To test, or not to test? That is the question. Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a profoundly rewarding experience, filled with moments of anticipation, hope, and joy. One such pivotal moment is the confirmation of pregnancy, a milestone often marked by taking an at-home pregnancy test. For some surrogates, this step is one that is greatly anticipated, while others prefer to wait for the official blood test results, as that is the true indicator of the health of the potential pregnancy. If you are interested in taking at-home pregnancy tests, here's everything you need to know!
Understanding At-Home Pregnancy Tests
At-home pregnancy tests are designed to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. hCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy, and its levels rise rapidly in the early weeks. Most over-the-counter pregnancy tests are highly sensitive and can detect hCG as early as a few days before a missed period.
When to Test
For surrogates, the timing of taking an at-home pregnancy test is critical. Typically, testing is not advised until approximately 5 days after the embryo transfer. This period allows enough time for hCG levels to rise to detectable levels if implantation has occurred. However, it is still early, so there is no need to panic if the test is negative. It has been our experience that most surrogates will receive a positive pregnancy test approximately 7 days post-transfer. If testing, Â hCG levels are most concentrated in the morning urine. Testing first thing in the morning increases the likelihood of an accurate result.
How to Take the Test
Read Instructions:Â Each pregnancy test brand may have slightly different instructions. Read them carefully before starting.
Collect Urine:Â Use the provided cup or test strip to collect a sample of your morning urine.
Apply Sample:Â Follow the instructions to apply the urine sample to the test.
Wait for Results:Â Most tests require a waiting period of a few minutes. Place the test on a flat surface and wait for the indicated time.
Interpret Results:Â Follow the instructions to interpret the results. Typically, a positive result is indicated by a line or a plus symbol, while a negative result is shown by no line or a minus symbol. Pink dye tests are typically more reliable as blue dye tests are more likely to have evaporation lines.
Line Progression
If you are in any of the social media groups for surrogacy, you have undoubtedly seen pictures showing line progression. For many surrogates, one at-home pregnancy test is not enough; many tests are taken, and their lines are examined in hopes of seeing a darker progression. The lines on an at-home test typically grow darker as the hCG levels increase. While this can be a fun experiment, it’s important not to let line progression become a line obsession.
Sharing the News
One of the most exciting aspects of being a surrogate is sharing the positive news with the Intended Parents. However, not all intended parents like to know results of at-home pregnancy tests and prefer to wait for the blood test that is typically done at 10 days post-transfer. Therefore, it's important to understand their preference on whether they want to be informed if you take a test and what the results are.
Dealing with Emotions
Whether the test result is positive or negative, it's normal to experience a range of emotions. Surrogates often feel a deep sense of responsibility and connection to the Intended Parents. If the test is negative, it's important to stay hopeful and continue following the medication protocol provided by your fertility clinic while you await the results of your blood test. Leaning on your support system, including your coordinator, can also be helpful. We have all been in your shoes and truly understand the rollercoaster of emotions that come with a surrogacy journey. I have personally experienced one chemical pregnancy and two failures along the way to three successful surrogate pregnancies. There is always room for hope!
Conclusion
At-home pregnancy testing is a significant step in the surrogacy journey, offering a first glimpse into the potential success of the embryo transfer. By understanding the process, timing the test correctly, and confirming results with your clinic, you can navigate this exciting phase with confidence. Remember, the journey of surrogacy is filled with ups and downs, but each step brings you closer to helping create a family and experiencing the profound joy that comes with it.
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