The embryo has been transferred. Now comes what many intended parents describe as the hardest part of their entire surrogacy journey: the two-week wait (TWW). These 10-14 days between embryo transfer and pregnancy test can feel like an eternity. Here's what you need to know to get through them.
What Is the Two-Week Wait?
The two-week wait is the period between when an embryo is transferred to your surrogate's uterus and when a blood test (beta hCG) can reliably detect pregnancy. During this time, the embryo is hopefully implanting into the uterine lining and beginning to produce the hormones that will indicate a successful pregnancy.
The actual wait is typically 9-14 days depending on the clinic's protocols and whether a Day 3 or Day 5/6 embryo was transferred. It might not be exactly two weeks, but the term has stuck.
What's Happening During the TWW
Understanding the biology can help demystify this waiting period:
Days 1-2 After Transfer
The embryo continues to develop and begins hatching from its protective shell (zona pellucida). It starts to attach to the uterine wall.
Days 3-4 After Transfer
Implantation begins. The embryo burrows deeper into the uterine lining. Some women experience light spotting or cramping during this time—this is normal and can actually be a positive sign.
Days 5-6 After Transfer
Implantation continues. The embryo is establishing its connection to the blood supply.
Days 7-9 After Transfer
The embryo begins producing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the pregnancy hormone. Levels are still too low to detect reliably.
Days 10-14 After Transfer
hCG levels rise high enough to be detected by blood test. This is when your clinic will schedule the official pregnancy test.
Emotional Preparation
The TWW is emotionally intense for everyone involved. Here's how to prepare yourself:
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It's completely normal to feel:
- Anxious and worried
- Hopeful and excited
- Frustrated by lack of control
- Obsessive about symptoms
- Emotionally exhausted
Don't judge yourself for any of these feelings. They're all valid.
Prepare for Multiple Outcomes
While we all hope for a positive result, preparing mentally for either outcome can help:
- If positive: What will you want to do to celebrate?
- If negative: Who will you lean on? What's the plan for trying again?
Coping Strategies That Actually Help
1. Stay Busy (But Not Stressed)
Distraction is your friend. Plan activities that keep your mind occupied:
- Start a new book or TV series
- Take on a project at work
- Plan (but don't obsess over) the nursery
- Schedule dinners with friends
- Take up a new hobby
2. Limit Dr. Google
Step away from the symptom searches. Every pregnancy is different, and symptom-spotting will only drive you crazy. Symptoms (or lack thereof) during the TWW are not reliable indicators of success or failure.
3. Avoid Home Pregnancy Tests
This is controversial, but most fertility specialists advise against home testing before the official blood test. Here's why:
- Early tests can show false negatives (hCG too low to detect yet)
- Trigger shots can cause false positives
- The anxiety of interpreting faint lines adds stress
- Only the blood test gives definitive numbers
4. Connect with Your Support System
Lean on the people who understand:
- Your partner (if applicable)
- Close friends or family who know your journey
- Online surrogacy communities and forums
- Your agency's support services
- A therapist who specializes in fertility
5. Practice Self-Care
This is not the time to neglect yourself:
- Get enough sleep
- Eat well
- Exercise gently (walks, yoga)
- Practice mindfulness or meditation
- Treat yourself to small pleasures
6. Stay Connected with Your Surrogate
She's going through this wait too. Check in, but respect her space:
- Send supportive messages
- Don't ask about symptoms constantly
- Remind her that you're grateful regardless of outcome
- Let her know she's not alone
What About Your Surrogate?
Your surrogate is experiencing her own version of the TWW. She may feel:
- Pressure to "succeed"
- Anxiety about disappointing you
- Physical discomfort from progesterone supplements
- Hope mixed with caution
Agencies typically advise surrogates to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and extreme heat during this time. She's doing everything she can to give this transfer the best chance.
Results Day: What to Expect
The Blood Test
Your surrogate will have blood drawn, usually in the morning. The test measures the hCG level in her blood. Results typically come back the same day.
Understanding the Numbers
- hCG below 5: Negative (not pregnant)
- hCG 5-25: Indeterminate (needs repeat testing)
- hCG above 25: Positive (pregnant!)
Higher hCG numbers don't necessarily mean a healthier pregnancy. What matters more is that the number doubles appropriately over 48-72 hours, which is why a second test is often scheduled.
If It's Positive
Congratulations! But the journey isn't over. Next steps typically include:
- Second beta test to confirm rising hCG
- Early ultrasound at 6-7 weeks to confirm heartbeat
- Continued progesterone support for your surrogate
- Transfer to an OB for ongoing prenatal care
If It's Negative
This is devastating news, and it's okay to grieve. Remember:
- It's not anyone's fault
- Many intended parents need multiple transfers to succeed
- Your fertility team will review what happened and adjust if needed
- There is hope for the next transfer
You Will Get Through This
The two-week wait feels endless while you're in it, but you will survive. Thousands of intended parents have sat where you're sitting right now, and many of them are holding their babies today. Whatever the outcome, you've taken a brave step toward parenthood, and that courage will carry you through.
Next Steps
If you're not yet in your surrogacy journey but preparing for what's ahead, GlobalStork is here to help. Create your free profile to connect with agencies and surrogates who will support you through every step—including the two-week wait.