How Does Surrogacy Work? Step-by-Step Guide

Surrogacy is more than medicine — it’s a journey of trust, hope, and connection. This guide will walk you through each stage, so you know what to expect and feel confident in your choice.

What Is Gestational Surrogacy?

In most modern surrogacy programs, the baby’s embryo is created via IVF using eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors, then transferred to a surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate carries no genetic link to the baby. This is called gestational surrogacy — safer and legally cleaner than traditional surrogacy.

Learn more about fertility and IVF basics here.

Step 1 — Medical & Psychological Screening

Before any matching, both the surrogate and intended parents undergo thorough medical examinations and psychological evaluations. We test hormone levels, uterine health, genetic screening, and emotional readiness.

A healthy surrogate is typically between 21–38 years, has had at least one successful pregnancy, and has no major medical conditions.

Step 2 — Matching Intended Parents with Surrogates

Your agency helps pair you with a surrogate whose medical history, personal values, and expectations align with yours. This is a deeply relational process — beyond compatibility on paper, many intended parents feel connected even before starting medical steps.

Step 3 — Legal Contracts & Protection

Before any medical procedure, both parties sign legal contracts. These cover parental rights, compensation, decision-making protocols, and more. The goal: clarity, trust, and protection for every step.

Step 4 — IVF, Embryo Creation & Transfer

• Retrieve eggs (from mother or donor)
• Fertilize with sperm in the lab
• Select quality embryos (optionally with genetic testing)
• Transfer the embryo to the surrogate’s uterus

Throughout this stage, your fertility team monitors hormone levels, uterine lining, and embryo viability.

Step 5 — Pregnancy Monitoring & Support

Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate receives prenatal care, regular ultrasounds, and medical supervision. Emotional support is critical — intended parents often stay close by, attend scans, and remain in communication.

Step 6 — Birth, Legal Parentage & Bringing Baby Home

When it’s time to deliver, you are part of that moment. After birth, your lawyers finalize parentage orders, ensure your names are on the birth certificate, and assist with any international paperwork. Then — baby comes home.

FAQs

Q1. Is the surrogate related genetically?

Ans. No — gestational surrogacy separates genetics from pregnancy.

Q2. How long does the process take?

Ans. Typically 12–18 months from matching to birth.

Q3. Who pays for what?

Ans. Medical costs, legal fees, and surrogate reimbursement are usually included in your contract.