Becoming a surrogate mother consists of many mini-milestones that lead to the big day: delivery day!
How long does the surrogate process take?
When you apply to become a surrogate, you will likely not be told how long your journey will last. A surrogacy journey for surrogate mothers can take anywhere from 14-20+ months. Your journey begins with your application, but then depends on many factors: how quickly you're matched with intended parents, how well you respond to IVF medications and time for embryo creation and transfer.
What does the surrogate process look like?
Here's a step-by-step guide to the surrogacy process, and a surrogacy timeline to help you see how long it takes to give intended parents the ultimate gift: their baby!
The six key milestones of the surrogacy process are:
Step 1: PreScreening (1-2 weeks)
The first step is to fill out a surrogate application. If your application passes the first set of surrogate requirements, you'll be connected with a Surrogate Prescreening Coordinator. Medical records review and evaluation and background checks also happen during this step.
Step 2: Surrogacy Consultation (1-2 weeks)
During this step you'll have a video call with social worker, and your primary support person/spouse will have a call with the social worker as well.
Step 3: Matching (1 week to 1 month)
This is an exciting step: matching with your intended parents! When a good match is identified, there will be a profile exchange with intended parents, then a video call. If all parties agree, you will officially be matched! Circle Surrogacy has intended parents waiting for the right surrogate match – you could be matched immediately!
Step 4: Medical Screening & Legal Contracts (2-3 months)
You'll attend your Medical screening at the IVF clinic (overnight trip), and you'll start and finalize contract negotiations with your attorney.
Step 5: Monitoring Appointments & Embryo Transfer (3-4 weeks)
Once approved medically, you'll begin your medications. While administering your surrogate medications you'll attend local monitoring appointments to ensure your body is responding properly. When your body is ready you'll attend the Embryo transfer! (3-7 day trip)
Step 6: Pregnancy (9 months+)
This step can feel like the longest of all the steps. You'll go for Beta tests at your local clinic to confirm pregnancy. From there, you'll have an ultrasound at 6-7 weeks for confirmation of heartbeat(s). During the pregnancy you'll attend routine appointments, develop your relationship with your IPs and share updates until the big day arrives: Delivery day!
See the full surrogate mother process in detail.