.2 stars from 200+ Google reviews – Hart Memorial Park Reviews

• Description: This paved multi-use trail extends approximately 15 miles along the Kern River, connecting multiple parks and green areas. The level surface of the trail and multiple access points make it suitable for our surrogate mothers seeking safe walking options. The infrastructure of the trail, including benches and emergency call boxes, reflects thoughtful planning for user safety. Plan on a 1-2 hour trip, bring a bottle of water and a snack.
• Starting Point: This section starts at The Park at Riverwalk and ends at the Metropolitan Recreation Center
• Length/Duration: 15.4 mi long with multiple shorter segments available
• Accessibility: There is a restroom at the trailhead, and another restroom at the boat ramps. This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers.
• Gestational Care Amenities: There are several benches along the route and places to stop and enjoy the river, emergency call boxes every mile, water fountains with dog basins.
• Safety Information: Well-maintained asphalt pathway with good visibility and regular maintenance – Trail Information

Check out these resources. If you are a pregnant mom under the care of Los Angeles Surrogacy in Bakersfield, you can call your case manager to decide if it is advisable to use public transportation to get to your destination today.

• Description: GET operates a fleet of 90 compressed natural gas buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks across 16 routes. Their service covers both Bakersfield city limits and adjacent unincorporated areas. For our surrogate mothers who don’t want to drive during their prenancy, the accessibility features of the system and priority seating policies are a benefit. Check current schedules and their website for information about their routes.
• Service Area: The District boundary includes Bakersfield city limits as well as adjacent unincorporated areas.
• Phone/Website: (661) 869-2438 | www.getbus.org
• Accessibility Features: ADA accessible vehicles, priority seating for pregnant passengers, wheelchair lifts, and low-floor boarding.
• Gestational Care Benefits: Priority seating, mobile app for trip planning, climate-controlled vehicles.
• Service Rating: Customer service hours: Mon-Fri: 6am-10pm Sat-Sun: 6:30am-7:15pm – Transit Information.

If you use the public transportation system to go to an appointment, you will have to walk from the station to your destination. How walkable is the neighborhood?

Walkability is defined in this way by the City Health Dashboard: “Walkability helps us understand how well the design of a city supports walking and other physical activity. People living in neighborhoods with high walkability are more likely to be active in how they get around, including walking and using public transportation. Research has found that people in such neighborhoods tend to have lower rates of diabetes and obesity than those living in less walkable areas. Walkable neighborhoods often have less vehicle use, which can lead to improved air quality.“

You have a look at this walkability map of Bakersfield: This resource will help pregnant mothers under the care of Los Angeles Surrogacy in Bakersfield decide if it is advisable for them to walk in this or that neighborhood of the city.

• Description: Oleander-Sunset achieves the highest walkability rating in Bakersfield with a Walk Score of 70. This neighborhood features residential streets that appear well-maintained with sidewalk infrastructure. The walkable layout of the area is beneficial for our surrogate mothers seeking pedestrian-friendly environments, though we always recommend you to assess your personal level of comfort with neighborhood conditions.
• Boundaries: Oleander Avenue to Sunset Boulevard area
• Safety Features: Well-lit residential streets, low crime rates for property crime, accessible sidewalks.
• Gestational Care Resources: Notable attractions include the Oleander-Sunset Park and the popular local eatery, Luigi’s Restaurant and Delicatessen.
• Walkability Score: Walk Score of 70 (Very Walkable) – Neighborhood Guide

• Description: The City of Bakersfield operates multiple recreation centers throughout the area. Los Angeles Surrogacy understands these facilities may offer various fitness programs and activities. City-operated recreation centers typically maintain professional standards, though we recommend contacting specific locations to confirm current prenatal program availability and instructor qualifications.
• Address: Various locations throughout Bakersfield
• Phone/Website: Contact City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department
• Gestational Care Programs: Prenatal water aerobics, gentle yoga classes, walking groups.
• Safety Features: Certified instructors, medical emergency protocols, accessible facilities.
• Member Feedback: City-operated facilities with professional staff and maintained equipment.

