Your Surrogacy Timeline: From First Steps to Delivery Day (A Month-By-Month Journey)

So you're thinking about surrogacy—amazing! Naturally, you're wondering: "How long does the process take?" and "What happens during each stage?" The short answer is that most surrogacy journeys take about 12 to 18 months, although some can take up to 24 months. The honest answer is that it's a deeply personal journey, and no two stories are alike.

At Surrogacy.com, we believe in clear communication, compassionate care, and ensuring you feel empowered and supported. While every journey is unique, most follow a similar path from initial application to delivery day. Here's what to expect as you move through your surrogacy timeline and milestones, and how we'll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Month 1+: Learn, Apply & Connect

This is your "getting to know you" phase—and ours, too. Your journey begins with learning more about surrogacy and deciding if it's the right choice for you. During this month, you will:

• Explore our surrogacy resources and FAQs

• Complete a quick compatibility form

• Share your lifestyle and pregnancy history

• Chat one on one with a Surrogacy.com team member

• Begin the initial screening process

• Get approved…and build your profile!

Expect lots of support, honest conversations, and connections with "sister surrogates" who've been in your shoes.

Month 2+: Readiness Check-In

Before you fully step into this monumental role, we'll pause and ensure your heart, mind, and body are aligned for the journey ahead. You'll:

• Reflect on your values and preferences—what matters most to you throughout the process

• Meet with a licensed counselor for a psychological evaluation

• Connect with a social worker

• Explore potential surrogacy agencies

There's no pressure or rush—just space and support to feel confident in your choice.

Month 3+: Matchmaking Moments!

This phase of your journey is all about solidifying your ideal match! You'll connect with a surrogacy agency (if you haven't yet) and intended parents. A successful match is built on trust, communication, and mutual understanding.

Every journey moves at its own pace—some matches happen in just a few weeks, while others may take a few (or several!) months depending on your preferences, agency timelines, and where you are in the screening process. Either way, we're here to help everything click into place.

Buckle up! You'll become fully immersed in these facets of the process:

• Matching with a surrogacy agency

• Reviewing intended parent profiles

• Video meetings with intended parents

This phase concludes with one of your journey's most exciting and meaningful milestones: officially matching! Now it's all starting to feel very real and oh-so-exciting!

Month 4+: Legal & Medical Prep

Time to dot your i's and cross your t's. You and the intended parents will work with separate attorneys to draft, review, and sign your legal surrogacy contract. It covers essential topics like:

• Your ability to carry a healthy pregnancy

• Responsibilities and compensation

• Medical aspects and timelines

• Delivery plans and protocols

• The rights of the intended parents
  

You'll also visit the intended parents' fertility clinic for a full screening to confirm you're medically good to go. This stage typically takes several weeks, and we're here to ensure you feel fully informed, supported, and protected.

Month 5+: Medical Prep (IVF & Embryo Transfer)

Cue the hormones … literally! After the contract is signed, it's time to prepare your body for in vitro fertilization (IVF). You'll have already visited the intended parents' fertility clinic for an initial screening before signing your surrogacy contract. Next, you'll:

• Begin injections and meds to prepare your uterus for the embryo transfer

• Complete the embryo transfer procedure (it's quick and painless)

• Relax, rest, and let your body do its thing — stick embryo, stick!

We'll help coordinate it all and keep things low-stress. Plus, our surrogacy community will be by your side with tips and tricks to guide you through this memorable phase.

Month 6+: Pregnancy Confirmation

About 14 to 19 days after the transfer, you'll take a blood test to confirm pregnancy. If positive (fingers crossed!), you'll soon return for your first ultrasound to confirm a miraculous heartbeat! This is a joyful and emotional milestone, and we're here to celebrate it with you and continue offering support.

Sometimes, another embryo transfer is needed. If that happens, your care team will guide you through next steps and timing—no pressure, just support.

Months 7 to 16+: Pregnancy Milestones

Things settle into a rhythm as you move into your second and third trimesters. You'll:

• Shift to care with your OB

• Attend monthly prenatal appointments

• Choose how you would like to share milestones (like baby's kicks and belly pics!) with the intended parents.

We'll check in regularly during this special time—whether helping you navigate logistics or offering emotional encouragement as you progress through the pregnancy.

Month 17+: "D" Day is Here!

The big moment will soon arrive! Your surrogacy agency helps you prepare for delivery day by ensuring:

• You're preregistered with the hospital

• Your birth plan reflects your preferences

• Your intended parent(s) are ready to welcome their baby

You'll have time to recover and reflect on the experience, with support from your Surrogacy.com community. Many surrogates stay in touch with the families they help, even long after delivery.

Why Your Surrogacy Timeline Matters

Surrogacy takes time, but this life-changing journey is also one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. At Surrogacy.com, we'll walk beside you with support, transparency, and much gratitude.

You've made the extraordinary choice to help create a family—and that's something to celebrate for a lifetime. We're honored to be part of your journey and ready to help you get started! Contact us today!