The Surrogacy Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Carlos Diaz
- Aug 15, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 21, 2024
The journey to parenthood through surrogacy is deeply personal, filled with meaningful steps and guided by trust. While every journey is unique, and nature can sometimes extend timelines, we’re here to guide you through each milestone with care and expertise. Here’s what you can generally expect as you move closer to welcoming your baby home.
Getting Started: Laying the Groundwork (1-2 Months)
Your journey begins with essential preparations like signing contracts, submitting documents, and completing medical and psychological evaluations. If you’re creating embryos with us, this stage also includes medical screenings, genetic testing if needed, and visits to our clinic for sperm deposit and related steps. These foundations ensure everything is in place to move forward confidently.
Preparing Embryos & Preselecting Surrogates (3-5 Months, Running in Parallel)As embryos are created through IVF or ICSI, we simultaneously preselect potential surrogates who align with your values and needs. Your selected egg donor undergoes thorough screenings—medical, psychological, and optional genetic tests—before her eggs are retrieved and fertilized. These screenings follow rigorous ethical guidelines, ensuring that only those donors who are fully committed move forward. Genetic testing options, like the Horizon test for carrier screening, are available based on your plan. By running these processes in parallel, we maintain momentum while ensuring everything aligns smoothly.
Finding the Right Surrogate (1-3 Months)
While embryos are being prepared, we focus on finding the ideal surrogate—someone who not only meets medical and psychological readiness standards but also shares your values. Out of every 1,000 candidates, only around 15 typically move forward. This careful selection process ensures we match you with a surrogate who is both ethically aligned and fully committed to the journey. Once matched, her cycle is synchronized with the embryo transfer, marking a significant milestone in your journey.
Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy Confirmation (2-3 Weeks)When all preparations are complete, the embryo transfer takes place. About 10-14 days later, a pregnancy test (Beta) confirms whether the transfer was successful. This milestone is filled with anticipation, and while most journeys proceed smoothly, some steps—particularly those driven by biological factors—can take additional time. Should further attempts be necessary, they are carefully planned with continuous support, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making.
Pregnancy Monitoring & Emotional Bonding (9 Months)As the pregnancy progresses, your involvement deepens. Around the fourth month, your baby begins to hear sounds, making it the perfect time to share your voice through audio recordings, read stories, or sing lullabies. These bonding activities create familiarity and connection long before birth. Throughout the pregnancy, you’ll receive regular updates, ultrasounds, and opportunities to engage, ensuring you’re part of every milestone.
The Birth Experience, Post-Birth Care & Welcoming Your Baby (3-4 Weeks)The day you’ve been waiting for arrives, and you’re there to welcome your baby into the world. Most families stay around 21 days to complete post-birth tasks like registration, DNA testing, and securing a passport for your baby. With pediatric approval, some babies can fly as soon as two weeks after birth. During this time, we handle all logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on bonding with your newborn and enjoying these first precious weeks together.
Understanding Timelines and FlexibilityThe overall journey from start to finish typically takes 14 to 20 months. However, it’s important to recognize that some steps, particularly those influenced by biological processes, can take additional time. Our commitment is to guide you with transparency and care, adapting as needed to ensure the best outcome for your family.
Myth-Busting: Understanding Surrogacy Timelines
“The Process is Rigid and Fixed”: Surrogacy timelines adapt to your needs and circumstances. Whether there are unexpected changes or precise planning, the journey remains flexible and personalized.
“You’re on the Sidelines”: From bonding activities to key decisions, you’re an active participant in every milestone, making the process deeply personal and fulfilling.
“Everyone’s Experience is the Same”: Each surrogacy journey is unique, reflecting the personal nature of your story. Whether the process is straightforward or requires more time, we tailor the experience to your circumstances.
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