From Meds to Miracle—Preparing for Transfer Day

With legal contracts signed and medical clearance confirmed, it’s time to begin the medication phase. This part of the journey is all about preparing the surrogate’s body for a successful embryo transfer.

💊 What Are the Medications For?

The medications prescribed are designed to create the ideal environment for embryo implantation. They help regulate the surrogate’s cycle and build a thick, healthy uterine lining.

Here are some of the most commonly used medications in surrogacy:

• Birth control pills – To begin, medications are prescribed to regulate the surrogate’s cycle and create an optimal environment for embryo transfer.

• Lupron – to suppress natural hormones and prevent premature ovulation

• Estrogen – to build and maintain the uterine lining

• Progesterone – to support early pregnancy and prepare the uterus for implantation

• Antibiotics (like Doxycycline or Tetracycline) – to prevent infection and promote embryo acceptance

• Medrol – a low-dose steroid to support implantation

• Low-dose aspirin – sometimes used to improve blood flow and support implantation

• Prenatal vitamins – to ensure the surrogate’s body is nourished and ready

📝 Note: Every clinic has its own protocol. While these medications are commonly used, your specific treatment plan may vary depending on your clinic’s preferences and your individual health needs.

📅 Monitoring and Check-ins

During this phase, the surrogate will have regular monitoring appointments. These include:

• Bloodwork to check hormone levels

• Ultrasounds to measure the uterine lining

Adjustments may be made based on how her body responds, and the clinic will guide her every step of the way.

🚀 Transfer Day

Once the lining is ready and the embryo is thawed, it’s time for the big moment—embryo transfer day.

• The procedure is typically quick and painless.

• After the transfer, the surrogate may be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity.

• Many surrogates describe this day as emotional and sacred—a quiet celebration of hope.

⏳ The Two-Week Wait

After transfer, we enter what’s lovingly called the “two-week wait.” This is the period between transfer and the first pregnancy test.

• Typically, the blood pregnancy test (beta hCG) is scheduled 10–14 days after the embryo transfer.

• This test measures the hormone that indicates pregnancy and gives us a clear answer.

• Some clinics may do a second test a few days later to confirm rising levels.

This waiting period can be filled with anticipation, excitement, and sometimes nerves. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions. We encourage surrogates to lean into self-care, stay connected with their support team, and remember that every step taken is a gift toward building a family.

For intended parents, this time can be equally emotional. After months—or even years—of preparation, the two-week wait holds the hope of a long-awaited dream. We encourage intended parents to stay grounded in their support systems, lean into moments of joy and reflection, and trust in the journey they’ve built with their surrogate. Every heartbeat of this wait is a step closer to parenthood.