The Surrogacy Process
Becoming a surrogate is a truly meaningful journey, but we understand it can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are several important steps between submitting your application and taking your first pregnancy test, and the timeline can vary depending on a few different factors. We’ll be with you every step of the way to support and guide you.
Step-by-Step: Your Surrogacy Journey
1. Application
Your first step is to apply to become a surrogate!
Once we receive your application, we’ll schedule a video call to get to know you better and walk you through what to expect.
We’ll also make sure you meet all the basic requirements to move forward.
2. Medical Record Review
Next, we’ll carefully review your OB/GYN records, including your labor and delivery history, to ensure you’re a good candidate and not at high risk for complications.
3. Background Check
We’ll run a criminal background check to make sure there are no serious offenses in your history.
*Don’t worry — we don’t check your credit, and minor things like parking tickets aren’t a concern.
4. Intended Parent Match
We’ll use the details in your profile to match you with intended parents we believe are a great fit.
You’ll have the chance to meet them, and both sides can decide whether to move forward together. It’s important that the match feels right for everyone involved.
5. Psychological Screening
You’ll meet with a licensed psychologist to make sure you’re fully prepared — emotionally, mentally, and physically — for the journey ahead.
Your personal information will remain private; only the result of the screening (cleared or not cleared) will be shared.
6. Medical Screening
You'll travel to the fertility clinic where the intended parents' embryos are stored for a full health evaluation.
This includes tests for:
Infectious diseases
Drug and alcohol use
Hormone levels
Immunities
Uterine health
If you have a partner, they’ll be screened for drugs and communicable diseases too.
7. Legal Process
Once you’re medically approved, it’s time to finalize the legal details.
You’ll work with an attorney who specializes in fertility law. This attorney is provided by the intended parents but works solely for you and ensures your interests are protected.
You can request any changes before signing the final agreement. Once signed, the contract becomes legally binding.
8. Pre-Transfer Medication Cycle
After the legal agreement is in place, the clinic will create a medication schedule to prepare your body for embryo transfer.
This phase typically lasts 2–3 weeks and includes taking fertility medications.
9. Embryo Transfer
Once your body is ready, the doctor will transfer one or two embryos into your uterus (depending on what was agreed in your contract).
The procedure is quick and painless, and you’ll usually rest for the remainder of the day.
10. Pregnancy Test
About 12–14 days after the transfer, you’ll take a blood test to check for pregnancy.
If it's positive—congratulations! You’re officially a surrogate!
11. Graduation from the Fertility Clinic
At around 8 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll stop taking fertility medications.
By 10 weeks, you’ll “graduate” from the fertility clinic and begin care with your own OB doctor.
12. Choosing Your OB Doctor
You’ll choose the OB you feel most comfortable with.
From this point on, your prenatal care will be just like your previous pregnancies.
13. Delivering the Baby
This is the big day! You’ll choose the hospital where you'd like to give birth.
The intended parents will often be there to welcome their baby into the world.
After delivery, you’ll have a chance to hold the baby, say goodbye, and rest before returning home.
You’ve done something incredible—helped bring a new life into the world and created a family.
We’re honored to be part of your journey.