Surrogacy Process
What are the steps of surrogacy?
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Last reviewed: March 23, 2026 · Reviewed by Patriot Conceptions Operations Team
Reviewed for public journey sequencing and milestone clarity. Actual timelines can vary by screening, legal readiness, clinic scheduling, and transfer outcomes.
Surrogacy process step by step
The surrogacy process is easier to manage when you treat it as a sequence of decisions instead of one long emotional blur. Screening, legal preparation, clinic timing, transfer, pregnancy support, and delivery all have different owners and different risks.
This page shows the public journey path so surrogates can understand what happens next, what usually takes time, and where to look if they need more detail on eligibility or pay.
Estimated Time: 1-2 weeks
APPLICATION PROCESS
Gather essential information about you and assess your preliminary qualifications.
Estimated Time: 4-6 Weeks
SCREENING PROCESS
Your profile will be shared with intended parents for consideration.
Estimated Time: 3-4 Weeks
TRANSFER PREPARATION
We'll work with you to coordinate the perfect schedule for your embryo transfer procedure. Our team ensures all parties are aligned and prepared for this crucial step.
Estimated Time: 2-3 Weeks
FET PROCEDURE
This carefully timed process prepares your body and the embryo for transfer.
STEP 1: APPLICATION PROCESS
Estimated Time: 1-2 weeks
Complete the Initial Intake Form
Gather essential information about you and assess your preliminary qualifications.
Phone Consultation with a Surrogacy Advisor
Answer any questions you may have about surrogacy and provide more information about our program.
Preliminary Agency Screening
Reviewing your medical history, lifestyle factors, and support system.
- - Reviewing your medical history and lifestyle factors
- - Evaluating your support system
Matching With Intended Parents
Find the best possible match based on shared values, expectations, and communication style.
- - Find the best possible match based on shared values and expectations
- - Set the foundation for a positive surrogacy journey
Pro Tip: Take your time filling out this form. The more detailed your responses, the better we can assist you. To start check out our surrogate application.
STEP 2: SCREENING PROCESS
Estimated Time: 4-6 Weeks
Presentable Profile Sent Out
Your profile will be shared with intended parents for consideration.
Skype/WeChat Interview with Intended Parents
Engage in a virtual interview to establish a connection with the intended parents.
Match Confirmation
Move from match confirmation into IVF records approval and the next medical steps.
- - Once the match is confirmed, proceed to the next steps in the process
- - Official Medical Records Approval from IVF Facility
Ensure all medical records are officially approved by the IVF facility.
STEP 3: TRANSFER PREPARATION
Estimated Time: 3-4 Weeks
Embryo Transfer Date Set-Up
We'll work with you to coordinate the perfect schedule for your embryo transfer procedure. Our team ensures all parties are aligned and prepared for this crucial step.
Medication & Injection Calendar
Follow our carefully crafted calendar for medications and injections. This personalized schedule is designed to optimize your body's readiness for a successful transfer.
IVF Medical Appointments
Attend all required IVF medical appointments. These visits are essential for monitoring your progress and ensuring everything is on track for a healthy pregnancy.
STEP 4: FET PROCEDURE
Estimated Time: 2-3 Weeks
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Procedure
This carefully timed process prepares your body and the embryo for transfer.
- - Preparation of your uterine lining
- - Thawing of the selected embryo(s)
- - Precise placement of the embryo(s) in your uterus
Pregnancy Confirmation
Approximately 10-14 days after your FET, you'll undergo a blood test to confirm pregnancy. This exciting milestone marks the beginning of your pregnancy journey.
10-Week Monitoring Process
Regular ultrasounds and hormone checks help the clinic monitor progress and adjust care when needed.
- - Regular ultrasounds track your baby's development and hormone levels are closely monitored
- - Any necessary adjustments to your care plan are made
IVF Facility Graduation
Around 10 weeks, care usually transitions from the IVF clinic to your regular obstetric team.
- - At around 10 weeks, you'll reach a significant milestone
- - Transition to regular obstetric care
- - Completion of your fertility treatment journey
STEP 5: PREGNANCY & DELIVERY
Estimated Time: 36-40 Weeks
Regular OB/GYN Check-ups for a Healthy Pregnancy
Regular prenatal check-ups monitor fetal development, maternal health, and any concerns that need attention.
- - Monitoring fetal growth and development
- - Tracking the surrogate's health and well-being
- - Addressing any pregnancy-related concerns or complications
Establishing Parental Rights for Intended Parents
This phase covers agreement drafting, legal paperwork, and parentage requirements.
- - Working and drafting with specialized attorneys on agreements
- - Completing necessary legal paperwork
- - Ensuring all legal requirements are met
The Joyous Moment: Delivering the Baby to Intended Parents
The delivery plan coordinates the care team, intended parents, and the first handoff after birth.
- - Coordinating with the medical team for the birth plan
- - Ensuring the intended parents' presence at the birth (if desired)
- - Facilitating the first moments between the baby and intended parents
This moment marks the successful completion of the surrogacy process and the beginning of a new family's journey together.
Surrogacy process FAQ
How long does the surrogacy process usually take?
Timelines vary, but most journeys move through screening, matching, legal preparation, transfer, pregnancy, and delivery over many months. Medical readiness, state law, and embryo-transfer outcomes all affect timing.
What happens before a surrogate is matched?
Before matching, the process typically includes baseline eligibility review, records screening, psychological and medical checks, legal fit review, and preparation for the match profile and expectations.
When does the legal process happen in surrogacy?
Legal work usually happens after the match is confirmed and before embryo transfer. Contracts, escrow, insurance review, and parentage strategy should be aligned before transfer proceeds.
What can slow the surrogacy timeline down?
Common delays include incomplete records, legal complexity, clinic scheduling, embryo-transfer timing, additional transfer cycles, and changes in medical readiness or state-law strategy.
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