Surrogates

Detailed Guide to the Embryo Transfer Process

The embryo transfer process is a pivotal moment in the journey of surrogacy and fertility treatments. For surrogates, this is the final step to becoming pregnant and helping a family fulfill their dreams of having a baby.

This guide will walk you through the embryo transfer process step by step, outlining everything from screening to the final test for pregnancy.

If you want to help create a family,fill out this simple form.

The Process Before Embryo Transfer: Steps 1 & 2

Before the embryo transfer procedure itself, there are important preparatory steps that help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Step 1: Screening and Matching

Before you become a surrogate, there is a thorough screening process to ensure that you are physically and emotionally prepared to become a surrogate. This includes a variety of health evaluations, including:

Medical History Review: A medical expert will review your health history, previous pregnancies, and any potential complications.
Psychological Evaluation: Since surrogacy can be an emotional journey, some clinics may require a psychological evaluation to ensure you’re emotionally prepared for the process.

This screening helps identify any potential risks and ensures the process for embryo transfer will be as smooth as possible.

Once you are fully prepared to be a surrogate, you will be connected to families who need a surrogate. When you find a great family that you are excited to help, you will complete paperwork and determine the details of the match. Read more on that here.

Step 2: Fertility Clinic Screening and Medications

Your final screening will happen after you match. You will visit a fertility clinic that will make the final checks before transfer, and then you will begin a course of medications to prepare your body for the embryo transfer process. These medications help regulate your hormone levels to optimize the chances of a successful pregnancy.

During this step you can expect:

Physical Exams: Blood tests and ultrasound exams are conducted to ensure your uterus is healthy and ready to receive the embryo.
Hormonal Therapy: Typically, this includes progesterone, estrogen, and sometimes other hormones. These help create the ideal environment in the uterus for the embryo to implant.
Supplements: You may be given additional vitamins or supplements to support uterine health and fertility.
Monitoring: Your doctor will closely monitor your response to these medications with blood tests and ultrasounds to make any necessary adjustments before the transfer.

This phase is crucial in ensuring that your body is prepared for the process for embryo transfer, ensuring the chances of implantation are maximized.

Embryo Transfer Procedure: Step 3

Next, the embryo transfer procedure, the heart of the embryo transfer process. This is the procedure where the embryo is carefully placed into your uterus.

Step 3: Embryo Transfer Procedure

The embryo transfer process can be broken down into the following steps:

On the day of the transfer, you’ll typically be asked to come to the clinic with a full bladder. A full bladder helps to guide the doctor during the transfer by positioning the uterus more clearly.

The procedure is minimally invasive and typically does not require anesthesia, but some women may receive light sedation for relaxation.

The doctor uses a thin catheter to transfer the embryo into your uterus. This step is carefully done to ensure the embryo is placed in the ideal position for implantation.

After the procedure, you’ll be asked to rest for a short period in the clinic. You may be given instructions on activities to avoid and any medications to take.

Your doctor will provide you with follow-up instructions on monitoring for any potential complications.

The embryo transfer process is a simple, yet highly precise procedure, and your healthcare team will ensure everything is done carefully to support the success of your embryo implantation.

The Process After Embryo Transfer: Steps 4 & 5

After the embryo has been transferred, there are still important steps to follow in order to determine if the transfer was successful.

Step 4: Two-Week Wait

The process after embryo transfer involves a crucial phase known as the “two-week wait.” This waiting period begins immediately after the embryo transfer and lasts until you can take a pregnancy test. During this time you might be expected to:

Monitor Symptoms: You may experience symptoms like mild cramping or spotting. These are common after the procedure, but you will likely need to pay attention if you experience abnormal symptoms.
Limit Activities: Your doctor will likely advise you to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and stress during this period.
Follow-up Appointments: You may be asked to come in for additional blood tests to measure hormone levels, but you won’t know for sure if the transfer was successful until the pregnancy test.

While this is an emotional time, it is critical to stay calm and follow all the instructions provided by your fertility team.

Step 5: Test for Pregnancy

After the two-week wait, you’ll take a blood test to check for pregnancy. This step is essential in confirming whether the process of embryo transfer has resulted in a successful pregnancy. The test will measure the levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your blood, which is the hormone produced during pregnancy.

If the test shows positive results, additional tests will be scheduled to confirm the pregnancy and monitor its progress.

If the result is negative, your doctor will discuss the next steps, which may include trying another embryo transfer or considering alternative options.

How can I make my embryo transfer successful?

Follow all instructions from your fertility team, manage stress, maintain a healthy lifestyle and take prescribed medications as directed.

Get Started

As a surrogate, the embryo transfer process can be the first step in helping a family fulfill their dreams of having a child. Learn more about the medical process of surrogacy and find out if you’re eligible to become a surrogate when you fill out this simple form.