The Surrogacy Process Step by Step: What to Expect from Application to Delivery

For Surrogates

May 29

When you're considering becoming a surrogate, one of the biggest unknowns is simply: how does this whole thing actually work? The process can feel overwhelming when you're looking at it from the outside. But broken down step by step, it's very manageable…and at every phase, you'll have a team supporting you!

The Steps of a Surrogacy Journey

A surrogacy journey typically follows these essential stages: comprehensive research and informed decision-making, professional matching with intended parents, thorough legal and medical screenings, drafting a legally binding surrogacy agreement, assisted reproductive procedures including IVF and embryo transfer, ongoing pregnancy monitoring and detailed birth planning, and post-birth legal finalization and emotional support.

STEP 1: APPLICATION

It starts with an application. You'll share information about your health history, pregnancies, lifestyle, and motivations. This helps the agency assess your eligibility and begin to understand who you are as a person.

STEP 2: SCREENING

If your application is approved, you'll move into formal screening. This includes a medical record review, background check, and several educational calls. These steps protect you just as much as they protect the intended parents.

STEP 3: PROFILE CREATION

Once cleared, you'll create a surrogate profile, a document that introduces you to prospective intended parents. It typically includes information about your family, lifestyle, values, and what you're looking for in a match.

STEP 4: MATCHING

This is where the magic starts. Your agency will present your profile to intended parents whose preferences align with yours. Matching considers many factors: communication style, views on pregnancy decisions, expectations for contact during and after the journey, and more.

STEP 5: MATCh call

Before any commitment is made, you and the intended parents will have a match call…a get-to-know-you conversation to see if there's a connection. You have every right to say no if the match doesn't feel right.

STEP 6: MEDICAL EVALUATION

After your medical records have been evaluated by the Intended Parents’ fertility clinic, you'll work with that clinic to complete a physical and psychological evaluation. The physical will involve labwork and an uterine ultrasound, which will evaluate your uterus to ensure it is perfect for an embryo transfer. A psychological evaluation will be performed by a licensed Mental Health Professional, who will learn a bit about you and will evaluate your preparedness for surrogacy.

STEP 7: LEGAL CONTRACTS

Once both parties agree to move forward, attorneys draft a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement (GSA). This legally binding contract outlines compensation, responsibilities, expectations, and parental rights. You will have your own independent legal counsel paid for by the intended parents.

STEP 8: EmBryo transfer and PREGNANCY CONFIRMATION

Now is the time they will prepare you for embryo transfer. This involves medications to synchronize your cycle and prepare the uterine lining. The actual transfer is a quick, non-surgical procedure, somewhat like a pap. After the procedure, you’ll go home and now the wait begins! A blood test approximately 10 days after embryo transfer will confirm whether the pregnancy has taken. If successful, you'll continue on to a full prenatal care schedule.

STEP 9: PREGNANCY

You'll carry the pregnancy just as you would your own… with regular OB appointments, support from your agency, and ongoing communication with the intended parents (in whatever way you've agreed upon). Family Makers is your advocate throughout.

STEP 10: DELIVERY AND BEYOND

Birth is an emotional, joyful moment for everyone involved. After delivery, parental rights are transferred to the intended parents per your legal agreement. Many surrogates and intended parents maintain a beautiful ongoing relationship long after delivery!

Have questions about a specific step? Reach out to us! We love walking prospective surrogates through the journey in detail.