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The moment you receive the news of a positive pregnancy test after an embryo transfer, your heart leaps with the hope of finally meeting your baby. However, when subsequent blood tests show declining hormone levels, that joy can quickly turn into confusion and grief.
Experiencing a chemical pregnancy after the embryo transfer is a heart-wrenching speedbump on your road to parenthood.
At American Surrogacy, we understand the unique pain of this early loss and are here to provide the clarity and support you need to figure out what comes next.
What Is a Chemical Pregnancy in a Surrogacy Journey?
A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage that occurs shortly after implantation. It is called "chemical" because the pregnancy was only detected through biochemical means—such as a blood or urine test for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)—rather than an ultrasound.
In a surrogacy journey, this occurs when your surrogate’s initial blood work indicates she is pregnant, but the pregnancy does not continue to develop into a visible gestational sac.
While this news is devastating, doctors often view it as a sign that the "bridge" was built—it proves the embryo successfully began to attach to the uterine lining. It confirms that your surrogate’s body and your embryo reached a critical milestone, even if the journey stopped shortly after.
For many families, receiving chemical pregnancy information and support is the first step in understanding that this is a common, though painful, part of the IVF and surrogacy process.
Why Does a Chemical Pregnancy Happen After Embryo Transfer?
It is natural to look for a reason why this happened, but it is rarely caused by anything the intended parents or the surrogate did "wrong."
The most common cause of a chemical pregnancy after the embryo transfer is chromosomal abnormalities within the embryo that prevent it from developing further.
Even when using PGT-A (pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) embryos, complex biological factors can still occur. Because American Surrogacy utilizes a thorough pre-screening process for all surrogates, you can find peace of mind knowing that the surrogate’s health or lifestyle are almost never the contributing factors. Understanding the causes of chemical pregnancy can help remove the weight of self-blame from your shoulders during this time.
What Happens Next After a Chemical Pregnancy?
The immediate priority following a chemical pregnancy is the well-being of both you and your surrogate.
Medically, the process usually looks like this:
The fertility clinic will monitor the surrogate’s hCG levels via blood tests until they return to zero. Because the loss occurs so early, most surrogates recover physically very quickly, often experiencing a period shortly after stopping supplemental medications. Your clinical team will review the cycle to see if they should tweak the medication protocol for the next attempt. Once the surrogate’s cycle has reset and the medical team gives the green light, you can begin scheduling the next frozen embryo transfer (FET).
For many, the recovery and next steps involve a brief waiting period of one full menstrual cycle before the uterine lining is ready for another attempt.
Should We Be Worried About Our Surrogate?
Many intended parents worry that an early loss might impact their surrogate’s future ability to carry a child. Fortunately, a chemical pregnancy after the embryo transfer rarely affects a woman’s long-term uterine health. Most surrogates are able to move forward with a subsequent transfer relatively quickly.
Our team at American Surrogacy maintains close contact with your surrogate to ensure she feels supported. We have seen that most surrogates recover quickly and remain committed to the journey.
Your medical team will do a full check-up to ensure she is physically prepared and ready before proceeding to the next step.
Does a Chemical Pregnancy Affect Our Chances of Success?
The short answer is: no. A single chemical pregnancy does not define your entire surrogacy journey or your ultimate ability to become a parent.
In fact, many intended parents who experience an early setback go on to have a healthy pregnancy with their surrogate in a later cycle.
Your future success depends much more on embryo quality and the specific medical protocol than it does on the loss itself.
We encourage you to review how embryo grading and success are evaluated by your clinic to see the potential for a successful birth in future transfers. Persistence is often the key to overcoming these early biological hurdles.
Emotional Impact on Intended Parents
We know that "medical facts" don't always ease what you’re feeling as an intended parent. After years of waiting and the significant emotional and financial investment of surrogacy, a chemical pregnancy can feel like a cruel tease.
You may feel a complex mix of grief for the loss, frustration with the timeline, and even anxiety about your surrogate’s health or your own future.It is okay to feel both heartbroken for the loss and frustrated by the delay; those feelings don't cancel each other out.
The unique "distance" of surrogacy—not being the one physically carrying the pregnancy—can make this loss feel isolating. Please allow yourselves the grace to grieve this moment before focusing on the road ahead.
How American Surrogacy Supports You After a Setback
At American Surrogacy, we don't just celebrate the wins; we stay by your side during the hard parts. Our support specialists are experienced in handling the logistics and coordination with the clinic so you can focus on processing the news.
We also know that financial concerns can add a layer of stress to an already difficult time. That is why our Limited Risk Program includes unlimited transfers, protecting you from the burden of additional agency fees if a transfer does not result in a live birth.
We have walked this path with many families before, and we are here to help you move through this moment and back toward the joy of growing your family. If you are ready to secure your journey against future setbacks, our team can help you discover how our program protects you every step of the way.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or procedure.