What Does Transfer Day Look Like?
When you first decided to become a surrogate, the thought of transfer day seemed so far off in the future, and here you are. So, what actually happens on the day of your transfer?
Well first, you want to make sure that you are waking up near your clinic. Most Gestational Carriers must travel to the clinic, so flying in the day before is recommended. There is no reason to worry about missing your appointment. Knowing that you won’t be late, and you don’t have to get up so early to hit the road limits everyone’s stress for arriving on time to your appointment, especially yours.
As soon as you wake up, start drinking water! This is key, as you will need a full bladder for transfer, so bring water with you. A full bladder helps change the angle of the uterus to make the transfer easier and helps your doctor see the catheter clearly with a trans-abdominal ultrasound to make sure of the placement of the embryo. We all know how often you need the bathroom when you are extra hydrated, so starting early will help ensure that you will arrive with a full bladder for your appointment. And don’t worry, as soon as the transfer is complete, you can empty your bladder and it will not affect the outcome of the transfer. Make sure that you eat a healthy meal, so you feel your best for this exciting day.
The embryo transfer itself is a very quick and simple technique, and anesthesia or sedation is not required. A long, thin catheter containing the embryo, along with a small amount of fluid, is passed through the cervix into the uterus, where the embryo is released. The catheter is the same size as the one the doctor used when you had your uterine screening appointment way back at the beginning of the process. During the transfer, if you look carefully, you might be able to see a small flash of light where your doctor has placed the embryo. This process is generally quick, and you might feel very slight cramping, but most women don’t feel any discomfort. The catheter is removed, and the embryo is in place. The lab will confirm that the catheter is clear and is not still inside. It is very unlikely that this will happen, but the lab always checks.
Once your transfer is complete, most people relax the rest of the day. You do not need to rush back to your hotel room and put your feet up, but you want to take it nice and easy and enjoy the day off. Remember, limit your stress! You can enjoy room service or go out to dinner because getting to this point causes celebration! You will have a pregnancy blood test 10 days later, so continue taking your medications and following your doctor’s post-transfer protocols. Good luck and congratulations on getting to your transfer day!