Ultrasounds are a routine and important part of every surrogate pregnancy. The first scan checks for the number of embryos, signs of heartbeats, and any early complications. Intended parents can join virtually if they cannot attend in person. Getting clinic permission to record or livestream ahead of time makes the appointment run more smoothly for everyone involved.
Pregnancy milestones take on a special dimension in surrogacy. Ultrasounds are among the most anticipated moments for surrogates and intended parents alike. Knowing what to expect at an ultrasound removes a great deal of the uncertainty surrounding this appointment.
At Simple Surrogacy, we prepare our surrogates and intended parents thoroughly for every stage of the journey. This guide covers what happens at the first ultrasound and how to make the most of it for everyone involved.
Ultrasounds are a standard part of any pregnancy, and our surrogate program is no different. Alongside other routine monitoring, such as uterine lining checks and blood hormone testing, ultrasounds give the medical team a direct view of how the pregnancy is progressing. Here is what the appointment involves and how to prepare for it.
The first decision often involves whether intended parents will attend the scan.
Some travel to be present in person. Others join remotely due to distance or scheduling limitations. Both situations are completely normal.
Intended parents who cannot attend in person almost always want to be there in some form. Virtual attendance via Zoom or FaceTime is a popular and meaningful option. Some surrogates choose to record the appointment on their phones and share the footage afterward. Both approaches work well.
If you have a preference, share it with your intended parents ahead of time. It simplifies the planning and means everyone knows what to expect on the day.
Before the appointment, it is important to check the clinic’s rules on recording or live streaming. Medical facilities follow strict privacy regulations, and permission is not always automatic.
Sorting this out well in advance avoids last-minute complications on an already significant day. A quick call or email to the clinic before the appointment is all it takes.
The ultrasound itself will feel familiar to any surrogate who has been pregnant before. A transvaginal wand is used to scan the uterus. The technician will:
The appointment is typically brief. The scan gives the IVF specialist important information about early development and overall pregnancy progress. For anyone wondering what to expect at an ultrasound, this stage is primarily focused on early confirmation and measurement.
The absence of a heartbeat at this early stage is not automatically cause for concern. Surrogates are scanned very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a heartbeat can be detected.
If no heartbeat is found, the IVF specialist will assess the situation and advise on the appropriate next steps. In some cases, an embryo begins to develop but does not result in a viable pregnancy. In other cases, an embryo may stop developing or a chemical pregnancy may occur, where hormone levels suggest pregnancy without an ongoing embryo.
These situations are part of the surrogacy journey for some families, and they do not determine the final outcome. Intended parents who have experienced this know that the path forward is still open.
The ultrasound is one moment in a much longer journey. Understanding each step of the surrogacy process helps surrogates and intended parents feel grounded and prepared throughout. Knowledge reduces anxiety and makes it easier to be fully present for the moments that matter.
Ultrasounds are more than medical appointments. There are moments where the reality of the pregnancy becomes visible. Simple Surrogacy is committed to making sure every surrogate and every intended parent feels informed, prepared, and genuinely cared for at each of these milestones.
Have questions about ultrasounds, the surrogacy process, or egg donation? Get in touch. Our team is ready to help you through it.
Yes. Virtual attendance via video call is a common and well-accepted option. Some surrogates also record the appointment and share it afterward. It is worth checking with the clinic in advance to confirm their policy on recording or live streaming during appointments.
The first ultrasound typically occurs very early in pregnancy, often before a heartbeat can be reliably detected. The timing is determined by the IVF clinic and specialist overseeing the surrogate’s care.
The IVF specialist reviews the results and advises on the appropriate course of action. Complications at this early stage do not necessarily mean the journey is over. The specialist will outline the options and next steps based on the specific findings from the scan.
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