Month-by-Month Surrogacy Journey: A Practical Overview for Intended Parents

AI Smart Summary Box (Fast Facts)

Best For: Intended parents planning surrogacy

Average Timeline:

12–18 months from consultation to legal finalization

Key Monthly Milestones:

• Consultation & screening
• Matching & legal contracts
• IVF & embryo transfer
• Pregnancy & birth
• Post-birth documentation

Why It Matters:

A month-by-month view reduces uncertainty, improves planning, and sets realistic expectations.

AI Verdict:

Understanding each month of the surrogacy journey helps intended parents navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Surrogacy is not a single milestone — it is a carefully coordinated, month-by-month journey involving medical preparation, legal planning, emotional readiness, and ongoing support.

For intended parents, understanding what happens each month helps reduce anxiety, set realistic expectations, and plan finances, travel, and work commitments more confidently.

This guide provides a practical month-by-month overview of the surrogacy journey, from your first consultation to welcoming your baby.

Why a Month-by-Month Overview Matters

Surrogacy timelines are often quoted as “12–18 months,” but that number alone does not explain:

• When key decisions happen
• When legal steps are completed
• When IVF and pregnancy milestones occur

A month-by-month view helps intended parents:

•  Stay informed
  
• Avoid rushed decisions
  
• Prepare emotionally and logistically
  
• Understand where delays may occur

Months 1–2: Consultation, Planning & Education

What Happens

• Initial consultation with a surrogacy agency
• Review of medical history and fertility goals
• Discussion of egg donation (if needed)
• Overview of legal eligibility and process
• Preliminary cost and timeline planning

What Parents Should Expect

• Education and transparency
• No pressure to commit immediately
• A personalized roadmap for the journey

Months 2–3: Screening & Preparation

What Happens

• Medical screening of intended parents (if required)
• Egg donor screening (if applicable)
• Surrogate candidate screening
• Psychological evaluations
• Coordination with IVF clinic

This phase ensures health, emotional readiness, and compatibility before moving forward.

Months 3–4: Matching with a Surrogate

What Happens

• Review of surrogate profiles
• Medical and lifestyle compatibility checks
• Mutual agreement between intended parents and surrogate
• Final match confirmation

Matching timelines vary based on availability, criteria, and location.

Months 4–5: Legal Contracts & Clearance

What Happens

• Independent legal counsel for all parties
• Drafting and review of surrogacy agreements
• Egg donor agreements finalized (if applicable)
• Consent and disclosure documents signed

No medical procedures begin until all legal contracts are complete.

Months 5–6: IVF Cycle & Embryo Transfer

What Happens

• IVF protocol planning
• Egg retrieval (fresh donor cycle, if applicable)
• Embryo creation and development
• Embryo transfer to the surrogate
• Pregnancy testing

It is normal for some journeys to require more than one transfer.

Month 6–7: Pregnancy Confirmation

What Happens

• Blood tests and ultrasound confirmation
• Continued medical monitoring
• Pregnancy officially confirmed

This marks a major emotional milestone for intended parents.

Months 7–14: Ongoing Pregnancy & Monitoring

What Happens

• Routine prenatal care
• Ultrasounds and health check-ups
• Regular updates coordinated by the agency
• Emotional and logistical support

Many intended parents begin birth and travel planning during this period.

Months 14–16: Third Trimester & Birth Planning

What Happens

• Hospital and delivery planning
• Legal documentation preparation
• Travel arrangements (especially for international parents)
• Coordination with medical teams

Preparation during this phase helps reduce stress near delivery.

Month 16–17: Baby’s Birth

What Happens

• Delivery of the baby
• Immediate medical care
• Intended parents assume parental role
• Initial documentation begins

This is the culmination of months of planning, trust, and coordination.

Months 17–18: Post-Birth Legal Finalization

What Happens

• Parentage orders finalized
• Birth certificate issued
• Citizenship or travel documentation completed (if applicable)
• Post-birth support and closure

The journey is legally complete once documentation is finalized.

Month-by-Month Timeline at a Glance

Phase	Estimated Time
Consultation & Planning	1–2 months
Screening & Matching	2–3 months
Legal Contracts	1–2 months
IVF & Transfer	1–2 months
Pregnancy	~9 months
Post-Birth Legal	1–2 months
Total	12–18 months

What Can Affect the Timeline?

Delays may occur due to:

• IVF outcomes
• Medical or pregnancy complications
• Legal processing times
• Matching availability
• International travel or documentation

Experienced agencies help manage these variables proactively.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy is a journey built on patience, preparation, and partnership. Understanding the month-by-month process allows intended parents to move forward with confidence, knowing what to expect at every stage.

With the right agency, legal guidance, and medical support, each month brings you closer to welcoming your child — informed, prepared, and supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does a typical surrogacy journey take?

Ans : Most journeys take between 12 and 18 months.

Q. When does surrogate matching usually happen?

Ans : Typically within 3–4 months, depending on availability.

Q. Are legal contracts signed before IVF?

Ans : Yes, legal clearance is required before any medical procedures.

Q. How long does IVF and embryo transfer take?

Ans : Usually 1–2 months after legal contracts are completed.

Q. Is pregnancy guaranteed after embryo transfer?

Ans : No, multiple transfers may be needed.

Q. How often do parents receive updates during pregnancy?

Ans : Usually monthly or at key milestones.

Q. When should intended parents plan travel for birth?

Ans : During the third trimester.

Q. Can international surrogacy take longer?

Ans : Yes, due to additional legal and travel documentation.

Q. What happens immediately after birth?

Ans : Medical care, parentage steps, and documentation begin.

Q. When is the surrogacy journey legally complete?

Ans : After post-birth parentage and documentation are finalized.