Current Match Time:
The surrogacy transfer day is a major milestone in your journey. It’s the day when all your planning and clinical prep finally leads to the actual medical procedure.
This is the moment the "two-week wait" starts and your surrogate could officially become pregnant. Knowing the schedule and the medical steps can help you stay focused on the excitement rather than the "what-ifs."
If you are looking into what the embryo transfer process looks like, you may be ready to continue your own journey to parenthood. You can request free surrogacy information to start the process today.
Surrogacy Transfer Day: What Intended Parents Can Expect
The day usually feels a bit high-stakes but exciting.
When you and your surrogate get to the fertility clinic, the medical team will walk her through the final steps. You’ll get a final update on the embryo’s health after it has been thawed.
The surrogate embryo transfer procedure is surprisingly fast, usually taking about 15 to 30 minutes. Afterward, your surrogate will rest at the clinic for a bit before she’s cleared to head home or to her hotel.
While the doctors handle the technical work, you can be there for emotional support during this big moment.
Do Intended Parents Go to the Transfer?
Yes—intended parents usually attend the transfer, though it’s your choice.
Most clinics welcome you in the room, but policies can change from one facility to the next. Intended parents can be in the room during embryo transfer in most cases. You can stay right with your surrogate as the embryo is placed.
Being there is often very meaningful for your surrogate and helps strengthen your partnership.
If you can’t make it due to work or travel, don’t sweat it. You can join via video call or plan a special visit with her shortly after the procedure to show your support.
What If Our Surrogate Lives in a Different State?
If your surrogate lives in another state, American Surrogacy manages the travel details for you. We coordinate her flights and hotel so she can go directly to your fertility clinic.
We prefer having the surrogate travel to your clinic rather than shipping embryos, as it’s often safer and simpler.
These travel costs are covered by the escrow account you’ve already set up, so no one has to worry about last-minute payments.
How Does the Surrogate Embryo Transfer Procedure Work?
The surrogate embryo transfer procedure is straightforward but incredible to see.
First, the lab thaws your embryos. When everything is ready, the doctor uses a thin, ultrasound-guided catheter to place the embryo into the surrogate’s uterus.
Because they use an ultrasound, you might see a tiny "flash" on the screen when the transfer happens.
The embryo transfer process isn't a surgery, and she won't need to be put under anesthesia. It’s a gentle process designed to give the embryo the best start possible.
Is Embryo Transfer Painful for the Surrogate?
It’s normal to worry about her comfort, but a surrogate embryo transfer doesn't usually hurt. Most surrogates say it feels about the same as a routine Pap smear.
She might feel some pressure from the speculum or the ultrasound probe, especially since she’ll need a full bladder, but there is typically no "recovery time" needed for pain. She’ll be awake the whole time, and most surrogates find the experience very rewarding.
What Happens after the Surrogate Embryo Transfer?
Once the surrogacy transfer day is over, the "two-week wait" begins. Your surrogate will keep taking her scheduled medications to help the embryo stick.
About 10 to 14 days later, she’ll have a blood test to see if she’s pregnant.
This wait can be nerve-wracking. It helps to talk ahead of time about how you’ll communicate—for example, deciding if she should use an at-home pregnancy test or if you’d both rather wait for the official doctor’s call.
Embryo Transfer Success Rates in Surrogacy
You’re likely curious about surrogacy success rates. Surrogate embryo transfer success rates are often higher than standard IVF because surrogates have already proven they can carry a healthy pregnancy.
Success, however, is dependent on:
Its overall health and quality. Her uterine health and how her body responds to the meds. You can ask your specific doctor for their most recent success data.
We work with many experienced surrogates who have done this before, which gives you an added layer of confidence in the process.
How American Surrogacy Supports You on Transfer Day
We handle the logistics for you so you can focus on your future child. Our team takes care of everything from clinic scheduling to booking your surrogate's travel and lodging.
We also handle the escrow payments to make sure everything is paid on time. You’re never on your own; we make sure every detail is covered.
Take the first step toward your new beginning and fill out our contact form to receive your free planning guide today.
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.