Social media groups, forums like Reddit and matching platforms are filled with intended parents and hopeful surrogate mothers trying to connect directly. But is this path safe?

While it’s certainly possible to find a surrogate online, doing so without the guidance of a licensed surrogacy agency introduces serious risks.

Before you move forward, it’s important to understand how online matching works, why some people pursue it, and how an agency can still support you—even in an independent match.

If you’re looking for a surrogate, American Surrogacy can help you skip the uncertainty and connect directly with a highly qualified, pre-screened surrogate. Fill out our form today.

The Real Risks of Finding a Surrogate Online

Online surrogacy arrangements often skip the professional safeguards that are built into the agency process. That leaves intended parents exposed to a number of potential risks:

• Lack of Screening: Many online surrogate candidates haven’t been medically or psychologically evaluated. You may not know if she meets even the basic requirements for a healthy pregnancy.
• Fraud Potential: Online platforms are unregulated spaces where scams are all too common. There are documented cases of individuals posing as surrogates—or intended parents—for financial gain.
• Legal Vulnerabilities: Without agency oversight or expert legal counsel, critical steps like parentage orders, escrow management, and state-specific compliance can fall through the cracks.
• Medical Uncertainty: Without clinical prescreening, you could begin your journey with someone who’s not medically eligible, losing valuable time, money, and hope.
• Emotional Fallout: Failed matches or mismatched expectations can take a serious emotional toll, especially without professional support to help mediate.

Learn more about why surrogate screening matters and the benefits of working with a surrogacy pre-screened through  American Surrogacy.

Why Some Parents Look for Surrogates Online

There are legitimate reasons why some intended parents explore how to find a surrogate online:

• Affordability: Bypassing agency fees might look appealing. But costs like legal disputes, failed matches, or health disqualifications often outweigh short-term savings.
• Speed: Some believe finding a surrogate online will be faster than waiting for an agency match. However, timelines vary widely—and unvetted matches can quickly turn into delays.
• Autonomy: Independent matching allows parents to take a hands-on role in the process, which some people prefer.
• Previous Agency Concerns: If an intended parent had a negative or confusing experience with an agency, they might try a different approach.

While these motivations are understandable, they don’t eliminate the risks that come with self-matching.

Surrogacy Scams and Red Flags to Watch For

It’s one thing to look for surrogate mothers online, it’s another to protect yourself in the process. Be cautious of these warning signs:

• Lack of medical documentation or clinic involvement
• Requests for money before any legal agreement is in place
• Conflicting or evasive personal details
• Refusal to involve a surrogacy professional
• No references, criminal background checks, or verified screening

Even platforms like Facebook and Reddit, while popular, offer no built-in safeguards. That’s why finding a surrogate online should always be accompanied by professional review and support.

Independent Surrogacy vs. Agency Matching

When comparing agency matching to finding a surrogate online independently, consider the full scope of responsibility.

Independent Surrogacy

• You manage everything: legal, financial, emotional, and medical logistics.
• It may seem faster or cheaper, but often leads to unplanned complications and higher stress.
• If a match falls through, there’s no backup plan.

Agency-Supported Matching:

• Professionals screen surrogate candidates before they’re introduced to you.
• Legal counsel, escrow services, medical coordination, and emotional support are built-in.
• You’ll have ongoing guidance and, if necessary, re-matching support.

For many families, the peace of mind, structure, and safety provided by an agency like American Surrogacy outweigh the perceived freedom of doing it alone.

Finding a Surrogate Through an Agency Can Be Faster Than You Think

Many intended parents turn to finding a surrogate online because they believe it’s the fastest path forward.

But here’s the reality: working with an experienced agency can often be quicker, especially when the agency has a pool of fully pre-screened surrogates ready to match.

At American Surrogacy, we streamline the process by pre-screening surrogates in advance, so you’re not waiting for screening or disqualification delays

In contrast, finding a surrogate online often results in long delays once the initial connection is made. You may have to:

• Wait for medical clearance
• Discover the match can’t proceed
• Start over if anything falls through

Our agency has already done the legwork so your surrogacy journey starts with far fewer roadblocks.

Learn more about how we shorten our wait times so you can become parents faster.

