Your Embryo Transfer: Tips for Maximizing Success
Tips to help surrogates before and after the embryo transfer.
The decision to become a surrogate is a unique and deeply personal one, but all surrogates share a compassionate and generous spirit. Your decision to help intended parents fulfill their dreams of starting or growing a family will come with challenges, but it will ultimately be a rewarding experience for everyone involved. One of the biggest moments of the entire surrogacy process is your embryo transfer, and there are many steps you can take to maximize success.
The Surrogacy Process and Your Embryo Transfer
Your embryo transfer is one of the most exciting parts of the surrogacy process, so it’s natural that everyone involved might experience some nervous energy. Luckily, there are steps you can take to maximize the success of the embryo transfer. Both you as the surrogate and the intended parents should feel informed and confident throughout the process.
Intended parents who are considering surrogacy put a lot of trust in their surrogate, so it’s natural for there to be some anxiety during this journey. Similarly, women decide to become surrogates because they want to help others create or grow their family. Her desire for a positive outcome for the family she’s working with can also bring about some nervousness.
Working with a surrogacy agency like Eggceptional Fertility gives everyone involved the confidence and peace of mind that you are all working toward the goal of a healthy labor and delivery.
Preparing for Your Embryo Transfer
The most important thing you can do leading up to your embryo transfer is to follow the directions for any medications or supplements your doctors have prescribed. This means fully reading and understanding the prescription instructions, including how and when to take them. In order to increase the chances of implantation, make sure you stick to the medication schedule provided by your fertility doctor. Creating a routine or setting a daily alarm to remind you when it’s time to take your prescribed medication can help ensure you’re staying consistent and giving yourself the best chance for implementation.
As the date for your embryo transfer nears, it’s important to have a plan in place so you can feel prepared for the big day. Work with your agency to get any questions you have answered or go over any last details. If you’re allowed to bring someone from your support system to the procedure, finalize those plans ahead of time.
On the Day of Your Transfer
You’ll probably be feeling a wide range of emotions, but your advanced preparation will give you confidence on the day of your embryo transfer. Continue taking your medications as prescribed and following any other instructions from your doctor.
An important tip for the day of your embryo transfer is to come to the procedure with a full bladder. Drink plenty of water because a full bladder puts the uterus in the best view for the physician performing your embryo transfer.
After your embryo transfer, your doctor will likely review any medications or other instructions. Be sure to ask any questions you may have so you know what to expect over the next two weeks.
What Should You Do After Your Embryo Transfer?
One of the most important things you can do to improve your chances of a successful implantation is to relax and get a good night’s rest. Now is the time to take care of yourself! Use this time as an excuse to pamper yourself and practice some self-care. Along with rest and relaxation, continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay hydrated.
After your transfer, you usually must wait about two weeks before taking a pregnancy test. Those two weeks can feel like an eternity, so it’s important to have some distractions lined up. Now is the time to binge-watch that new show or tackle that book you’ve been meaning to read.
It’s natural for your mind to wander and wonder if you’re pregnant, so take some time to meditate or practice mindfulness that can help ground you in the present moment and ease any anxiety you may be feeling.
Above all, lean on your support system when you need them. The time spent waiting can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, so don’t hesitate to reach out to family or friends if you need support.
The Surrogacy Process at Eggceptional Fertility
The embryo transfer is just one part of a successful surrogate pregnancy. As an egg donation and surrogacy agency, Eggceptional Fertility provides an exceptional level of care and support to all the families we work with. Our goal is to guide you through the entire surrogacy process — including your embryo transfer, labor, and delivery — with care, compassion, and confidence.
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, contact us for a free consultation.