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Embryo transfer is one of the most exciting milestones in your surrogacy or IVF journey. But what happens next? Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect—from bed rest and pregnancy testing to your first ultrasound—so you can feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
Rest and Recovery After Transfer
Right after your embryo transfer, your clinic will release you for bed rest.
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If you traveled for your transfer, a hotel will be arranged for the following 48 hours. For example, if your transfer is on Day 1, you’ll usually be able to travel home by Day 3.
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If you live locally, you’ll head straight home to rest and get cozy.
💡 Fun tradition: Many intended parents and surrogates grab French fries on the way home! [See why here → A Little Salt Never Hurt Anyone]
Your doctor will give you a personalized recovery protocol. In general:
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Day 1: Complete rest
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Day 2: Light walking around (not exercising!)
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Day 3+: Gradually return to normal daily life
Blood Tests and HCG Monitoring
Most clinics perform a blood test 7–9 days after transfer to check for pregnancy. Some may also administer an HCG trigger shot as part of the protocol.
⚠️ Important: If you receive an HCG injection, do not use a home urine test right away. It can show a false positive. The injected hormone usually clears after 5 days—so only blood tests give an accurate reading.
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Your first blood test will confirm whether your body is producing pregnancy hormone naturally.
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A second blood test is usually done 48 hours later. Doctors want to see HCG levels double every 48 hours.
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Sometimes a third test is requested to confirm trends.
These tests are often done at labs near your home (LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics), so you don’t need to return to your fertility clinic.
💡While waiting for blood test results, many surrogates and intended parents feel concerned if they notice spotting. Light bleeding can be normal, but it’s important to know how to tell implantation bleeding apart from a period or other causes. Learn more in our detailed guide: Implantation Bleeding After Embryo Transfer.
Ultrasound and “Graduation” from the Fertility Clinic
If your blood tests confirm pregnancy, your next milestone will be an early ultrasound around weeks 6–7 to check for a heartbeat.
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You will remain on medication and monitoring until you are 10–12 weeks pregnant, depending on your clinic.
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Once hormone levels are stable and your baby (or babies!) are growing well, you’ll “graduate” from your fertility clinic.
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At this point, you will transition to your OB-GYN, who will guide you through the rest of your pregnancy.
💡 During these early ultrasounds, doctors may sometimes notice findings like subchorionic hemorrhage (SCH), which can cause light bleeding but is often manageable with close monitoring. 👉 [Understanding Subchorionic Hemorrhage (SCH) During Pregnancy]
Emotional Support During the Waiting Period
The “two-week wait” can feel long and stressful. Many women experience mild cramping, spotting, or bloating, which is often normal. However, if you notice heavy bleeding or severe pain, contact your clinic immediately.
Remember—you are not alone. Your case manager and intake team are available to answer questions and provide reassurance.
Key Takeaways
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Expect bed rest first, then gradual return to activity.
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Blood tests are more reliable than urine tests, especially after HCG injections.
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Ultrasounds confirm the heartbeat around week 6–7.
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You’ll stay on medication until about week 10–12, then transition to your OB-GYN.
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Emotional ups and downs are normal—lean on your support team.
FAQ 🤰
1. How soon can I test for pregnancy after embryo transfer?
Most clinics recommend a blood test 7–9 days after transfer. Home tests may show false results if you had an HCG trigger shot.
2. Is spotting or cramping normal after embryo transfer?
Yes, light spotting or mild cramping can be normal. However, heavy bleeding or severe pain should be reported to your doctor.
3. What activities should I avoid after embryo transfer?
Avoid intense exercise, alcohol, smoking, hot tubs, and heavy lifting. Light walking and normal daily tasks are usually fine after the first few days.
4. When will I have my first ultrasound?
Around week 6–7, your doctor will perform an ultrasound to check for a heartbeat.
5. How long will I need to take fertility medications?
Most women continue medication until week 10–12, when the placenta can support the pregnancy independently.
Ready to Begin?
If you are considering surrogacy or egg donation, understanding what happens after transfer is an important step. Our team at Ivy Surrogacy is here to guide you through every milestone.
👉 Start your [initial application here]
📞 Call us at 626-545-1617
📧 Email: contact@ivysurrogacy.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @ivy_surrogacy