Surrogacy timeline for surrogate moms
Introducing the child into this world through surrogacy takes more time than carrying your own pregnancy. Anticipated time commitment is measured in months, and in most cases, from the initial interview with a surrogacy professional to the moment when you are holding someone’s bundle of joy in your hands, there is a 12–to–16 month timeframe. Some surrogacy arrangements take a longer time, especially, if you are involved in an ongoing surrogacy carrying the baby to the intended parents, and one more couple is waiting for you to become their surrogate mom too; matching takes more than two months, the ongoing screening process will be completed in two months instead of one, or legal process is in on–hold mode for a week, or some situation needs time to be resolved. But this journey isn’t just about time; it is about dedication, compassion, and the extraordinary role of a surrogate mother. With each step, you embrace the dreams of the intended parents, the bonds formed, and the enduring memories created along the way.
Throughout the following notes on the surrogacy timeline, you will gain insights into the eight essential steps that surrogate mothers go through as they embark on this unforgettable adventure. These stages are not just about medical and legal procedures; they are about nurturing the hopes and aspirations of families who long for hearing the little feet in their homes. So, let’s begin this incredible journey, one that spans both time and the heart, as we delve into the remarkable world of surrogacy.
Step One: Getting Started with Your Surrogacy Journey.
Anticipated time commitment: 1–2 weeks.
Your journey as a surrogate mother starts by filling out the agency’s online interest form. Upon submission, you can expect a Surrogate Initial Phone Call from the Surrogacy Program Manager. This call aims to introduce you to the surrogacy team, explain the agency’s approach to surrogacy, and guide you through the application process. Alternatively, you may receive this information through email or web conferencing details to speak with the surrogacy team.
Before scheduling your initial interview, a member of the surrogacy team, such as a Surrogacy Program Manager, Medical Coordinator, or Surrogate Mother Coordinator, will review your application, discuss with you the timeslots available for an initial interview, provide an overview of financial commitments, introduce surrogacy programs, clarify legal aspects, and answer your questions.
During the initial interview, you will have the chance to ask questions, gain a better understanding of the process, and explore the agency’s unique approach. If you decide to proceed, the agency will guide you through a comprehensive intake interview, where you can express your matching preferences and share more about yourself. You will also be provided with the necessary agency documents for completion.
Step Two: Pre–Screening.
Anticipated time commitment: 30–90 Days.
The agency will ask you to collect all medical records from previous pregnancies and deliveries. They will also request your primary healthcare provider to conduct a comprehensive physical exam, sign their medical clearance form, provide updated Pap test results, and perform basic infectious disease testing. Simultaneously, the agency will initiate your background check, help schedule your in–person psychological assessment, and conduct a home visit. During this step, any applicable insurance policy will be analyzed to ensure a clear understanding of coverage for a secure and smooth surrogacy journey. It’s essential to complete this stage thoroughly to confirm your readiness and suitability for the surrogacy process.
Step 3: Matching with Prospective Parents.
Anticipated time commitment: from 1–2 weeks and up to 2 months.
After identifying a potential match, the agency exchanges profiles, and your dedicated Care Team assists in arranging a Matching Conference call or an in–person meeting. This essential step allows you and the prospective parents to get to know each other better and discuss expectations and preferences, building a strong foundation for the journey ahead. Both parties must agree to move forward for a mutual match, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and aligned with their surrogacy goals.
Once the match is official, the agency will notify the fertility clinic, and an appointment will be scheduled for an in–person screening with the Reproductive Endocrinologist. This screening is an essential part of ensuring your health and readiness for the surrogacy process, providing you and the intended parents with peace of mind as you embark on this extraordinary journey.
Step 4: In–Person Screening.
Anticipated time commitment: 4–8 weeks.
The in–person screening is a critical phase of your surrogacy journey, ensuring both your safety and the success of the program. During this period, the Reproductive Endocrinologist, a specialist in reproductive health, will conduct a comprehensive examination of your reproductive organs. This step is essential in granting final medical clearance for you to continue as a surrogate mother.
In addition to the physical examination, this screening also includes Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required infectious disease and drug testing, which is vital to guarantee the health and well–being of both you and the intended parents. The timing of this screening appointment is typically coordinated to coincide with a specific day of your menstrual cycle, which may require 4–8 weeks to schedule and complete following the matching process.
