Surrogate Pregnancy Timeline vs Natural Pregnancy What’s Different?

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

Pregnancy is an amazing journey — whether you’re carrying a baby yourself or entrusting that experience to a surrogate. While many of the physical milestones of pregnancy remain the same, a surrogate pregnancy involves extra planning, steps, and support before the baby ever begins to grow.

In this guide, we compare the surrogate pregnancy timeline to a natural pregnancy so intended parents can understand what to expect — and prepare for each phase with confidence.

Overview: What Is a Surrogate Pregnancy?

In a gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created through IVF and implanted in a surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate is not genetically related to the baby. Intended parents may provide the egg and sperm, or use donor gametes.

Natural Pregnancy: A Typical Timeline

Phase	Duration
Conception	Instant via intercourse
Confirmation	4–6 weeks
First Trimester	Weeks 1–13
Second Trimester	Weeks 14–27
Third Trimester	Weeks 28–40
Delivery	~40 weeks total

In natural pregnancy, conception happens privately, often without clinical intervention, and is confirmed with an at-home or doctor-performed pregnancy test.

Surrogate Pregnancy Timeline: Month-by-Month

The surrogate pregnancy timeline includes multiple steps before conception:

Month 1: Intake & Matching

• Intended parents consult with a surrogacy agency
• Surrogate applications are reviewed
• Both parties are matched based on preferences and values

Month 2: Legal Contracts & Medical Screening

• Surrogate undergoes medical and psychological evaluation
• Legal agreements are drafted and reviewed
• All parties sign the contract

Month 3: IVF and Embryo Transfer

• Embryos are created via IVF (if not done already)
• Surrogate begins hormone medications
• Embryo transfer occurs at fertility clinic

Month 4: Pregnancy Confirmation

• 10–14 days after transfer: blood test confirms pregnancy
• Ultrasounds follow to confirm fetal heartbeat

Month 5–13: Standard Pregnancy Care

• Surrogate receives prenatal care just like any other pregnant woman
• Intended parents receive regular updates

Month 14: Delivery

• Intended parents arrive for birth
• Baby goes home with them

Key Differences Between Surrogate and Natural Pregnancy

Feature	Surrogate Pregnancy	Natural Pregnancy
Conception Method	IVF (in lab)	Sexual intercourse
Involves Legal Contracts	Yes	No
Requires IVF	Yes	No
Third-Party Involvement	Surrogacy agency, lawyers, doctors	Typically none
Timeline Before Pregnancy	3–4 months	Immediate
Intended Parent’s; Involvement	High (regular updates, appointments)	N/A
Medical Monitoring	Very structured	Depends on OB/GYN care

Why Surrogate Pregnancies Take Longer

Before the surrogate becomes pregnant, intended parents must complete:

• IVF embryo creation (if not already frozen)
• Surrogate screening
• Contract negotiation
• Cycle synchronization and hormone prep
• Embryo transfer scheduling

This adds 3–5 months to the timeline, even before a confirmed pregnancy begins.

Emotional Differences

Surrogates are emotionally prepared to carry a baby for another family. While natural pregnancies involve maternal bonding, surrogate pregnancies require:

• Emotional maturity
• Strong support systems
• Boundaries and communication between surrogate and intended parents

Surrogacy4All offers counseling and support to both surrogates and intended families throughout the journey.

FAQs: Surrogate vs Natural Pregnancy

Q: Is the surrogate’s pregnancy length the same?

Ans. Yes — once pregnant, a surrogate carries the baby for 9 months just like a natural pregnancy.

Q: Are the medical risks higher in surrogate pregnancies?

Ans. Not necessarily. Surrogates are chosen for their excellent pregnancy histories and are closely monitored.

Q: Can intended parents attend doctor appointments?

Ans. Yes — virtually or in person depending on location and surrogate agreement.

Q: Do surrogates form emotional bonds with the baby?

Ans. Surrogates understand from the start the baby is not theirs and are emotionally prepared.

Q: Do surrogates need hormone injections?

Ans. Yes, during embryo transfer and early pregnancy stages, they take medications like estrogen and progesterone.

Q: Are surrogates screened for psychological readiness?

Ans. Absolutely. Surrogacy agencies screen all candidates thoroughly.

Q: Can natural pregnancy turn into a surrogate situation later?

Ans. No — surrogacy must be planned and legalized before conception.

Q: What if the embryo transfer fails?

Ans. Additional attempts may be made with frozen embryos.

Q: How many embryo transfers are typically done?

Ans. Most succeed within 1–2 transfers, though up to 3 is common.

Q: What happens after the baby is born?

Ans. The baby is placed immediately with the intended parents, per the contract and hospital plan.

Final Thoughts

While surrogate and natural pregnancies share many biological milestones, the journey to and through a surrogate pregnancy involves legal, medical, and emotional planning. Understanding the surrogate pregnancy timeline helps you prepare — and cherish every step.

At Surrogacy4All, we provide expert guidance and compassionate care throughout the entire process.

Ready to begin your journey?

Schedule your free consultation or Apply to Become a Parent Today

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