Surrogate Medical Screening — What to Expect

AI Summary Box

• Surrogate medical screening assesses health, reproductive history, and overall wellness.
• The process includes physical exams, lab tests, and consultations with specialists.
• Surrogacy typically takes 6 to 12+ months from application to delivery.
• A trusted egg donor agency supports you medically, emotionally, and legally.
• This guide explains expectations, benefits, steps, and common questions.

Why Become a Surrogate?

Women choose surrogacy for deeply meaningful reasons. Common motivations include:

• Helping individuals or couples fulfill their dream of parenthood.
• Emotional fulfillment from supporting another family’s journey.
• Opportunities for personal growth and connection.
• Structured support, compensation, and quality medical care.
• Being part of something greater — offering love, hope, and a lifelong gift.

Understanding your purpose helps you approach medical screening and the journey ahead with clarity and confidence.

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

The entire surrogacy journey usually spans 6 to 12+ months from start to birth. Important timeframes include:

• Application & Initial Review: 1–4 weeks
• Surrogate Medical Screening: 6–12+ weeks
• Psychological Evaluation: 2–4 weeks
• Matching with Intended Parents: 1–3 months
• Legal Contracts: 4–8 weeks
• Pregnancy & Delivery: ~9 months

The medical screening portion is one of the early and most important steps in ensuring readiness and safety for the pregnancy ahead.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Here’s how the surrogate medical screening fits into the full process:

1. Application Submission: Your first step as a prospective surrogate.
2. Medical History Review: A detailed review of your health history, previous pregnancies, and lifestyle.
3. Physical Examination: Comprehensive health check-ups and vital assessments.
4. Reproductive Health Tests: Screening for conditions affecting fertility, reproductive organs, or pregnancy health.
5. Lab Testing: Blood work, hormone levels, infectious disease screening, and general health panels.
6. Ultrasounds & Imaging: Evaluation of uterus and reproductive anatomy to ensure optimal pregnancy conditions.
7. Consultation with Specialists: If needed, consultations with OB/GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine doctors, or reproductive endocrinologists.
8. Medical Clearance: Once all tests and evaluations are completed, you receive approval to move forward.

Each step ensures you are physically prepared and supported for the journey ahead.

Surrogate Medical Screening — What to Expect

Medical screening is a thorough evaluation designed to confirm your physical health, reproductive history, and ability to carry a pregnancy safely. Here’s what typically happens:

Comprehensive Health Review

You’ll be asked about your general health, past pregnancies, surgeries, medications, lifestyle factors, and family medical history.

Physical Exam

Your healthcare provider will check your overall health, including blood pressure, weight, and vital signs.

Reproductive Health Assessment

This may include pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and evaluation of reproductive organs.

Lab Testing

Surrogate medical screening often includes:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Hormone panels
• Blood type and Rh factor
• Screening for infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis)
• Other health markers

Consultations with Specialists

If any concerns arise, you may be referred to specialists such as OB/GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine doctors, or reproductive endocrinologists.

Medical Clearance

After all evaluations are completed, your medical team provides clearance, ensuring you are physically ready to move into the next stages of surrogacy.

Trusted Egg Donor Agency Support

Going through medical screenings can feel overwhelming, but a trusted egg donor agency provides comprehensive support throughout the process:

• Help scheduling and coordinating appointments
• Clear explanations of each test and its purpose
• Emotional support and guidance at every step
• Communication with medical teams and intended parents
• Resources and referrals for specialists when needed

Your agency acts as your partner, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and empowered during screening and beyond.

Benefits of Surrogate Medical Screening

Medical screening offers several important benefits:

• Ensures your health and safety before pregnancy
• Identifies any health issues early for appropriate care
• Builds confidence in your physical readiness
• Helps intended parents feel secure in your well-being
• Reduces risks during pregnancy and delivery

Screening protects both you and the future child — making it an essential part of the surrogacy journey.

FAQs 

Q. Why is medical screening required?

Ans. It ensures you are physically capable of safely carrying a pregnancy.

Q. Does screening involve invasive tests?

Ans. Most tests are non-invasive, such as blood draws and ultrasounds.

Q. How long does the screening process take?

Ans. Typically 6–12+ weeks depending on tests and specialist consultations.

Q. Will I need to repeat tests?

Ans. Sometimes, if results are unclear or further evaluation is needed.

Q. Can I be disqualified during screening?

Ans. Yes — if health risks are identified that could affect safety.

Q. Who pays for medical screening?

Ans. Intended parents usually cover all screening costs.

Q. Does screening include psychological evaluation?

Ans. Yes — emotional readiness is often evaluated separately.

Q. Can I ask questions during screening?

Ans. Absolutely — your medical team is there to support you.

Q. What happens after medical clearance?

Ans. You move on to matching, legal contracting, and then embryo transfer or pregnancy steps.

Q. Is medical screening different for donor eggs vs intended mother eggs?

Ans. No — the screening requirements are the same for all surrogate cases.

Conclusion

Understanding surrogate medical screening — what to expect can help you approach the surrogacy journey with confidence and peace of mind. This important step ensures your health is prioritized and clears the way for a safe and supported pregnancy.

With guidance from a trusted egg donor agency, you’ll have the resources, clarity, and support needed to navigate screenings and the entire process—from initial application to delivery. Medical screening isn’t just a requirement — it’s a foundation for a healthy, empowered, and successful surrogacy experience.