This thorough in–person screening ensures that you are physically ready for the surrogacy journey and can provide a safe and healthy environment for the developing child, setting the stage for a successful and harmonious surrogacy experience.
Step 5: Legal Process.
Anticipated time commitment: 4–8 weeks.
After receiving your official medical clearance, it is time to embark on the essential legal phase of your surrogacy journey. The surrogacy agency, committed to your well–being, will connect you with a highly qualified Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) attorney. This attorney will be licensed in the state where the delivery is anticipated, ensuring that they have a deep understanding of the local laws and regulations.
Your ART attorney plays an essential role in representing your interests and safeguarding your rights throughout the legal process. They will work closely with you to create a comprehensive legal agreement that outlines the responsibilities, rights, and expectations of both you and the intended parents. This agreement helps establish a robust legal framework for your surrogacy journey, ensuring that all parties are on the same page, and that the rights of both you and the intended parents are protected.
By pairing you with a qualified attorney, the surrogacy agency ensures that you have the necessary legal support to navigate this phase effectively, setting the stage for a secure and legally sound surrogacy experience.
Step 6: Embryo Generation or Shipping and Transfer.
Anticipated time commitment: 15–30 days for surrogacy using a shipped embryo or IVF embryo; in cases involving International Egg Donor Services, this step may take up to 60 days.
With your medical and legal clearances in place, the next step in your surrogacy journey involves the creation or shipment of embryos, followed by the transfer process. The timeline for this step can vary based on the specific surrogacy arrangement. If you are using shipped embryos or undergoing IVF, this phase typically takes 15 to 30 days. However, in cases involving International Egg Donor Services, where embryos may need to be shipped across borders, this step may extend to 60 days.
During this essential phase, reproductive specialists will ensure that embryos are ready for transfer, a life–altering moment where you will become the carrier of new life. The precision and care taken during this step are vital, and your dedicated surrogacy team and medical professionals will support you every step of the way, ensuring the process aligns with your unique surrogacy timeline. This step marks the inception of your surrogacy journey and brings you one step closer to making the dreams of the intended parents come true.
Step 7: Surrogacy Pregnancy.
Anticipated time commitment: 9 months.
As you embrace the journey of surrogacy pregnancy, your dedicated Care Team is with you every step of the way. You will stay in touch with a Surrogate Mother Coordinator, Medical Coordinator, and Surrogacy Program Manager, who will guide and support you throughout the entire 9–month duration.
The agency will be in continuous contact with both you and Intended Parent(s) to ensure a seamless and stress–free experience throughout the entire journey. In the second trimester, the agency will initiate the process of establishing birthrights in collaboration with your legal representation, ensuring a seamless transition. The delivery hospital will be also informed of the impending surrogacy delivery, and a tour or conference call will be thoughtfully coordinated.
This phase is marked by teamwork, care, and the promise of bringing joy to the lives of intended parents as you fulfill the extraordinary role of a surrogate mother.
Step 8: Delivery and Giving the Baby to the Intended Parents.
Anticipated time commitment: The joy of a lifetime.
The culmination of your remarkable surrogacy journey arrives with the birth of the baby. During this deeply emotional and life–changing moment, your dedicated Care Team will be by your side, providing support and guidance. The agency ensures that every detail is meticulously coordinated, from your hospital stay to the delivery process. After the baby is born, a representative from the surrogacy agency, your legal counsel, and medical professionals will facilitate the legal aspects of the birth. This process may involve court appearances, legal proceedings, and the establishment of parental rights, all aimed at ensuring a seamless transition of the child to the intended parents. The final step in this extraordinary journey involves saying goodbye to the baby, as you hand over the ultimate gift of life to the eagerly awaiting intended parents. This moment is filled with both tears and joy, marking the fulfillment of your role as a surrogate mother. While your surrogacy journey ends here, the bonds formed and the lives touched will forever connect you to the precious gift of family and the enduring memories created along the way.
Conclusive Words
In the remarkable world of surrogacy, the journey is defined not just by the passing of time but by the profound dedication, compassion, and extraordinary role of a surrogate mother. This journey is a testament to the power of teamwork, care, and the promise of bringing joy to the lives of intended parents. The surrogacy timeline, spanning from initial interviews to the ultimate moment of delivering the baby to eager parents, is marked by moments of both tears and joy. While the surrogacy journey concludes here, the bonds formed and the lives touched endure, forever connecting you to the precious gift of family and the enduring memories created along the way.