Surrogacy is a lovely process, yet the question that potential parents must answer is: how long does surrogacy take? Understanding the process in Washington, D.C. gives the family time to prepare for medical appointments, legal proceedings, and emotional preparation.
The 2026 Surrogacy4All easy-to-follow guide to surrogacy and what to expect from start to finish is outlined below.
Choosing a Surrogacy Agency
The first step is selecting a licensed and reputable surrogacy agency in D.C.
- Surrogacy4All is a surrogacy agency that offers surrogate matching, legal, and escrow services.
- The prospective parents are now communicating with one another regarding expectations, cost, and time.
Matching with a Surrogate
After an agency is chosen, the matching can then proceed:
- Surrogates themselves are also extensively screened on medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
- Browsing profiles and interviewing surrogates by potential surrogates.
- Both matched parties enter into a surrogacy contract.
Typically 1 to 2 months, sometimes longer, based on availability
Legal Preparation
Even prospective parents don’t typically anticipate legal work, but best done.
- In Washington, D.C., intended parents may file a pre-birth parentage order.
- Surrogates and intended parents consult independent attorneys.
- Independent lawyers write contracts for surrogate compensation, medical obligations, and parentage.
Surrogacy4All takes care of all the documents completed professionally so that there is no delay.
IVF and Embryo Transfer
Medical procedures:
- Stimulating the ovaries and egg retrieval (in the intended mother’s or donor’s instance)
- Fertilization and embryo culture in vitro
- Embryo transfer into the surrogate’s uterus
Pregnancy Monitoring
After the surrogate has conceived:
- Ultrasound and checkup visits are done occasionally
- Emotional support and counseling are given.
- Clinic coordination, intended parents’ coordination, and surrogate coordination are done by surrogacy agencies such as Surrogacy4All.
The pregnancy is maintained for the usual nine months, and open communication and support throughout this time are most critical.
Birth and Post-Birth Procedures
After birth:
- Both intended parents are entered on the birth certificate by D.C. pre-birth order.
- Newborn care plan, hospital discharge, and insurance forms are completed.
- Final payment and post-birth recovery care can be provided to surrogates.
Total Surrogacy Timeline
Surrogacy in Washington, D.C., from start to finish takes 12–18 months, depending on:
- Surrogate availability
- IVF success rates
- Legal and administrative processes
Cautious planning and going through a professional agency, such as Surrogacy4All, maintains the timeline in proportion.
Final Words
Knowledge of Washington, D.C.’s surrogacy timeline allows the intended parents to prepare financially, psychologically, and practically more easily. Through well-researched foresight, medical care, and law compliance, the process can be simple, open, and trouble-free.
For step-by-step guidance, surrogate matching, and full surrogacy support in D.C., contact us, Surrogacy4All at (212) 661-7673.
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FAQs
Q1. How long does the entire surrogacy process take?
Ans: Generally 12–18 months, from choosing a surrogacy agency to post-birth planning.
Q2. How long does surrogate matching take?
Ans: About 4–8 weeks, based on availability and screening requirements.
Q3. When does IVF occur during surrogacy?
Ans: Once legal arrangements are made, in 1–2 months.
Q4. How long is the pregnancy stage?
Ans: The surrogate is pregnant for the standard 9 months under routine medical care.
Q5. Can the timeline vary?
Ans: Yes. IVF success rate, legal process, and surrogate availability can be what negotiates length.

Dr. Pooja Patel
Dr. Pooja Patel is a Chief Surrogacy Coordinator at Surrogacy4all. She has 10 years of experience in Anesthesiology and critical care medicine.
She received her medical degree from Seth GS Medical College and K.E.M Hospital in India. She then completed an internship. She finished her Anesthesia residency at Grant Govt Medical College and JJ Group of Hospitals in India.




