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Understanding Surrogacy9 min read

The Surrogacy Process Step by Step: What Intended Parents Need to Know

Starting the surrogacy journey can feel overwhelming — but when you understand each step, it becomes an exciting, manageable path to parenthood. This guide walks you through the entire gestational surrogacy process from your first call with an agency all the way to the moment you hold your baby.

Step 1: Choose a Surrogacy Agency

Your agency is your guide, advocate, and coordinator throughout the entire journey. Look for an agency that is transparent about fees, has a strong track record, and provides dedicated coordinator support. Surrogate Mother Solutions has helped over 3,000 families across 48 states, with agency fees starting at just $5,000 — one of the most affordable in the country.

Step 2: Initial Consultation and Application

Once you choose an agency, you'll have a free consultation to discuss your goals, timeline, and package options. After selecting a package, you'll complete an application that covers your medical history, family situation, and preferences for your surrogate match. This is also when you'll begin working with a fertility clinic if you don't already have one.

Step 3: Surrogate Matching

Your agency will present surrogate profiles that match your preferences. You'll review her background, medical history, lifestyle, and motivations. Once both parties agree to move forward, you're officially matched. At Surrogate Mother Solutions, we offer unlimited re-matching at no extra charge in our Gold package — so you never feel pressured to accept a match that doesn't feel right.

Step 4: Medical and Psychological Screenings

After matching, your surrogate undergoes a full medical screening at your IVF clinic, including a uterine evaluation and infectious disease testing. She also completes a psychological evaluation with a licensed mental health professional. These screenings protect everyone involved and are required before any legal agreements are signed.

Step 5: Legal Contracts

Both parties work with independent attorneys — one representing you and one representing your surrogate — to draft and review the gestational carrier agreement. This contract covers compensation, medical decisions, parental rights, and expectations for the pregnancy. Legal fees typically range from $5,000–$10,000 and are separate from agency fees.

Step 6: IVF and Embryo Transfer

Once contracts are signed, your surrogate begins the IVF medication protocol to prepare her uterus for the embryo transfer. The transfer itself is a quick, minimally invasive procedure. A pregnancy test is taken about 10 days later. Success rates per transfer are typically 50–70%, and if the first transfer doesn't result in pregnancy, additional transfers can be attempted.

Step 7: Pregnancy and Ongoing Support

Once pregnancy is confirmed, your surrogate receives prenatal care from her OB. You'll receive regular updates and can attend appointments if you wish. Your agency coordinator stays involved throughout the pregnancy to support both you and your surrogate, handling any questions or concerns that arise.

Step 8: Pre-Birth Order and Delivery

Before delivery, your attorney files a pre-birth order (PBO) with the court to establish your parental rights. In most surrogacy-friendly states, this means your names go directly on the birth certificate. At delivery, you'll be present in the hospital to welcome your baby. Your agency will coordinate hospital protocols so everything goes smoothly.

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

From your first agency consultation to bringing your baby home, the surrogacy process typically takes 18–24 months. The matching phase alone can take 1–6 months. Working with an agency that has a large surrogate network — like Surrogate Mother Solutions — can significantly shorten your wait time.

Ready to start your surrogacy journey? Schedule a free consultation with our team today.

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