Dear Savvy Surrogate: Bed Rest after Embryo Transfer?

Dear Savvy Surrogate:

I’m hearing mixed things about bed rest following an embryo transfer. Some surrogates had a few hours of bed rest, others say their bed rest lasted a few days. My intended mother says she did not bed rest with her own embryo transfers. Please tell me is bedrest required after the embryo transfer procedure.  And if bed rest is required, for how long? 

Thanks for your help,

Confused Surrogate

Dear Confused Surrogate:

Here's the scoop on bed rest & surrogacy.

• Some REs (reproductive endocrinologists, i.e. IVF doctors) don't require any bed rest. Others REs require bed rest for several days. And some REs are in the middle between these two extremes. Bottom line: You have to find out what your doctor requires.

• Bed rest can be anything from "just take it easy" to "lie flat on the bed all day long". Again, it's about what your doctor requires. (And know that watching TV all day long is definitely OK on strict bed rest!)

• At New England Surrogacy, our surrogates are paid an embryo transfer fee to cover their time and effort involved with the embryo transfer and any required bed rest.

• If your doctor requires bed rest, you need to know if you will be allowed to drive home the day of the transfer. In some cases, it may be necessary to rent a hotel room near the IVF clinic to allow you to comply with doctor's orders. The intended parents would be responsible for the cost of the hotel room, as it is an expense related to travel.

I hope this information is helpful for you!

Savvy Surrogate

Do you have questions about becoming a surrogate or intended parent?  Email us at info@newenglandsurro.com.  You can also schedule a free consult for us to answer your questions about the surrogacy process.