How Agencies Vet Surrogates (And Why it Matters)

One of the biggest benefits of working with an agency is how thoroughly surrogate candidates are screened before matching begins. This includes:

• Medical evaluations to ensure she can safely carry a pregnancy
• Psychological testing to assess readiness and mental health
• Background checks and home studies
• Review of previous pregnancies and lifestyle history

This front-end work significantly reduces the chance of failed matches or disruptions during the process. It may even save time and money in the long run by preventing complications.

How Agencies Can Still Help – Even If You Find Your Surrogate Online

Did you know that if you’ve already found a surrogate online, you can still partner with an agency? American Surrogacy offers independent surrogacy services that allow you to keep your match, while still accessing:

• Legal support and contract guidance
• Medical coordination
• Escrow and financial management
• Emotional counseling
• Risk mitigation and re-matching support, if needed

We bring professional safeguards into your independent journey—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence and support.

Learn more about our independent surrogacy program.

Thinking about finding a surrogate online? You don’t have to do it alone.

Finding a surrogate online is possible, but it comes with real risks. Whether you’ve just started looking or have already connected with someone, American Surrogacy can help ensure your journey is safe, ethical and legally protected.

Let’s build your family the right way—together. Contact us for free surrogacy information now and to take the next step safely and confidently.

By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to pre-screened surrogates who are ready and eager to help you become parents faster.

With 1 - 6 months surrogacy wait times, you’re not just another family on the wait list. This means you can start building your family sooner than you might expect, with surrogates ready and available when you are.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect from the surrogacy wait time, share tips to minimize delays and explain how our agency’s process sets you up for success.

To start your family-building journey and become a parent faster, fill out our form to explore available surrogates.

How to Find a Surrogate Quickly in 3 Steps

If you’re at the point where you’re thinking “I need a surrogate now”, you’ve likely already experienced delays on your path to parenthood, and you’re tired of waiting.

The average surrogacy wait time with American Surrogacy is 1 - 6 months.

Many agencies face longer wait times due to an imbalance of surrogates and intended parents, but we maintain balanced lists to ensure surrogates are available when you’re ready.

Our extensive marketing and networking efforts help us find the best, pre-screened surrogates quickly, reducing delays and helping you hold your baby in your arms sooner. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Schedule a Free Consultation

Fill out our form today to start the process with American Surrogacy. A specialist will be in contact with you to learn more about your family building journey explain the surrogacy process and answer your questions about finding a surrogate.

We’ll help you create an intended parent profile and discuss your preferences, including location, medical history, and personal compatibility.

Step 2: Find the Perfect Match

Because of our extensive marketing and advertising, we have surrogates who are ready and excited to help you become parents.

When women apply, they’re thoroughly screened with background checks and health assessments ensuring they’re a good fit.

Step 3: Get to Know Your Surrogate and Complete a Surrogacy Contract

Once you’ve found the perfect fit, you’ll be able to build a connection and get ready for the exciting journey ahead. Your surrogacy specialist will guide you through drafting a surrogacy contract, making sure every important detail is covered.

In this contract, you’ll come to an agreement about some of the most important steps of the process, like “What if” scenarios, risks, responsibilities, social roles and finances.

We’re dedicated to helping you find a surrogate in your state or nationwide — whichever option works best for you. Contact us now to explore available surrogates near you.

3 Ways to Minimize Surrogacy Wait Times

If you need to find a surrogate now, here are some of the best ways to minimize delays:

1. Work With an Agency That Pre-Screens Surrogates

Some agencies don’t screen surrogates until after matching. With only 2% of potential surrogates passing surrogate screenings, agencies don’t thoroughly screen potential surrogates before matching, causing delays and repaying expensive fees.

At American Surrogacy, our surrogates are pre-screened and ready to match. This helps prevent delays caused by discovering a surrogate is unqualified after a match has been made.

Pre-screening also reduces the likelihood of having to go back and start the process over, saving you time and money.

2. Have Embryos Ready

If you already have embryos, you can match with a surrogate faster. We won’t finalize a match between a surrogate and intended parents until they have embryos so that neither party commits before there are embryos to transfer.

If you only have one embryo left, choosing surrogacy often provides a reliable path to parenthood with a carrier who meets the highest health standard guidelines set by the Assisted Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

We are one of the only agencies that work with intended parents who have just one embryo, so if you’re ready to take the next step forward, check out our one-embryo surrogacy programs.

