The surrogacy process can feel mysterious and overwhelming to those who are just starting to think about whether it’s right for you and your family—and for good reason.  There’s a lot that comes together to make this precious little dream come to life.  However, while each journey is incredibly unique, there is a relatively standard surrogacy process that can help you understand what needs to happen, what to expect, and what comes next.

Whether you’re a hopeful intended parent or an inspired prospective surrogate, we want to pull back the curtain for you—hopefully removing some of the mystery and replacing some of that overwhelm with knowledge.  After all, this is an amazing adventure you’re considering, and you should be able to enjoy the excitement!

Your Step-By-Step Guide to the Surrogacy Process

As we mentioned, the purpose of this post is to give you a general idea of how this surrogacy process unfolds—to help you decide whether this is the best path for you.  Once you’ve started on the journey, you’ll have a case manager guiding your unique experience, answering your questions, and ensuring you know exactly what happens next.

Step 1: Deciding If Surrogacy Is Right for You

Surrogacy is a major commitment for everyone involved, and it’s not right for everyone.  That’s okay.  Whether you’re an intended parent or prospective surrogate, it’s essential to do your research, talk with your partner, and be honest with yourself.

Related reading: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Thinking About Being a Surrogate Mother.

Step 2: Beginning the Journey (with the Right Partners)

There’s a lot that goes into each surrogacy journey, so the best thing you can do is find partners you can trust. Your surrogacy agency will help to answer all your questions as you make the decisions that are best for you and your family—and they’ll help you navigate the path forward, including preliminary meetings with doctors, mental health professionals, and other surrogacy experts.

Related reading: 5 Questions Surrogates Should Ask Before Choosing Their Surrogacy Agency.

Step 3: Getting Matched

The matching stage of the surrogacy process is incredibly exciting, and an ideal match between the intended parent(s) and the surrogate doesn’t happen by accident. At Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS), we’ve spent over three decades building our trusted reputation, and our success can be directly linked to our commitment to prioritizing quality matches (not high-volume turnover).

Related reading: Why There May Be a Waitlist When Choosing the Best Surrogacy Agency.

Step 4: Finalizing the Surrogacy Arrangement

While there will be plenty of wonder, excitement, and joyful new experiences during the pregnancy, there shouldn’t be any surprises when it comes to the surrogacy arrangement.  That’s why comprehensive legal agreements and well-defined expectations are so important.  At SPS, we believe it’s essential for both intended parents and surrogates to have expert legal guidance before moving forward.

Related reading: The Surrogacy Process—Meet Your Attorney.

Step 5: Getting Pregnant and Navigating the Pregnancy

Your experience with getting pregnant will depend on the details of your unique circumstances—but, generally speaking, intended parents and surrogates will undergo a series of fertility treatments leading up to an embryo transfer. Your case manager will be at all milestone appointments leading up to and during your pregnancy.

Related reading: Practical (and Powerful) Advice for Having a Happy and Healthy Surrogate Experience.

Step 6: Welcoming the New Baby

The most joyful stage of the surrogacy process—the birth of the baby is truly a life-changing event for both the intended parents and the surrogate.  Finally, after all the energy of getting pregnant and nurturing a healthy pregnancy, it all comes alive in this unbelievable miracle. After the baby is born, the surrogate and the new family all return to their homes—but you will forever know that the world is a better place because you gave this wonderful gift!

Related reading: The Benefits of Surrogacy for Intended Parents & Surrogates.

Explore the Surrogacy Process with Surrogate Parenting Services

Founded in 1990, Surrogate Parenting Services (SPS) is a full-service surrogacy program that offers both parties an exceptionally supportive environment throughout the surrogacy relationship.  We’re passionate about creating ideal matches between surrogates and intended parents, so the journey is fulfilling for both sides and the future child is brought into this world in the best possible circumstances.

Learn more about our Surrogacy Program online or by calling (949) 363-9525.