Becoming a Surrogate is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. It’s a selfless, life changing journey filled with emotion, purpose, and joy. But if you’re a first-time Surrogate, it’s natural to have questions about what the process really looks like, how to prepare, and what to expect along the way.
Whether you’re just starting to research surrogacy or you’re ready to take the next step, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your first surrogacy journey with confidence and support.
If you’re becoming a Surrogate for the first time, understanding the full journey can help you feel grounded, confident, and prepared. While every path is unique, most surrogacy journeys follow the same general steps designed to support your health, protect your rights, and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what your journey typically looks like:
You’ll start by completing an application to confirm you meet the basic health and lifestyle guidelines. This ensures you’re a good fit and sets the stage for a safe, successful journey.
Next comes a deeper look at your health, medical history, and readiness for surrogacy. These screenings are standard and check whether you’re physically and emotionally supported.
Once approved, you’ll be introduced to Intended Parents who align with your values and preferences. This step is exciting, and many Surrogates describe it as the moment everything “clicks.”
Both you and the Intended Parents work with your own independent attorneys to draft a clear contract. This document outlines expectations, responsibilities, and boundaries.
You’ll begin a short course of medication to prepare your body for embryo transfer. The clinic will guide you through each step, with regular check-ins to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
A fertility specialist transfers the embryo into your uterus during a simple, painless procedure. After this, you’ll rest and follow the clinic’s instructions during the two-week wait before your pregnancy test.
Once pregnancy is confirmed, your journey continues much like any other pregnancy, with added support from Hatch, your care team, and the Intended Parents. You’ll attend appointments, share updates, and take good care of yourself.
The moment everyone has been working toward: delivery day. You’ll help bring a baby into the world and witness a life-changing moment for the Intended Parents, one that many Surrogates say they’ll cherish forever.
Your journey doesn’t end at birth. Hatch ensures you have the postpartum care, emotional support, and guidance you need as you transition back to normal life and reflect on the incredible gift you’ve given.
If you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate, these tips will help you be more prepared for the journey:
To qualify as a first-time Surrogate, you should typically:
Learn more about Hatch’s surrogacy requirements and compensation.
Not all agencies are the same, and your experience as a first-time Surrogate is shaped largely by the support you receive. Choosing an agency that genuinely prioritizes your wellbeing can make a huge difference.
With over 34 years of experience, Hatch has helped thousands of families grow. We’re proud members of SEEDS (Society for Ethical Egg Donation & Surrogacy), our President has spoken at influential conferences like MHB (Men Having Babies), and we are steered by ASRM guidelines (American Society of Reproductive Medicine).
Aligning with these organizations is one way we show our commitment to ethical, inclusive, and supportive surrogacy practices. Partnering with an agency that truly cares ensures you can focus on the journey itself and the incredible gift you’re giving.
Open communication builds trust, and trust is essential for a smooth, positive surrogacy journey. Being honest about your feelings whether physical, emotional, or practical.
Tips for strong communication:
Self-care isn’t just important, it’s essential. Being a Surrogate involves both physical and emotional demands, and caring for yourself ensures a healthier, happier journey for everyone.
Daily tips for first-time Surrogates:
What are some healthy foods to enjoy?
At Hatch, we remind our Surrogates that their own well-being matters just as much as the pregnancy itself. A supported, rested Surrogate can have the healthiest, happiest journey possible which is the best outcome for everyone involved.
There’s nothing quite like seeing the Intended Parents meet their baby for the first time. It’s a moment you help create one that is emotional, powerful, and unforgettable.
The joy of helping someone build their family is often cited by first-time Surrogates as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
Having a strong support system is crucial. Whether it’s family, friends, or other Surrogates, having people who understand your experience can help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories.
At Hatch, we connect Surrogates with an incredible community of women who’ve walked this path before. You’ll always have someone to lean on for guidance, reassurance, or simply a listening ear.
Understanding the legal and financial aspects of surrogacy is essential for first-time Surrogates. Hatch ensures that you are fully informed about contracts, compensation, and what to expect throughout your journey.
Key points to know:
For many first-time Surrogates, the matching process is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. It’s the moment when everything starts to feel real, and when you meet the Intended Parents whose lives you’ll help change.
At Hatch, we approach matching with care, intention, and respect for your values, personality, and comfort level.
This is how matching works:
Understanding your preferences
Before matching begins, you’ll share your preferences, values, communication style, and what you’re looking for in the surrogacy relationship.
Introducing you to compatible intended parents
Your team presents profiles of Intended Parents who align with your preferences. You’ll learn about their story, communication expectations, lifestyle, and what brought them to surrogacy.
The match meeting
If you feel good about a family’s profile and they feel the same, you’ll meet through a virtual or in-person call.
Confirming the match
If everyone agrees to move forward, the match becomes official, and you’ll begin the legal and medical steps of the journey. From here forward, your communication grows into a natural rhythm that works for both sides.
That depends on the agreement you and the Intended Parents make. Some Surrogates stay in touch, while others prefer privacy—it’s entirely up to your comfort level.
Yes. Hatch matches Surrogates and Intended Parents based on compatibility, shared values, and personal preferences.
Surrogates should have a healthy BMI, a history of uncomplicated pregnancies, no current tobacco or cannabis use, and a stable lifestyle that supports a healthy pregnancy.
Be honest and clear about your reasons, the process, and the support you will have. Providing resources and answering questions helps family members feel comfortable and included.
Becoming a Surrogate is more than carrying a pregnancy—it’s helping create a family and being part of something truly extraordinary. If your heart is ready to say yes, Hatch is here to guide you every step of the way.
Hatch is a program by Surrogates for Surrogates. You can read more about our promise to our Surrogates, and submit an application to get started. We look forward to getting to know you, your family, and your “why” for becoming a Surrogate.