Your surrogacy journey might indeed be a bit of a journey! Some surrogates live close to the fertility clinic their intended parents have chosen, while most surrogate moms will need to travel at least a little during the process.
Why Travel Is Part of the Surrogacy Process
Before you’re even matched, your intended parent(s) will have created their embryos at a fertility clinic of their choice. While that could technically be anywhere, Ivy Surrogacy partners with many clinics in Southern California, so there’s a good chance that’s where your appointments will take place.
All surrogates can expect to travel for two key milestones:
- Medical Screening
- Embryo Transfer
Other appointments, such as monitoring ultrasounds and bloodwork, can usually be completed at locations near your home.
✈️ Traveling for Your Medical Screening
Your journey begins with a medical screening at the clinic.
- In most cases, we will arrange this as a same-day trip: you’ll fly in the morning, complete your screening, and fly home later that day.
- If your appointment is scheduled early, you may fly in the night before. Ivy Surrogacy will cover your hotel stay so you can rest before the appointment.
- Your case manager will pick you up, accompany you to the appointment, and—if time allows—treat you to a meal before you head home.
After your screening, the clinic will review your results, which may take several weeks. Once you are medically cleared, we move into the legal phase before scheduling your transfer.
🧬 Preparing for Your Embryo Transfer Trip
When the time comes for your embryo transfer:
- You’ll receive a cycle calendar that outlines the transfer date and any pre-transfer appointments.
- Bloodwork and ultrasounds can usually be completed near your home. If results aren’t ideal, don’t worry—your team may adjust medication or repeat the tests before moving forward.
- Once everything looks perfect, your case manager will finalize your travel plans, including flights and hotel.
🏨 What Happens During the Transfer Trip
For the embryo transfer itself:
- Ivy Surrogacy arranges your flight and hotel.
- You’ll stay at a comfortable hotel and enjoy 48 hours of bed rest following the transfer.
- After bed rest, you’ll return home and continue with local monitoring, including HCG bloodwork to confirm pregnancy.
Some clinics may request one additional visit a few days before transfer, but this is less common.
👉 For a more detailed guide on recovery, blood tests, and what to expect in the days following your embryo transfer, read our blog post What to Expect After an Embryo Transfer: Recovery, Tests & Next Steps.
🏡 Local Appointments and Pregnancy Care
Once you’re pregnant, nearly all your ongoing care happens close to home:
- Routine ultrasounds and bloodwork at nearby labs or clinics.
- Regular visits with your local OB.
- Delivery at a hospital close to your home, surrounded by your own support system.
📌 Key Takeaways: Traveling for Surrogacy
- Most surrogates only travel twice: once for medical screening and once for embryo transfer.
- Flights and hotel stays are fully covered by Ivy Surrogacy.
- Monitoring appointments (bloodwork, ultrasounds) are usually completed near your home.
- Your case manager supports you during every trip, from airport pickup to clinic visits.
- After embryo transfer, you’ll enjoy 48 hours of hotel bed rest before heading home.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do surrogates pay for their travel expenses?
No. All flights, hotels, and related travel costs are arranged and paid for by Ivy Surrogacy.
2. How many trips will I need to take?
Most surrogates travel only for medical screening and embryo transfer. Occasionally, a clinic may require an additional visit.
3. Can I bring someone with me on the trip?
In many cases, yes—you may bring a companion. Speak with your case manager for details.
4. What if my flight is delayed or canceled?
Your case manager will help adjust travel plans and make sure you still arrive on time for your appointment.
5. What happens after I return home?
You’ll complete bloodwork at a local lab to confirm pregnancy and then continue care with your OB near home.
💌 Ready to Begin Your Journey?
What are you most excited about for your surrogacy journey? Are you excited to travel, or do you feel a little nervous? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you’re eager to apply to be a surrogate, start your initial application here. For questions, reach out to us at 626-545-1617 or contact@ivysurrogacy.com, and follow us on Instagram @ivy_surrogacy for more updates.
