How Long Is The Surrogacy Journey? A Complete Breakdown Of The Timeline

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the surrogacy process from the perspective of a surrogate, highlighting how long each phase typically takes.

Becoming a surrogate is a rewarding and life-changing experience. It involves a significant commitment of time, energy, and emotional investment. Continue reading to learn more about the surrogacy timeline.

1. Initial Decision and Application (1-4 Weeks): The journey begins with a deeply personal decision to become a surrogate. This phase involves:

Self-Reflection: Considering the emotional and physical implications of surrogacy.
Research: Learning about the surrogacy process, requirements, and expectations.
Application: Submitting an application and providing detailed personal, medical, and psychological information.

2. Matching with Intended Parents (7-30 days): Once approved, the surrogate will be matched with intended parents based on mutual preferences and compatibility.

Profile Matching: Reviewing profiles of intended parents and vice versa.
Interviews and Meetings: Meeting potential intended parents to ensure a good match.
Agreement: Both parties agree to move forward together.

3. Screening and Approval (1-2 months): After applying, the next step is undergoing rigorous screening to ensure suitability as a surrogate.

Medical Screening: Comprehensive health evaluations, including blood tests and physical examinations.
Psychological Evaluation: Assessing mental and emotional readiness for surrogacy.
Background Checks: Ensuring a safe and stable environment for the pregnancy.

4. Legal Contracts (1-2 Months): Before any medical procedures can begin, legal contracts must be drafted and signed.

Contract Drafting: Legal professionals draft detailed contracts covering all aspects of the surrogacy arrangement.
Review and Signing: Both the surrogate and intended parents review the contracts with their respective lawyers to ensure mutual understanding and agreement.

5. Medical Preparations and Embryo Transfer (2-3 Months): With legalities settled, the medical journey begins.

Medical Preparations: The surrogate undergoes a regimen of medications to prepare her body for pregnancy.
Embryo Transfer: A fertility specialist performs the embryo transfer procedure.
Pregnancy Confirmation: Waiting for confirmation of pregnancy through blood tests and ultrasounds.

6. Pregnancy (9 Months): If the embryo transfer is successful, the surrogate will carry the pregnancy to term.

Prenatal Care: Regular medical appointments to monitor the health of the surrogate and the baby.
Support Systems: Maintaining open communication with the intended parents and receiving emotional and practical support.

7. Delivery and Post-Birth Legal Steps (1-3 Months): After delivery, there are a few final steps to complete the surrogacy journey.

Birth: Delivering the baby, typically with the intended parents present.
Legal Processes: Ensuring that the intended parents are legally recognized as the baby’s parents, which may involve court hearings and paperwork.
Recovery: Physical and emotional recovery for the surrogate.

Total Estimated Timeline: 16 to 27 Months

From the initial decision to become a surrogate to the final legal steps post-birth, the entire surrogacy process can take anywhere from 16 to 27 months. This timeline can vary based on individual circumstances. For surrogates, each phase is a crucial part of a rewarding journey to help intended parents achieve their dream of having a child.

If you’re ready to begin your journey as a surrogate, there’s no better time to start than now. By offering the gift of parenthood, you can make a profound difference in someone’s life. Contact us or apply now to begin your application and take the first step toward this life-changing experience.