Want to Become a Surrogate? Here’s Your Guide to Embryo Transfer and Early Pregnancy

Embryo transfer is a pivotal moment in any surrogacy journey. It’s the point where all the preparation—medical, emotional, and legal—leads to the hopeful beginning of a new life. If you’re a first-time surrogate, understanding the embryo transfer process step by step can help ease nerves and build confidence for what lies ahead.

Preparing for the Cycle

Before the embryo transfer can occur, your body needs to be medically prepared to support a pregnancy. This starts with a series of coordinated screenings, lab work, and baseline tests.

Monitoring Appointments

Throughout the preparation period, you’ll attend multiple monitoring appointments. These appointments include blood tests and ultrasounds to ensure your body is responding well to medications and that your uterine lining is thick enough to receive an embryo.

Your coordinator will keep you updated on your progress and confirm when the embryo transfer will be scheduled.

Embryo Transfer Procedure

The actual transfer is a quick and painless outpatient procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes. Here’s what happens:

• You’ll arrive at the clinic with a full bladder (this helps the doctor better see your uterus during the ultrasound-guided procedure).
• The fertility doctor will insert a catheter into your uterus, through which the embryo is transferred.
• There’s no need for anesthesia, and most surrogates describe it as similar to a pap smear.
• After the transfer, you’ll usually rest for 15–30 minutes at the clinic before heading home.

Post-Transfer Rest and Care

Following the procedure, you’ll be advised to take it easy for the next few days. While complete bed rest is rarely required, it’s crucial to minimize physical activity, avoid heavy lifting, and listen to your body.

Some surrogates return to light daily routines right away, while others take a day or two off work. Your fertility clinic will give specific guidance based on your protocol.

The Two-Week Wait

About 9–14 days after transfer, you’ll return to the clinic for a beta hCG blood test to confirm whether implantation was successful. This waiting period is often the most emotionally intense part of the process, filled with hope and anticipation.

You may be tempted to take a home pregnancy test during this time, but it’s best to wait for the official blood test to avoid false results.

What Happens Next

If the transfer is successful, you’ll continue progesterone and other medications for several more weeks while the pregnancy becomes established. Your care will transition from the fertility clinic to your OB/GYN once the pregnancy is considered viable.

If the transfer is not successful, your agency and care team will support you through the next steps, which may include trying again, depending on your contract and the intended parents’ plan.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing decision, and the embryo transfer and early pregnancy phases are some of the most meaningful moments in the process. With the proper support, knowledge, and self-care, you’ll move through it with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting your research, Elevate is here to guide you every step of the way: Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate.