Deciding to start a family through surrogacy is a significant step, and understanding the timeline is key to managing expectations. Many prospective parents wonder: How long does the surrogacy process take? While each surrogacy journey is unique, there is a general timeline that most follow.
Surrogacy typically lasts anywhere from 18 to 24 months, though the exact length depends on several factors, such as medical, legal, and the availability of a surrogate mother. It is essential to understand each phase of the process and its implications to plan accordingly.
Before starting the formal surrogacy process, prospective parents need time to consider all their options. Surrogacy is a major life decision and requires thorough research. This phase involves learning about surrogacy agencies, understanding the different types of surrogacy, and addressing any concerns, such as medical procedures, legal matters, and financial planning.
Choosing the right agency is vital at this stage. You will need to determine if you want to work with a full-service surrogacy agency or if you will go through the process independently. With so much information to gather, it’s important to be thorough and ensure that you are comfortable with your decisions before moving forward.
Once prospective parents decide to partner with a surrogacy agency, the next step is to schedule a consultation. The consultation process usually takes between one and three months. Simple Surrogacy offers a personalized experience for intended parents, and we guide you every step of the way to make sure that all of your questions are answered.
During this stage, you will also fill out an application form, which will help the agency better understand your preferences, needs, and any criteria you may have for selecting a surrogate. The application process may involve a thorough review of medical and psychological history.
One of the most important and personal phases of the surrogacy process is matching with a surrogate. This phase typically lasts three to six months. Finding the right match can take time, especially if you have specific criteria, such as age, location, or previous experience with surrogacy. At Simple Surrogacy, we take pride in our ability to make personalized matches, making sure that both the intended parents and the surrogate feel comfortable and confident in their decision.
Once a surrogate is matched, medical and psychological screenings are necessary to ensure that the surrogate is healthy and ready for pregnancy. This process typically takes between one and two months and involves several key tests and evaluations. The surrogate will undergo blood work, physical exams, STD testing, and psychological assessments to ensure she is fit to carry the baby. Additionally, the surrogate’s medical history is reviewed to confirm that she has had a healthy pregnancy in the past.
During this stage, intended parents also work with their legal teams to prepare the necessary surrogacy contracts. At Simple Surrogacy, we guarantee that all legal matters are handled with care, and we help guide both parties through this process, ensuring that all terms and agreements are clear.
Once the medical and legal aspects are complete, the embryo transfer process begins. This step typically takes around one to one and a half months. The surrogate will undergo a preparation phase, which involves hormone treatments to help her body prepare for the embryo transfer. If you don’t have embryos ready, the process will take longer as eggs need to be retrieved, fertilized, and then prepared for transfer.
While the embryo transfer is a pivotal moment, it’s important to know that it may take more than one attempt for the pregnancy to be successful. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, another transfer cycle may be required, which can add time to the process. Success is not guaranteed on the first try, but with the support of a good agency and medical team, the chances are high.
After the embryo transfer, the surrogate will undergo monitoring to confirm the pregnancy. The pregnancy phase typically lasts nine to ten months, but several weeks have already passed by the time the pregnancy is confirmed.
During this period, the surrogate will be monitored regularly by her doctor, and the intended parents will receive updates on the pregnancy’s progress. For many intended parents, this is the longest part of the surrogacy journey, but it is also the most exciting.
As the pregnancy progresses, various tasks must be prepared for the baby’s arrival. The intended parents should create a birth plan, make travel arrangements (if needed), and begin preparing for the baby’s care.
The birth of your child is the final stage of the surrogacy journey. This part of the process typically takes about one and a half to three months, as there are legal procedures to establish parental rights. Once the baby is born, the legal team will work to ensure that the intended parents are legally recognized as the child’s parents. This process varies by state, and in some cases, a full adoption or second-parent adoption may be required.
While the surrogacy process follows a general timeline, it is important to remain flexible. Delays and challenges can arise, especially in the medical and legal phases. Complications may also occur, such as a failed embryo transfer or unexpected medical issues. Focusing on each step as it comes, without rushing, is key to keeping the experience manageable and positive.
At Simple Surrogacy, we are dedicated to making your surrogacy journey as smooth as possible. Our agency has over 20 years of experience in the surrogacy field, providing personalized support to both intended parents and surrogates.
We guide you through every stage of the process, from finding the right surrogate mother to ensuring that all legal and medical aspects are handled with care. Our commitment to your success, combined with our personalized approach, sets us apart.
We understand that surrogacy is a significant journey, and our team is here to offer support every step of the way, making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
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