Step-by-Step IVF Journey for Intended Parents Using a Surrogate

By Dr. Jane Tucker, MD, Board-Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Choosing surrogacy to build your family is a powerful and emotional decision. But when combined with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), the process can feel complex. This guide breaks down the entire IVF journey for intended parents using a surrogate — so you can feel informed, prepared, and confident.

At Surrogacy4All, we support you through every step with expert care and compassion.

Overview: Why IVF and Surrogacy Go Hand-in-Hand

In gestational surrogacy, IVF is required to create the embryo. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus of a gestational surrogate — a woman who has no biological connection to the baby.

IVF is the medical foundation of nearly all modern surrogacy arrangements.

Step 1: Initial Consultation with Surrogacy4All

• Review your medical and family history
• Explore surrogacy and IVF options
• Understand legal, emotional, and financial steps
• Create a personalized family-building plan

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Step 2: Fertility Clinic Evaluation

• Meet with a fertility doctor
• Undergo reproductive testing (bloodwork, semen analysis, etc.)
• Determine if donor eggs or sperm are needed
• Start IVF cycle planning

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Step 3: Select Your Egg Donor (If Needed)

If the intended mother cannot use her own eggs or if the parents are a same-sex male couple, an egg donor will be selected:

• View profiles of pre-screened egg donors
• Choose based on physical traits, education, ethnicity, or background
• Complete legal and medical screening for the donor

Step 4: Create Embryos via IVF

• Egg retrieval from the donor or intended mother
• Sperm collection from the intended father or donor
• Fertilization occurs in the lab
• Embryos develop for 5–6 days (blastocyst stage)
• Optional genetic testing (PGT-A) for chromosomal health

Step 5: Match with a Surrogate

While your embryos are developing or freezing:

• Review surrogate profiles
• Choose a surrogate who aligns with your values, lifestyle, and expectations
• Medical and psychological screening for the surrogate
• Legal contracts are drafted and signed

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Step 6: Legal Agreements

Each party (intended parents and surrogate) has their own attorney:

• Establish rights and responsibilities
• Detail compensation, insurance, and contingencies
• Protect all parties with enforceable agreements
• Pre-birth parentage orders may be prepared (state-dependent)

Step 7: Embryo Transfer

• The surrogate’s cycle is synchronized using hormonal medications
• A high-quality embryo is thawed and transferred into the surrogate’s uterus
• The surrogate rests for a few days
• Pregnancy is confirmed via blood test 10–14 days later

Step 8: Pregnancy Care and Support

Once pregnancy is confirmed:

• Prenatal care begins with OB/GYN and fertility specialists
• Regular updates are provided to the intended parents
• Counseling and support are available for the surrogate
• Intended parents may attend ultrasound appointments virtually or in-person

Step 9: Delivery and Legal Parentage

• Hospital delivery plan is created
• Intended parents are present for the birth (when possible)
• Pre-birth or post-birth parentage order is filed
• Baby goes home with their legal parents!

IVF and Surrogacy Timeline

Phase	Timeframe
Medical Screening & Consults	1–2 months
Egg Retrieval & IVF	1 month
Embryo Freezing	1 week
Surrogate Matching	1–3 months
Legal Contracts	3–4 weeks
Embryo Transfer	1 month
Pregnancy Birth	9 months
Total Time	~12–18 months

FAQs: IVF + Surrogacy

Q: Do I need to live near the clinic or surrogate?

Ans. No, but you may need to travel for major milestones.

Q: How many embryos are created in IVF?

Ans. Depends on egg quality and quantity, but 5–10 embryos are common.

Q: Can I transfer more than one embryo?

Ans. Yes, but most clinics recommend single embryo transfer to avoid multiples.

Q: What happens if the transfer doesn’t work?

Ans. Frozen embryos can be used for additional transfer attempts.

Q: Can we choose the baby’s gender?

Ans. PGT testing can determine sex, but selection policies vary by clinic.

Q: What medications does the surrogate take?

Ans. Hormonal medications like estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterus.

Q: Will we have contact with the surrogate during pregnancy?

Ans. Yes — based on mutual agreement. Some intended parents and surrogates stay close for life.

Q: How do we ensure the surrogate is healthy and responsible?

Ans. Surrogates undergo extensive medical, psychological, and lifestyle screening.

Q: Can we do IVF in one state and deliver in another?

Ans. Yes — embryos can be shipped to another clinic closer to the surrogate.

Q: How much does IVF + surrogacy cost?

Ans. Total ranges from $120,000 to $180,000+ including all medical and legal services.

Final Thoughts

While the IVF + surrogacy journey is complex, it is also incredibly rewarding. With expert guidance, compassionate surrogates, and top fertility care, your path to parenthood is within reach.

At Surrogacy4All, we help navigate every step — from embryo creation to birth — with confidence and care.

Schedule your free consultation today or Apply to Start Your Journey.

Contact us at 1-212-661-7177 or Email info@surrogacy4all.com