Complete Surrogacy Timeline

If you’re considering surrogacy, one of your first questions is likely: What does the surrogacy timeline look like, and how long does the journey take? Understanding the surrogacy process timeline helps both intended parents and surrogates prepare for each step with realistic expectations.

While every journey is unique, most surrogacy timelines span 18–24+ months from initial consultation to delivery. Below, we’ll walk through the steps of surrogacy, explain what affects the timeline, and share resources to help you prepare.

Step 1: Preparing and Applying (1–6 months)

The journey begins with learning about surrogacy, gathering medical records, and deciding whether to move forward.

• For surrogates: The first step is filling out an application and reviewing surrogate guidelines and requirements. This ensures you meet the health and lifestyle criteria for a safe pregnancy.
• For intended parents: This stage often includes consultations with agencies, fertility clinics, and attorneys. Intended Parent Consultation

This initial preparation sets the foundation for a smooth process.

Step 2: Medical and Psychological Screening (1–3+ months)

Next, both surrogates and intended parents go through important evaluations:

• Surrogates complete medical tests, background checks, and a psychological assessment. Learn more about the surrogate medical screening process.
• Intended parents may also undergo medical consultations to review embryos and treatment options.

This step ensures everyone is fully ready, physically and emotionally, for the journey ahead.

Step 3: Matching with Surrogate/Intended Parents (6-10 months)

The matching phase is one of the most meaningful steps of surrogacy. Surrogates and intended parents are carefully paired based on shared values, lifestyle, and expectations.

At Hatch, our surrogate matching process often takes 2–3 months, once cleared for matching, significantly shorter than many agencies. This reduces uncertainty and helps families move forward sooner.

Step 4: Legal Contracts (1–2 months)

Once a match is made, both sides work with attorneys to draft and finalize a surrogacy agreement. The contract outlines:

• Parental rights
• Medical decision-making
• Compensation and covered expenses
• Surrogate rights and responsibilities

Legal timelines vary depending on state laws and the complexity of the agreement.

Step 5: Medical Preparation & Embryo Transfer (1–3 months)

Surrogates begin fertility medications to prepare for embryo transfer. IVF specialists then transfer an embryo to the surrogate’s uterus.

If embryos are already frozen, this stage may move more quickly. If multiple IVF attempts are needed, it can extend the surrogacy timeline.

Step 6: Pregnancy (9 months)

Pregnancy is the longest stage of the journey. Surrogates attend regular checkups, while intended parents prepare for the arrival of their baby. Agencies often provide ongoing support, counseling, and surrogacy readiness resources to help families manage expectations during this time.

Step 7: Delivery and Post-Birth Steps (varies by location)

At delivery, intended parents are united with their child. In most states, legal parentage is established before or shortly after birth. Surrogates also receive post-partum care and emotional support, which is an important part of the surrogacy process for mothers.

Factors That Affect the Surrogacy Timeline

Every surrogacy journey is unique. Factors that may influence the timeline include:

• Surrogate availability and match preferences
• State or international legal requirements
• Embryo quality and medical outcomes
• Pregnancy complications or restarts
• Emotional readiness of both parties

Common Questions About the Surrogacy Timeline

How long does the entire surrogacy journey take?

Typically 18–24+ months, but it can vary.

What happens if the surrogate miscarries?

In most cases, the process continues with additional embryo transfers, though it may extend the timeline.

Do intended parents have control over the process?

While medical and legal steps can’t be rushed, working with an experienced agency like Hatch reduces delays and provides more transparency.

Final Thoughts

The surrogacy timeline involves several key stages: preparation, screening, matching, contracts, medical transfer, pregnancy, and delivery. While the journey often takes 18–24+ months, the exact timeline depends on individual circumstances.

With over 30 years of experience and a 99%+ agency success rate, Hatch provides guidance, support, and transparency at every step—ensuring your surrogacy journey stays on track and your family’s dream becomes a reality.