Surrogacy Blog: News & Updates

Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that follows in vitro fertilization (IVF) and is often considered the simplest step of the IVF process. After the egg is fertilized and has reached the stage where transfer is recommended by the doctor, the surrogate visits the clinic to have the embryos transferred. Anesthesia is often not necessary, although a sedative may be used. An ultrasound may be used to help guide the doctor as he or she transfers the embryos. A predetermined number of embryos are loaded into a fine transfer catheter and are deposited into the uterus.
 
Following this procedure, the surrogate usually remains in a recovery room resting on her back and is discharged within an hour after the procedure. The surrogate and intended parents will then wait and optimistically watch for early pregnancy symptoms.
 
When you go through an embryo transfer you'll probably hear this saying over and over: “Think sticky thoughts.” The hope is that thinking sticky thoughts will make the embryo “stick” in the uterus and grow. Some Intended Parents give gifts during this time that are sticky or represent something sticky for the surrogate to enjoy afterwards.
 
What happens after the transfer? Some doctors encourage the surrogate to rest for twenty-four to forty- eight hours. Others suggest returning to normal activities as soon as possible. Some surrogates choose to rest because they think that by doing so they are improving their chances. Additional rest also gives them an opportunity to think about the potential baby. Other surrogates decide to return to normal activities to help them avoid worrying that something could go wrong. Along with instructions from the doctor, the state of the surrogate’s body and mind should help her decide her course of action.
 
Ten days later the surrogate carrier will return to the IVF clinic for blood work to determine if she is confirmed pregnant! It is truly pure joy for all parties involved. Surrogates have the opportunity to surprise their Intended Parents with an ultrasound picture and congratulate them.
 
 
 

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Everyone deserves a little pampering – especially during pregnancy!  Here are some ideas to care for yourself while you’re caring for the unborn baby. As always, check with your doctor before you begin any new programs!

Golden State Surrogacy provides our surrogates with monthly compensation for the following…

Prenatal yoga
 It is an excellent way to relax and stay fit while pregnant. Yoga encourages stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. Research suggests that prenatal yoga is safe and can have many benefits for pregnant women and unborn babies. Prenatal yoga can help improve sleep, reduce stress, increase the strength and flexibility of muscles needed for childbirth, and decrease lower back pain, nausea and headaches.

Acupuncture
Pregnant women love acupuncture, and if you haven’t experience it... You’re in for a real treat! Acupuncture is a healing art that originated in China thousands of years ago. Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as two opposing forces, yin and yang. When an imbalance occurs between the two, it blocks the flow of vital energy along internal pathways, called meridians, in the body. During acupuncture, a practitioner inserts hair-thin needles through the skin at points along the meridians to correct imbalances and restore health. Research has found that acupuncture points correspond to deep-seated nerves, so that when the needles are twirled, the nerves are activated. This triggers the release of endorphins, which block pain signals and may help to relieve a number of pregnancy symptoms, including morning sickness and sleeping problems!

Pregnancy massages
Finding a way to soothe the body and relax the mind? Having a massage, either as a one-off or regularly, helps to improve circulation and disperse the tension building up in back and leg muscles – the perfect bit of pregnancy pampering for aches and pains. Find a spa that specializes in prenatal therapies and talk through your needs with the massage therapist. And relax!