Embryo genetic testing gives intended parents important information about an embryo before an embryo transfer takes place. While the testing is done before you become pregnant, it can influence your surrogacy experience by helping intended parents make informed decisions about which embryo to transfer.
Understanding what this testing is, why it may be used and how it fits into the surrogacy process can help you feel more prepared and confident as you move forward. Fill out our online contact form to speak with a specialist who can explain every stage of the process and help you feel informed and supported throughout your journey.
What’s the Difference Between PGT-A and PGT-M?
The two most common types of embryo genetic testing are PGT-A and PGT-M. Each looks for something different before an embryo is transferred during IVF.
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)
PGT-A checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. Most people have 46 chromosomes, and an embryo with too many or too few chromosomes is less likely to implant successfully and has a higher risk of miscarriage or certain genetic conditions. Embryos with the expected number of chromosomes are called euploid embryos.
PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)
PGT-M is used when an intended parent or egg or sperm donor carries a known inherited genetic condition, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease. This test screens embryos for that specific condition to reduce the chance of passing it on to the child.
In short, PGT-A screens for chromosomal abnormalities, while PGT-M screens for specific inherited genetic disorders. Intended parents may choose one, both, or neither depending on their medical history and recommendations from their fertility specialist.
Why Embryo Genetic Testing Matters for Surrogates
Every embryo transfer represents a physical and emotional commitment. You are preparing your body with IVF medications, attending medical appointments and investing your time in the hope of a successful pregnancy. Having more information before a transfer can help you better understand the process from the very beginning.
What Embryo Testing Does (and Doesn’t) Change
Embryo genetic testing does not change:
- Your IVF medications
- The embryo transfer procedure
- Your prenatal care if pregnancy is achieved
It does provide the fertility team and intended parents with additional information before an embryo is selected for transfer.
At American Surrogacy, we believe informed surrogates are empowered surrogates. Embryo genetic testing can provide valuable information before a transfer, helping everyone move forward with greater clarity. That is why we encourage intended parents to consider testing whenever appropriate.
How Genetically Tested Embryos Can Support a Surrogacy Journey
Embryo genetic testing gives fertility specialists additional information before an embryo is selected for transfer. By identifying certain chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic conditions before implantation, testing can help guide embryo selection and support informed medical decision-making.
Potential Benefits of Embryo Genetic Testing
While every IVF journey is unique, embryo genetic testing may:
- Help identify embryos with certain chromosomal abnormalities before transfer
- Improve embryo selection during the IVF process
- Lower the risk of miscarriage related to chromosomal abnormalities
- Give intended parents additional information as they prepare for embryo transfer
Although these benefits primarily support the intended parents’ treatment plan, they can also benefit surrogates by helping everyone move forward with greater clarity throughout the transfer process.
Embryo genetic testing is a valuable screening tool, but it cannot guarantee implantation or a healthy pregnancy. It simply provides the fertility team with additional information to help guide embryo transfer decisions.
What Happens if an Embryo Doesn’t Pass Genetic Testing
If embryo genetic testing identifies certain chromosomal abnormalities or inherited genetic conditions, that embryo is typically not selected for transfer. Instead, the fertility specialist will review the results with the intended parents and discuss the most appropriate next steps based on their treatment plan.
Depending on the results, the intended parents may choose to transfer a different embryo, create additional embryos through IVF or explore other family-building options. These decisions are made by the intended parents and their fertility team before a surrogate is scheduled for an embryo transfer.
Learn More About Becoming a Surrogate with American Surrogacy
Understanding the medical process is one more way to feel prepared before becoming a surrogate. At American Surrogacy, we believe every surrogate deserves clear information, honest guidance and support from the very beginning.
Fill out our online contact form to connect with a specialist who can answer your questions, explain what to expect during IVF and embryo transfer, and help you take the next step with confidence.