What to Expect for Your Surrogate Embryo Transfer

Where Does the Embryo Transfer Take Place?

Embryo transfer is one of the most critical steps in the surrogacy journey. This delicate procedure takes place at a fertility clinic, typically the one where the intended parents’ embryos were created and stored. These clinics specialize in reproductive medicine and have the proper technology, labs, and medical staff to handle embryo transfers with the highest standard of care.

The exact location will depend on where the intended parents completed their IVF cycle. Sometimes this means the surrogate will visit a local clinic; other times, she may need to travel to a clinic in a different city or state. The decision is made based on which clinic holds the embryos and has experience working with surrogacy cases.

Do Surrogates Have to Travel for the Embryo Transfer?

In many cases, yes. It’s not uncommon for surrogates to travel for the embryo transfer, especially when working with intended parents from a different state or country. Travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, meals, and transportation, are fully covered by the intended parents or through the surrogacy agency.

Travel is typically required just for the final stages of the cycle, particularly the embryo transfer itself. Most clinics will only need the surrogate to be on-site for one or two days. Some may require a preliminary visit for mock cycle evaluations or lab work, but these can often be arranged at a local clinic affiliated with the main fertility center.

Our agency works hard to ensure that travel is as comfortable and seamless as possible. We handle the logistics so that surrogates can focus on their health and the process ahead.

What Is the Embryo Transfer Like?

Preparation

The surrogate arrives at the clinic with a full bladder to aid ultrasound guidance. She changes into a gown and meets the medical team.

Procedure

A speculum is inserted to visualize the cervix. Using a thin catheter, the doctor gently places the embryo(s) into the uterus while guided by ultrasound. The procedure usually takes about 10–15 minutes.

Rest

After the transfer, the surrogate may lie flat for a short period, usually 30–60 minutes, before being discharged.

How Is the Recovery From a Surrogate Embryo Transfer?

Recovery is typically smooth and short. Many surrogates feel perfectly fine right after the procedure and resume light activities the same day or the next. However, clinics often recommend taking it easy for at least 24–48 hours post-transfer.

While there's no proven link between bed rest and increased success rates, rest is encouraged for emotional and physical well-being. Some surrogates prefer to take additional time off work to relax and reduce stress, which is also covered by the surrogacy contract.

About 9–12 days after the transfer, the surrogate will take a blood test (beta hCG) to confirm pregnancy. This waiting period—commonly called the "two-week wait"—can be emotional. Our agency provides support during this time with regular check-ins and emotional guidance.

A Word of Advice for Women About to Transfer

• Stay hydrated and rested: Ensure you are well-hydrated and get plenty of rest the day before and after the procedure.
• Communicate openly: Speak freely with your agency and clinic—ask every question, no matter how small.
• Take the pressure off yourself: Remember, the outcome isn’t within your control, and your willingness to help another family already makes you extraordinary.
• Lean into support: Whether it's your coordinator, therapist, or other surrogates in our community, don’t go through this alone.

Conclusion

Embryo transfer is a pivotal point in any surrogacy journey. While it may seem intimidating at first, it’s a carefully guided, low-risk procedure that marks the beginning of something extraordinary. With the right agency support, compassionate medical care, and emotional encouragement, surrogates feel informed, empowered, and ready.

Whether you're traveling across the country or walking into a clinic near home, this moment is about more than science—it’s about hope, connection, and the miracle of life. We’re here to guide you through it all, every step of the way.

Additional resources:

Learn more about reproductive procedures and general pregnancy care from the Office on Women’s Health: https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what

For guidelines on assisted reproductive technology, including embryo transfer success rates, visit the CDC’s ART section: https://www.cdc.gov/art/index.html

For clinical information on embryo handling and transfer, refer to this resource by the National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279083