What the Surrogacy Process Really Looks Like (With Timeline!) ⏳✨
So, you're thinking about becoming a surrogate? First of all you’re amazing! Seriously. It takes heart, strength, and a whole lot of compassion to help build a family, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 💛
Here's a fun breakdown of the surrogacy journey from the very first click that submits your application to that powerful delivery room moment. Buckle up, beautiful, your Surrogate Era starts now.
📲 Step 1: The Application (45 minutes)
Grab your favorite drink, settle into the couch, and let’s get started! Our application takes about 45 minutes to complete, basically one episode of your favorite reality show. Easy, right?
💬 Step 2: The Interview (45 minutes)
Once we’ve reviewed your info, you’ll chat with one of our Admissions Coordinators for a casual (but important!) 45-minute call. We’ll talk about your goals, answer your questions, and dive deeper into your pregnancy history. Think of it as a coffee date—just virtual!
🗂️ Medical Records & HIPAA Authorization (2-4 weeks)
After your interview, we’ll get the ball rolling by requesting your signed HIPAA form, this lets us gather your pregnancy and delivery records from your OB. This part can take 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly your doctor’s office processes requests.
👉 Heads up: We can’t release your profile to intended parents until we have these records on file—so the sooner we get that HIPAA, the sooner we can move forward! Don’t stress, we’ll handle all the follow-ups and paperwork hustle for you.
💸 Step 4: Benefit Package Review (45 minutes)
In this 45-minute call, we’ll walk you through your benefit package aka your compensation and all the perks that come with being a surrogate. This convo ensures your financial expectations are aligned and you feel confident moving forward.
✨ Yes, surrogacy is an act of kindness but it’s also one that pays. First-time surrogates with Road to Baby take home $60,000+, and we’ve matched experienced surrogates for over $100,000!
We’re proud of our high surrogate retention rate. From emotional support to financial protection, we make sure you're well taken care of for the incredible gift you're giving.
💞 Step 5: Matching Magic (Average 2+ weeks)
This is where the butterflies kick in! 🦋 Our team begins working to find you the perfect match based on your preferences, pregnancy history, benefit package, and more. On average, this takes about 2 weeks sometimes faster, sometimes longer.
✨ Here’s the reality of matching:
We match surrogates with intended parents across a wide range of budgets and situations. Your requested compensation, whether or not you have surrogate-friendly insurance, state-specific legal requirements, and even your pregnancy history all play a role. IVF clinics also have their own guidelines, which can affect matching speed.
Don’t worry—we’re not here to discourage you. We’re just keeping it real. Some matches happen super quickly, others take a little more time. From day one, our team will give you clear, honest expectations based on your unique profile so you're never left guessing. Because when it's the right match? 💫 It's worth the wait.
🔍 Step 6: Background Check (1 week)
We run a standard criminal background check for you and your partner. This is all part of making sure everyone moves forward with a safe match.
🧠 Step 7: Psych Eval (1 hour + from home!)
You’ll complete a one-hour + psychological evaluation from the comfort of your couch. This helps ensure you’re emotionally ready for the journey and yes, leggings are totally acceptable attire.
🧬 Step 8: Medical Screening Day
Travel might be required for your medical screening with the IVF clinic. The appointment itself takes on average two hours. After your appointment, clearance typically takes about 2 weeks.
🖊️ Step 9: Legal Contracts (3 weeks)
Once medically cleared, you’ll work with an attorney (paid for by the intended parents) to review and finalize your surrogacy contract (GSA). This can be done virtually and usually takes about 3 weeks.
💉 Step 10: Medications Begin!
Your IVF clinic will send you a schedule for hormone injections and medications to prep your body for embryo transfer. This phase lasts a few weeks and our team will walk you through every step. You got this 💪
🌱 Step 11: Embryo Transfer Day!
Transfer day is filled with excitement, nerves, and all the good vibes. ✨ The appointment itself is quick usually about 2 hours total but it’s a powerful and emotional moment that brings everything full circle.
📍 A few important notes:
• You will need a companion with you.
• Travel may be required if you’re not local to your IVF clinic.
This is one of the most meaningful milestones in the surrogacy journey and we’ll be cheering you on with tons of baby dust and love. 💫
💊 Step 12: Post-Transfer Meds (Up to 9–12 weeks)
After transfer, you’ll continue with medications to support the pregnancy during the early weeks. Your clinic will let you know when it’s time to stop (usually after 9–12 weeks).
💛 Step 13: OB Care Until Delivery
Once you “graduate” from the IVF clinic (usually around 8–10 weeks pregnant), you’ll switch to your regular OB for the rest of the pregnancy. From there, it’s baby-growing mode until the big day!
👶 Step 14: Delivery Day
You’ve made it! This is the final step in your surrogacy journey—and the first chapter for the family you’ve helped create. It’s emotional, powerful, and unforgettable. 💖
You’ll forever be part of something bigger than yourself, an act of love that changed lives.
One of our favorite quotes says it best:
“They say it takes a village to raise a child. Sometimes it takes a village to have a child.” – Sara Walsh
From all of us at Road to Baby: thank you for being the heart of that village. 💫
💬 Final Thoughts
Surrogacy isn’t just a process—it’s a journey, and like any good journey, it comes with support, celebration, and a whole lot of purpose. Whether you're still deciding or ready to get started, just know: we’re here for you every step of the way.
Ready to take the first step? 💫
Apply Here or email us at info@roadtobaby.com