3. Be Flexible With Surrogate Location

While it may seem more convenient to find a surrogate near you, it may slow down your overall surrogacy wait time.

Luckily, our surrogates are willing, ready and even excited to travel to you, meaning you don’t have to slow down your timeline if you don’t want to.

Being open to out-of-state surrogates can reduce your surrogacy wait time and increase the chances of finding the best fit.

Since we work with surrogates from across the country, sometimes it’s quicker to find a surrogate in another state who is ready to help you grow your family.

Fast Track Your Journey to Parenthood Now

Don’t wait any longer.  Our efficient, pre-screened process minimizes wait times and ensures a smooth transition to the next step.

Let us help you fast-track your path to parenthood with experienced surrogates. Fill out our form now to get started.

Welcoming your baby into the world is one of the most exciting milestones of your surrogacy journey.

As an intended parent, you have an important role in shaping your hospital experience, and having a surrogacy birth plan ensures that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to include in your surrogacy birth plan, what to expect from surrogacy post birth, and how to prepare for your hospital stay.

If you’re in the beginning stages of exploring surrogacy or are curious about starting the process, fill out our short and simple form.

What is a Surrogacy Birth Plan?

A surrogacy birth plan is a written document that outlines how you want your baby’s delivery to go.

This plan ensures that everyone—doctors, nurses, and the surrogate—is on the same page, creating a smooth, stress-free surrogacy post birth experience.

While it helps guide the process, flexibility is key in case unexpected situations arise.

What Should I Include in The Surrogacy Birth Plan as an Intended Parent?

Your surrogacy post birth plan should include details and requests before birth, during labor and post-birth. Below are a few things to keep in mind:

• Who will be present during birth? If a C-section is needed, who will be in the room?
• What birthing methods and positions will be used during delivery?
• Are photos, videos or social media posts allowed for delivery?
• Is there a certain environment you want to create? Some parents want music playing when their baby is born.
• Who will hold the baby first and does immediate skin-to-skin contact matter to you?
• Are you comfortable with birth interventions like forceps or extraction by vacuum?
• What type of birth will this be?
• Do you want delayed cord clamping?
• What medications would you like administered to your baby after birth? Examples include Erythromycin eye ointment, vitamin K shots, Hepatitis B vaccine etc.

Learn more about what to expect at the hospital as an intended parent.

What Happens After a Surrogate Gives Birth?

Once the surrogate has given birth, depending on what was discussed in your surrogacy post birth plan, you’ll have a chance to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby.

This is the time where you’ll begin to form a bond with your baby as your surrogacy journey comes full circle.

Paperwork is often one of the next steps of surrogacy post birth and often includes a pre-birth or post-birth order depending on your state.

A pre-birth order allows you to establish parentage before your child is born while a post-birth order requires you to wait until 3-5 days after your baby is born. These laws help protect your legal parentage in surrogacy and will be discussed in detail with your surrogacy attorney well before delivery.

These orders must be filled out and help the hospital process move smoothly by:

• Requiring you to be listed on the child’s birth certificate
• Allowing you to make medical decisions for your baby
• Helping resolve insurance coverage issues
• Allowing your baby to be discharged from the hospital

Newborn Medical Care & Hospital Discharge

Once your baby is born, the medical staff will take care of the necessary procedures, such as checking your baby’s vitals and administering any recommended vaccinations.

 In some cases, your baby may need to stay in the hospital for monitoring, especially if there are complications or if your baby was born prematurely. Your hospital stay could be within one of these average time frames:

• Vaginal Birth: Typically 24-48 hours in the hospital.
• C-Section Birth: Typically 48-72 hours for recovery.
• NICU Stay: If your baby needs extra medical support, hospital stays may extend for days or weeks.

When everything goes smoothly, and after the necessary medical checks, your baby will be ready for discharge. Your newborn’s hospital discharge is an important step in your surrogacy post birth process, as it marks the beginning of your life together.

Working with your surrogacy specialist ahead of time ensures a smooth hospital discharge, allowing you to take your baby home as soon as possible.

What Should be Included in an Intended Parents Hospital Bag?

