Embryos are tiny, delicate things. Following the embryo transfer process, surrogates concerned about how to protect the embryo they're carrying may worry about how secure the embryo is once it's placed in the uterus. Is it possible for the embryo to "fall out" after it has been transferred?

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR AN EMBRYO TO FALL OUT AFTER TRANSFER?

The overwhelming fear is that walking, jumping, or even urinating could cause the embryo to simply slip out of the uterus. Doctors often prescribe bed rest following the transfer to allow the embryo time to “get settled” and implant, so it makes sense that undue movement could cause the embryo to become dislodged and slip out, right? Rest assured that this is highly unlikely. The idea has merit, in theory, but it is not plausible in reality. The uterus is a muscular organ. This means that it stays contracted and tight in its natural state. While the area inside of the uterus is called a “cavity,” it is not a literal empty space. The transferred embryo does not have open space in which to move freely or roll around. 

WHY EMBRYOS DON'T FALL OUT

Your body is prepared well for the embryo transfer with IVF medications. Nearly all IVF doctors will require your uterine lining to be thick enough for the walls to touch in the middle before proceeding with a transfer. This creates an environment in which the thick, sticky endometrial lining leaves no empty space. When the embryo is placed between the uterine walls and the muscle contracts, it will create a secure place for the embryo to bury itself deep within that thick lining and begin to grow. Visualize placing a poppy seed in the crease of your elbow and then folding your arm shut tightly by using your muscle. Now wiggle that arm as hard as you can. No matter how hard you try, that poppy seed will not fly out. 

An implanted embryo inside of a flexed uterus is much the same. No reasonable external physical activity—be it jumping, rolling over in bed, walking, or running—can cause a healthy receptive embryo to become dislodged once it has implanted into the endometrial lining. The bed rest period is meant to help you relax and encourage the embryo to implant and bury itself within the endometrial lining. 

While you should always follow doctor’s orders regarding bed rest, do not be afraid to get out of bed to use the restroom or stretch your legs. If you have questions about what activities are approved, both during bed rest and once you’re cleared to return to daily life, do not be afraid to ask your nurse or doctor.

READY TO LEARN MORE?

Please contact Growing Generations for more information about being a surrogate in our program.