The Surrogacy Timeline (9–18 Months)

AI Summary Box

The surrogacy timeline generally spans 9–18 months and includes screening, legal agreements, medical preparation, embryo transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and delivery. This guide explains each phase, why timelines vary, and how working with a trusted egg donor agency ensures clarity, support, and safety throughout the process.

Why Become a Surrogate?

Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing opportunity to help intended parents grow their families. Surrogates often describe the experience as deeply rewarding, meaningful, and empowering.

Choosing to work with reputable clinics and a trusted egg donor agency increases your confidence in the process. From medical checks to emotional support, these professionals guide you through every milestone in the surrogacy journey.

How Long Does the Surrogacy Timeline Last?

The total surrogacy journey typically lasts 9 to 18 months, depending on multiple factors:

• How quickly screening and matching are completed
• Legal contract negotiations
• Medical preparedness and timing of cycles
• Embryo transfer success
• Pregnancy progression and delivery timing

Every case is different. Some surrogacy journeys conclude closer to 9 months, while others extend to 15–18 months due to additional preparation or medical considerations.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Here’s a clear breakdown of the surrogacy timeline from start to finish:

1. Initial Inquiry and Screening (1–4 Weeks)

The process begins when a potential surrogate or intended parents contact the agency. Initial questionnaires, health history reviews, and basic eligibility screening are completed during this time.

2. Full Medical and Psychological Evaluation (2–6 Weeks)

Once pre-screening is cleared, surrogates undergo:

• Full medical examinations
• Lab work and reproductive testing
• Psychological assessment to ensure readiness

These evaluations ensure physical and emotional preparedness for the journey.

3. Matching with Intended Parents (Variable)

Matching can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The agency works to pair surrogates and intended parents based on compatibility, preferences, and medical factors.

4. Legal Contract Phase (2–8 Weeks)

Before any medical procedures begin:

• Attorneys finalize legal contracts
• Parental rights, compensation, and responsibilities are clearly outlined

This is a critically important phase that protects all parties.

5. Medical Preparation & IVF/Embryo Transfer (4–10 Weeks)

After legal clearance, the surrogate’s body is medically prepared for embryo transfer. This includes hormonal treatments and synchronized cycles with the intending mother or donor program.

6. Pregnancy Confirmation and Monitoring

After embryo transfer:

• Blood tests and ultrasound confirm pregnancy
• Ongoing prenatal care begins approximately 2–4 weeks after confirmation

Regular medical visits continue throughout the pregnancy.

7. Pregnancy and Delivery (9 Months)

Once pregnancy is confirmed, the standard gestation timeline applies.

Some pregnancies may extend beyond the typical 40-week cycle due to medical factors or timing.

8. Postpartum and Closure (4–8 Weeks After Birth)

After delivery, both the surrogate and intended parents complete final medical checks and emotional debriefs. The agency remains available for support as needed.

Trusted Egg Donor Agency Support

Working with a trusted egg donor agency ensures:

• Professional screening and matching
• Care coordination between clinics and legal teams
• Support during every stage of the surrogacy timeline
• Advocacy for both surrogates and intended parents
• Emotional well-being check-ins and guidance

A qualified agency simplifies the journey and ensures transparency throughout.

Benefits of Understanding the Surrogacy Timeline

For Surrogates

• Better emotional preparation
• Clear expectations of each stage
• Confidence in medical and legal processes

For Intended Parents

• Clear roadmap of when milestones occur
• Transparency around timing and coordination
• Reduced uncertainty about delivery timing

A detailed timeline helps everyone plan effectively and feel secure in the journey ahead.

FAQs 

Q. How long does surrogacy take from start to finish?

Ans. Most journeys take between 9 and 18 months, depending on evaluations, matching, and medical timing.

Q. Can surrogacy be completed faster?

Ans. Timeline compression is rare because of medical and legal safeguards.

Q. What affects the length of the process?

Ans. Screening, legal negotiations, matching preferences, and treatment cycles influence timing.

Q. Is embryo transfer always successful on the first attempt?

Ans. Not always. Some journeys may require multiple attempts, affecting timeline length.

Q. What happens during the legal phase?

Ans. Contracts protect the surrogate and intended parents and are finalized by attorneys.

Q. Are psychological evaluations required?

Ans. Yes — emotional readiness is part of responsible surrogacy screening.

Q. Can the timeline vary by state?

Ans. Yes — different U.S. states have different legal and clinic policy requirements.

Q. How soon after matching does medical prep begin?

Ans. Medical preparation begins once legal contracts are finalized, often within a few weeks.

Q. Does prenatal care take place at regular OB appointments?

Ans. Yes — standard prenatal care continues through delivery.

Q. What support does the agency provide after birth?

Ans. Agencies offer medical follow-ups, emotional support, and help with paperwork closure.

Conclusion

Understanding the surrogacy timeline — from initial screening to delivery and postpartum care — empowers surrogates and intended parents with clarity and confidence. While each journey is unique, the average timeframe of 9–18 months includes medical preparation, legal planning, embryo transfer, pregnancy, and follow-up care.

Partnering with a trusted egg donor agency and experienced fertility clinics ensures safety, coordination, and support at every step of the process.