Whether you’re gearing up for delivery or are at the beginning stages of your surrogacy journey, here are some of the basics of what you should include in your hospital bag as an intended parent:

Paperwork for Surrogacy Post Birth Procedures

Your surrogate should be bringing some of the same information but it doesn’t hurt to pack your own documentation just in case. Make sure you have:

• Your insurance cards for the baby
• Your surrogacy contract
• Your pre-birth order (if applicable)
• Check to pay for birth certificate (if applicable)

Your surrogacy specialist will work with you to coordinate with your surrogate’s preferred hospital and will make sure the hospital is prepared for a surrogacy birth ahead of time.

Something to Keep You Busy

Although you’re most likely going to be actively involved in supporting your surrogate during labor depending on what was outlined in your contract and birth plan, there also may be a lot of waiting during your hospital stay.

Having something to keep you busy can help relieve some anxiety as you wait for the arrival of your child.

Below are some things you can pack to keep yourself occupied:

• A book/kindle/IPad
• Headphones
• Snacks (depending on the snack you may have to indulge outside the delivery room in case your surrogate may be sensitive to smells while in labor)
• Charger

Clothes and Toiletries

Labor and delivery can last about 8 hours but can vary widely. You’ll also need to plan to stay at the hospital so your baby can be monitored.

The surrogate may be discharged before you if everything goes smoothly so you may need to plan for a few days stay.

Here are some essentials to consider:

• A few sets of clothes that you can sleep in, lighter layers since some hospitals can run warm or chilly.
• Overnight clothes and supplies, as a 24 hour post-birth observation is often required by most hospitals.
• A shirt or sweater that buttons in the front for skin-to-skin contact.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Prescriptions
• Contacts and glasses

For Baby

Although the hospital will have plenty of newborn basics, some things you should pack for your baby include:

• A weather appropriate going home outfit in a couple of sizes
• Blankets
• Burp cloths
• Velcro fleece baby booties
• Two or three comfy onesies for sleeping, short and long sleeve
• A soft toy
• Pacifiers
• A Boppy for feedings
• Approved baby car seat
• A hat
• Diapers and wipes
• Bottles, formula and whatever supplies you need to transport breastmilk (if applicable)

Communication With Your Surrogate Post Birth

Once your baby is born and you’ve settled into your new routine, your surrogate is likely recovering from the physical demand that comes with labor.

Depending on your relationship with her, you could check in on her to see how she’s doing. She won’t be feeling 100% as she recovers but this is a good opportunity to bring some closure to your journey together by expressing gratitude, offer a small gift that represents your journey or just a simple text to check in.

Your relationship with your surrogate might change as both of you transition into your new roles as parents and people.

Your surrogacy post birth relationship will depend on the bond you’ve built during the pregnancy, and it’s important to maintain clear, kind communication as you both move forward in your journeys.

Get Started

By addressing your surrogacy birth plan well in advance, you can ensure that your baby’s birth is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

It’s time to turn your surrogacy plans into action. Fill out our form today to learn more about the decisions you get to make about your baby’s birth and surrogacy post birth details.

Understanding the surrogacy post birth process, from paperwork to hospital discharge and beyond,  can help you confidently navigate this final step of your surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy for military families offers hope for many longing to have the family of their dreams, but it comes with unique challenges.

Frequent moves, deployments and work-life balance can impact the surrogacy journey.

If you’re currently active military, contact us online now to learn how we can support you during your journey to parenthood.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what you should know about surrogacy in the military, including how deployment might affect the process, the role of Tricare and how to find a surrogate who understands military life.

Navigating Surrogacy in the Military

Military surrogacy is an option for service members and their families who want to grow their families when other paths to parenthood, such as IVF, may not have been successful.

However, the military lifestyle presents unique challenges including:

• Frequent Moves and Deployment: Military families often face being far from their surrogate during key moments, including the birth.
• Work-Life Balance: Active-duty military surrogacy service members may need to plan for leave to meet their new baby or attend key appointments.

But with the right agency, you can enjoy the advantages of surrogacy in the military such as:

• Quick Matching Times: At American Surrogacy, we offer 1-6 month matching times, allowing you to start your journey without delays, even if you’re facing the pressures of military life.
• Surrogates Familiar with Military Life: We work with surrogates who are comfortable and experienced with the unique needs of military families, including understanding deployment and relocation challenges.
• Comprehensive Support: Whether you are stationed overseas or across the country, we provide consistent support throughout the entire process to ensure you remain connected and informed, even when you may be far away.

