6.8 Post-Transfer Monitoring & Pregnancy Confirmation

Once the embryo transfer is complete, the next few weeks are all about waiting—and watching. This is when medical monitoring becomes important to see if implantation happened and how the early stages of pregnancy are progressing.

At GSHC Surrogacy, we stay closely connected with our surrogates during this time, helping you navigate each step and making sure you feel supported and informed.

1. Beta hCG Testing: The First Signs of Pregnancy

About 9 to 12 days after the embryo transfer, the fertility clinic will schedule your first beta hCG blood test. This test measures the level of hCG—a hormone that rises when an embryo implants in the uterus. A positive result usually means implantation has occurred.

Roughly 48 hours later, you’ll return for a second beta test. What your doctor is looking for is whether your hCG levels are rising as expected. Ideally, they should roughly double during this time, which is a good sign that the pregnancy is progressing normally.

Sometimes, a third test may be ordered if the results are unclear or if more monitoring is needed. Every body is different, and these early numbers help guide the next steps in your care.

2. The First Ultrasound: Hearing the Heartbeat

If your hCG levels look good, the next step usually comes around the 6–7 week mark: the first ultrasound.

This is when the clinic looks for a few key things—like the gestational sac, development of the embryo, and hopefully, a heartbeat. That moment is often emotional for both surrogates and intended parents, as it offers the first real sign of a growing pregnancy.

If there’s no heartbeat just yet, don’t panic. Follow-up ultrasounds are sometimes needed to confirm everything is on track.

3. Should You Take a Home Pregnancy Test?

Some surrogates like to take a home test before the beta blood test, while others prefer to wait. Either option is okay—it’s really a personal choice. Just keep in mind that a home test isn’t a final answer.

Even if it’s positive, the blood test is what really counts. And if it’s negative, don’t give up hope—it could simply be too early to detect anything in urine.

If you do take a home test, try not to get too discouraged or too excited just yet. The official confirmation always comes from the clinic.

4. Don’t Stop Medications Unless You’re Told To

Even if you get a positive test, keep taking your medications exactly as prescribed. These usually include progesterone and estrogen, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy early pregnancy.

Stopping too soon—even if things look good—can affect hormone levels and put the pregnancy at risk. So, no matter what the home test or first blood test says, continue your medications until your doctor gives you the green light to stop.

5. Ongoing Monitoring and Support

After transfer, you’re not on your own. Your clinic will continue to monitor your bloodwork, hormone levels, and overall health to make sure everything stays on track. Sometimes medication protocols are adjusted depending on how your body responds, especially in the first few weeks.

If you ever have questions or feel unsure about anything, your fertility clinic is always your primary source for medical advice. That said, your GSHC case manager is here to support you every step of the way. We work closely with the clinic to help coordinate your appointments, track updates, and make sure everything stays organized behind the scenes—so you don’t have to manage it all alone.

You’re also welcome to keep open communication with your intended parents if you feel comfortable. Sharing updates during this emotional stage can help everyone feel connected and supported.

Getting to this point is a big milestone. At GSHC Surrogacy, we’re here to make sure you feel cared for, informed, and supported—every step of the way.

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