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Waiting for pregnancy results is often the most nerve-wracking part of the surrogacy process.
While every step leading up to this point required careful planning, the beta hCG test after the embryo transfer is the moment you finally find out if the transfer worked.
At American Surrogacy, we’ve walked this path with thousands of families, and we’re here to help you understand exactly what these numbers mean for your future. If you want to gain more clarity on the medical process, our specialists are here to help.
What Is Your Surrogate’s Beta hCG Test After Transfer?
A beta hCG test after the embryo transfer is a blood test that measures the exact amount of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in your surrogate’s system. While you might be tempted to use a home pregnancy test, fertility clinics rely on blood tests because they are "quantitative".
Medical professionals prioritize these blood tests over home urine tests for several reasons:
- Precision: Blood tests measure the exact milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL), whereas home tests only detect if a certain threshold is met.
- Trend Tracking: Having an exact number allows the medical team to track how the hCG levels during a surrogate pregnancy are progressing day by day.
- Reliability: Blood tests are significantly less likely to produce "false" results due to diluted urine or timing issues.
When Does the Beta hCG Test Happen After Embryo Transfer?
Most parents call the days leading up to the test the "two-week wait". Typically, your clinic will schedule the blood draw about 9 to 14 days after the embryo transfer.
This timing isn't random; it’s based on biology.
It takes about this long for the embryo to implant and for your surrogate’s body to produce enough hCG for a reliable reading. Testing too early can lead to confusing results, which is why we provide a surrogate’s guide to the wait to help everyone stay patient and informed.
How to Read Your Surrogate’s hCG Test Results
When the results come in, your doctor isn't just looking for a single "magic number." Instead, they evaluate the beta hCG pregnancy test results based on how they evolve over a short period.
Your clinical team will typically focus on these three indicators:
A level above 5 mIU/mL is generally considered positive, though many clinics prefer a starting number of 50 or higher for a strong baseline. In a healthy pregnancy, the hCG levels are expected to roughly double every 48 to 72 hours. Because the trend matters more than the first number, the clinic will almost always schedule a second test two days later to confirm the rise.
Is It Okay for Our Surrogate to Take a Home Pregnancy Test?
It’s completely natural to want to grab a test from the drugstore while you wait for the official lab results. If you and your surrogate are both comfortable with it, there is no harm in taking a home test.
Just keep in mind that home tests can be finicky. Factors like how much water your surrogate drank can lead to faint lines or even false negatives.
We always suggest viewing a home test as a "maybe" and waiting for the clinic’s blood work for the final, official word.
What If the Beta hCG Levels Are Low?
Finding out the initial levels are lower than expected can be incredibly stressful. However, a low number doesn't always mean the transfer failed; sometimes an embryo simply implants a day or two later than average.
A low reading might indicate a "chemical pregnancy," but you won't know for sure until the second test is completed.
During these anxious hours, American Surrogacy provides the emotional support during the beta hCG wait with a surrogate you need to stay grounded. Tracking low hCG levels is a standard part of early monitoring.
What to Expect After a Positive Beta hCG Test
Once you’ve confirmed a positive result and those levels are doubling as they should, you’ll likely wonder what happens after a positive beta hCG test with a surrogate.
The clinical process follows a specific sequence to ensure the pregnancy is off to a healthy start:
- Follow-up Betas: You will likely have a second and sometimes third blood test to confirm the hormone levels are still rising.
- First Ultrasound: Usually scheduled between week 6 and week 8 to confirm the location of the pregnancy and detect a heartbeat.
- Heartbeat Confirmation: Once a fetal heartbeat is detected, the risk of miscarriage drops significantly.
- Transition of Care: Around week 10 to 12, your surrogate will move from the fertility clinic to her local OB-GYN for standard prenatal care.
This early beta testing period is just the beginning of a closely monitored first trimester.
How American Surrogacy Supports You Through the Wait
The "two-week wait" and the subsequent testing can be an emotional rollercoaster. At American Surrogacy, we handle the logistics and the "what-ifs" so you can focus on the news.
Because our surrogates undergo such thorough medical and psychological screening, you can feel confident that normal beta hCG levels after the embryo transfer with a surrogate are being monitored by experienced professionals.
We are here to coordinate every appointment and provide a steady hand when the wait feels long. If you are ready to start your family today, our team is standing by to help.
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.