• In a surrogacy case, pregnancy is achieved through IVF and embryo transfer.
  • The Intended Parents undergo the IVF process at their fertility center, where an egg is fertilized with sperm, in order to create an embryo. The egg can either come from one of the Intended Parents or from an egg donor.  It will never be your egg that is used.
  • The fertility doctor will then take one of the Intended Parents’ embryos and implant it into your uterus, with the hope of causing you to become pregnant. This is done through a non-invasive embryo transfer procedure, which feels similar to having a pap smear completed.
  • In order to prepare your body for the embryo transfer procedure, you will be required to undergo a cycle of fertility medications, which will regulate your hormone levels and help achieve optimal thickness of your uterine lining. These medications will include a combination of oral pills and injections (shots), as well as vaginal suppositories and/or patches, depending on the specific clinic protocol.  The length of time you are required to take these medications will vary, but a typical medication cycle for an embryo transfer is around 3-4 weeks.
  • During the time you are taking these medications, you will also be going to a local clinic/lab to have regular “monitoring” appointments (approximately 1-2 times per week) to see how your body is responding to the medications, and make sure your hormone levels and uterine lining are developing appropriately. These appointments will take place local to you.
  • After your embryo transfer is completed and pregnancy is confirmed, you will continue to stay on some of the fertility medications in order to support the pregnancy until the clinic discharges you to your OBGYN’s office (typically around 8-12 weeks gestation).