For the benefit of surrogate moms under the care of Los Angeles Surrogacy in Bakersfield, we made a more complete guide to medical and paramedical resources in the city. The two healthcare providers listed here are just emergency resources useful to keep at hand “just in case”.

• Description: Adventist Health Bakersfield operates a comprehensive emergency center with national certifications for stroke and chest pain care. They maintain 24-hour staffing with emergency medicine specialists. Their infrastructure and certification status suggest capabilities for handling obstetric emergencies, though we always recommend confirming specific services and calling 9-1-1 for any emergency situation.
• Coverage Area: Greater Bakersfield metropolitan area
• Phone: 9-1-1 for emergencies | (661) 395-3000 for general information
• Address: 2615 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
• Response Time: 22 state-of-the-art patient rooms complete with the latest lifesaving technology.
• Pregnancy Specialization: Their emergency rooms are staffed 24/7 with physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and emergency care nurses. They currently have a 2.2 rating on Google, with 200+ reviews. In our experience, star ratings for hospitals and emergency facilities do not always reflect adequately the level of care the medical personnel offers to patients. Oftentimes, the standard of care implemented at these facilities is much higher than the ratings suggest.  
• Service Rating: Nationally certified facility with comprehensive obstetric emergency protocols.

All surrogate moms under the care of Los Angeles Surrogacy in Bakersfield know how much we insist on the importance of taking care of their personal health during their pregnancy. Water quality and air quality are two major components of wellbeing. The resources we list here will help you keep informed of the level of pollutants you are subjected to and take the appropriate measures. As always, it’s not about ringing the alarm bell but about having good information handy. Discuss any concern with your physician and your surrogacy case manager.  

• Description: California Water Service operates the municipal water system of Bakersfield in partnership with the city. They use a combination of local groundwater, treated Kern River surface water, and purchased water from the Kern County Water Agency. Their testing and treatment protocols reflect current industry standards, though we recommend reviewing the most recent water quality reports and consulting with healthcare providers about any specific concerns during pregnancy.
• Service Area: Bakersfield city limits and surrounding areas served by Cal Water
• Phone/Website: (661) 837-7200 | www.calwater.com
• Testing Information: According to the company, their water quality assurance program includes vigilant monitoring throughout their systems and testing at their state-of-the-art laboratory.
• Gestational Care Relevance: For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (April 2024 – June 2024), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
• Data Source: Annual water quality reports available showing compliance with EPA standards – Current Water Quality Report.

• Nitrate Monitoring: Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water interfere with the capacity of an infant’s blood to carry oxygen; symptoms of illness include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Nitrate levels above 10 ppm may also affect the ability of the blood to carry oxygen in gestational mothers.

  Current Status: The average nitrate level was 1.8 ppm, with a maximum level of 6.1 ppm – well below the 10 ppm health advisory level.

  Recommendation: We recommend surrogate mothers under the care of Los Angeles Surrogacy in Bakersfield to discuss their concerns with water quality with their primary physician.

• Crime Statistics: Bakersfield reports slightly higher crime rates than the national average, and higher than many communities of a similar size. We recommend our surrogate mothers to consider carefully their timing and location choices for all their outdoor activities.
• Safest Areas: According to police reports, the west and southwest areas of the city tend to show lower crime rates. But neighborhood safety varies significantly, some areas experiencing higher risk levels. The crime map published and maintained by Neighborhood Scout gives you a detailed view of the safety rating of some neighborhoods compared to others: Bakersfield, CA Crime Rates and Statistics – NeighborhoodScout
• Recommendations: Focus your outdoor activities in well-monitored public areas during daylight hours, particularly in parks and recreational areas that maintain regular security presence. Maximize your safety by keeping informed about locations and timing.

This guide provides surrogate mothers under the care of Los Angeles Surrogacy in Bakersfield, CA with information about urban environmental resources that can support a healthy pregnancy while living in the city.

Though we verified contact information and operational details during our research, these may change. If you find that a provider in this guide can’t be reached or found, please call your surrogacy case manager. We recommend confirming current conditions and consulting with your primary physician before making decisions about activities and locations.