The first big step after a surrogate and intended parents are matched is a medical screening that ensures the surrogate can move forward with an embryo transfer.
It also usually takes place with very little notice. The surrogate contacts the clinic the day she gets her period, and the timing for her uterine evaluation, which is part of the screening, is based on that date.
If the surrogate lives across the country from the clinic (which is chosen by the intended parents), the trip can have an “Amazing Race” vibe. Luckily, the clinic for my first few journeys was just 40 minutes from my home in Connecticut. For my current journey, however, the clinic is in Reno, Nevada. Because of family commitments, only one day would work within the necessary timeframe for the screening.
The Race Begins
My trip began with the painful-as-usual drive from southwestern Connecticut to Kennedy Airport. I can’t remember a time I’ve had to drive to JFK and didn’t hit a traffic delay. That airport also has some of the longest security lines, so I signed up for a free two-week trial of pre-clearance. (Hopefully I remember to cancel it!) Still, I had just enough time to grab a burrito bowl dinner and, when I got to my gate, the flight was beginning to board. Phew I made it!
And then the plane sat on the tarmac for an hour, due to weather issues on the route. I worried about making my connecting flight in Salt Lake City, but the pilot re-routed us to be on time. I got into Reno at midnight, which was 3 a.m. for my tired East Coast self. After dragging through the ghost-town airport, I picked up my rental car. The agent was confused on why I would be returning the car in less than 24 hours. I told her I had an important medical appointment the next day.
Thankfully the hotel was only about a 15-minute drive from the airport. I love hotels. This one had the perfect mattress firmness, pillow softness and room temperature. After six hours of decent sleep, I checked out of the hotel, having forgotten what car I’d rented. Was it grey? Was it black? Why is a white car parked where I thought I parked? Oh, wait — that’s the car!
The Medical Screening Process
The clinic was only five minutes from the hotel, and I arrived at 9 a.m. My screening consisted of a urine sample, bloodwork, a physical, and a saline sonogram.
Every clinic has a slightly different screening procedure. Some clinics perform a mock transfer or an endometrial biopsy to check for uterine inflammation. The surrogate also may meet with a member of the nursing team or the IVF doctor, or have a psychological evaluation with a clinic mental health professional.
One of the most important parts of the screening is the saline sonogram, also known as a water ultrasound. The purpose of this procedure is to look for polyps, fibroids, cysts or anything that looks like it could prevent an embryo from implanting in the uterine wall. The procedure starts with inserting a speculum, much like a Pap smear. A catheter is then inserted into the cervix, the speculum is then removed, and saline is injected into the uterine cavity through the catheter. I am happy to report that my sonogram showed no issues.
I did, however, forget just how wet the procedure was. Changing back into my clothes, I started leaked almost as much fluid as when my water has broken during labor. While writing this blog, my socks are actually still a little damp!
My appointment was very short — less than 30 minutes — and it was time to head back to the airport, return my rental car, and prepare for my long flight home. It departed around 11 a.m. and I arrived home after 1 a.m.
What a long 36 hours it was, but it’s one of the most important parts of the journey and I’m looking forward to the next step!