Active-Duty Military Surrogacy: Important Considerations

If you or your spouse is on active duty, military surrogacy requires careful planning:

• Leave Policies: Active-duty service members should plan their leave around the surrogate’s due date and other critical milestones. Military leave policies vary, so it’s important to confirm the specific details with your commanding officer.
• Deployment Challenges: Being far from your surrogate during key milestones is common. We help match you with surrogates who are comfortable working with military families.
• Medical Coverage: While Tricare may cover fertility treatments, it does not cover the medical expenses related to the surrogate. It’s important to budget for these costs or explore additional resources to manage expenses.

By partnering with us, you can find a surrogate who’s prepared for the realities of military life. Start your search for the right surrogate by contacting us online or check out our available surrogates’ page.

Military Spouses and Surrogacy

When one spouse is deployed, managing a surrogacy journey can feel overwhelming, but it’s entirely possible with proper planning and support.

While deployments can make it difficult for both partners to be present during key moments of the surrogacy journey, there are ways to navigate this challenge.

Here are some key considerations for the non-deployed spouse:

• Keeping Your Deployed Spouse Informed: Regular updates, including video calls or photos from appointments and milestones, can help your partner feel involved in the journey, even from a distance.
• Legal and Medical Coordination: Handling the legal and medical aspects of surrogacy may be more challenging for the non-deployed spouse. With American Surrogacy, we offer a dedicated team that can help guide you through these steps.
• Planning for the Birth: The non-deployed spouse will need to make arrangements for the birth and be prepared to travel if needed. Depending on the deployment and leave policies, it may be possible for the deployed parent to take emergency leave or have video communication during the birth.

Does Tricare Cover Surrogacy?

Unfortunately, Tricare does not cover surrogacy.

If you’re considering IVF as part of your surrogacy journey, Tricare may provide coverage for the IVF process but not for the costs associated with the surrogate’s medical care.

While Tricare doesn’t cover all surrogacy expenses, it’s important to understand what is covered and explore other financial options available to military families.

If you have questions about how Tricare might fit into your surrogacy journey, contact us today.

Does the Military Pay for Surrogacy?

The military does not directly pay for surrogacy, as military insurance programs like Tricare do not cover surrogate compensation or the medical expenses of the surrogate herself.

Although the military won’t cover all your surrogacy expenses, there are other ways to finance your family-building journey:

Military Employer-Benefits

Some military employers and affiliated organizations offer adoption and surrogacy benefits, which may include:

• Assistance with Medical Costs: Certain military-sponsored programs may provide partial coverage for fertility treatments, which can reduce overall surrogacy expenses.
• Paid Leave Benefits: Active-duty service members may qualify for parental leave after their child is born, making it easier to bond with your baby.
• Reimbursement Programs: Some military-affiliated employers offer reimbursement for family-building expenses, including IVF and surrogacy.

If you’re unsure whether your employer provides military surrogacy benefits, contact your HR department or military personnel office.

Grants and Nonprofit Support for Military Surrogacy Families

Several organizations and grants cater specifically to families pursuing surrogacy in the military or other family-building options:

• Military Family Building Grant by the Tinina Q. Cade Foundation: Awards up to $10,000 per family and helps cover costs associated with fertility treatments or surrogacy for military families.
• Baby Quest Foundation: $2,000 to $16,000 depending on need offering financial assistance for fertility treatments, including costs associated with surrogacy.
• Hope for Fertility Foundation Grant: $5,000 to $10,000 and provides funds to military families who have experienced infertility and are pursuing surrogacy or IVF.

Surrogacy After Deployment and Transitioning to Civilian Life

For military families who are transitioning out of active duty or dealing with post-deployment, surrogacy is still a viable option.

The transition back to civilian life can be challenging, and planning for a surrogacy journey might feel overwhelming.

Working with a surrogate and agency experienced in military surrogacy can help simplify this process, ensuring you’re fully supported even after deployment ends.

How to Begin Your Military Surrogacy Journey

Starting surrogacy in the military is simple with American Surrogacy. Even if you’re deployed during your surrogate’s pregnancy, we’ll help you stay involved with regular updates and support.

Military families face unique hurdles when pursuing surrogacy, but with the right agency, you can overcome them.

Let us help you turn your dream of parenthood into reality. Contact us today to start your military surrogacy journey!