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.
The journey begins with learning about surrogacy, gathering medical records, and deciding whether to move forward.
This initial preparation sets the foundation for a smooth process.
Next, both surrogates and intended parents go through important evaluations:
This step ensures everyone is fully ready, physically and emotionally, for the journey ahead.
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.
Once a match is made, both sides work with attorneys to draft and finalize a surrogacy agreement. The contract outlines:
Legal timelines vary depending on state laws and the complexity of the agreement.
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.
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.
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.
Every surrogacy journey is unique. Factors that may influence the timeline include:
Typically 18–24+ months, but it can vary.
In most cases, the process continues with additional embryo transfers, though it may extend the timeline.
While medical and legal steps can’t be rushed, working with an experienced agency like Hatch reduces delays and provides more transparency.
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.