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After you match with a surrogate, the next step is medical clearance. This phase confirms that she is physically prepared for embryo transfer and a healthy pregnancy.
The surrogacy medical clearance timeline includes several steps — reviewing medical records, completing the clinic screening appointment, finalizing legal contracts and preparing for transfer medications. Each step is designed to reduce risk and support a successful transfer.
Below, we outline how long the process takes and what you can expect from screening through embryo transfer. If you’re ready to move forward with your family-building journey, contact us today.
Surrogacy Medical Clearance Timeline: What to Expect
The typical timeframe from the post-match period to the embryo transfer is about two to four months. While this may seem like a long time, there are essential steps to complete.
Your fertility clinic reviews the surrogate’s prior pregnancy and OB-GYN records to confirm she meets medical guidelines. Your surrogate completes a full day of testing at your fertility clinic, including uterine imaging and bloodwork. Independent attorneys draft and finalize the legal agreement outlining rights, responsibilities and compensation. The surrogate begins a structured medication protocol to prepare her uterine lining, and the clinic monitors her response. Once the lining is ready, the embryo is carefully placed into the uterus during a short procedure at your fertility clinic.
Your exact timeline will depend on your fertility clinic’s availability, how contract negotiations go and your surrogate’s natural cycle. Throughout each step, American Surrogacy will manage communication and scheduling to keep the process moving forward.
How Long Does It Take for a Clinic to Review a Surrogate’s Medical Records?
Generally, fertility clinics take one to two weeks to review surrogate medical records. During this stage, the reproductive endocrinologist examines the surrogate's past OB-GYN history, including her previous pregnancy and delivery records. They are looking for specific indicators of health, such as a history of uncomplicated births and a healthy uterine environment.
To reduce the risk of denial, American Surrogacy performs an internal review of surrogates’ records before they ever become active in our program. This helps us spot potential issues early and protect your surrogacy medical clearance timeline from avoidable delays.
Each fertility clinic sets its own screening standards. While our pre-screening significantly reduces the likelihood of issues, your clinic may still request additional testing or apply its own criteria.
How Long Does the Surrogate Medical Clearance Appointment Usually Take?
The surrogate medical clearance appointment takes a full day. Your surrogate will travel to your chosen fertility clinic to undergo a comprehensive evaluation.
During this appointment, your surrogate will complete:
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A physical examination
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Diagnostic imaging
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Extensive bloodwork
The appointment takes a full day, but you may wait about a week for the lab results. Though the wait can be trying, this thorough screening is the best way to ensure a safe experience for everyone involved.
What Happens After Medical Clearance in Surrogacy?
Once the clinic grants final medical clearance, there are two steps left before the embryo transfer. Here’s what the timeline from legal to the transfer date involves:
The Legal Contract
Drafting and finalizing the surrogacy contract typically takes one to two months. During this time, attorneys for both parties prepare, review and negotiate the agreement.
All terms must be fully signed before any medications begin. This step protects both families and clearly defines rights, responsibilities and expectations.
Surrogacy Medications
Once legal clearance is complete, the surrogate begins a structured protocol of medications to prepare her uterine lining. This medication phase usually lasts three to six weeks, depending on how her body responds.
The clinic monitors progress through bloodwork and ultrasound appointments to confirm the lining reaches an optimal thickness before scheduling embryo transfer.
How Long From Medical Clearance to Embryo Transfer?
After receiving medical clearance, it will be about two to three months until transfer day.
While receiving the medical “green light” is a major milestone, the exact transfer date depends on several coordinated factors.
Legal contracts must be fully finalized before medications begin, and the clinic will follow a specific transfer protocol. In some cases, a mock cycle is required. During a mock cycle, the surrogate follows the same medication regimen used for transfer so the clinic can evaluate how her uterine lining responds before an embryo is thawed.
Clinic scheduling also affects timing. Many fertility centers operate on structured laboratory calendars and perform transfers during designated windows each month. If preparation is completed outside of that window, transfer may be scheduled for the next available cycle.
Biological factors play a role as well. Lining thickness must reach an optimal range before transfer can proceed. Holidays and clinic workload may also influence scheduling. Keep in mind that short delays are common and do not indicate a problem.
Reasons for Delays Between Clearance and Embryo Transfer
Even with the best planning, process setbacks can happen. Here’s what causes delays between gestational carrier clearance and embryo transfer:
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Cycle Misalignment: The surrogate’s natural cycle may not line up with the clinic’s batching schedule or transfer window.
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Lining Not Yet Optimal: If the uterine lining is too thin, the clinic may adjust medications and postpone transfer until the lining reaches the appropriate range.
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Medication Adjustments: If the surrogate’s body responds more slowly or differently than expected, the clinic may modify dosage or timing before scheduling transfer.
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Lab and Travel Logistics: Scheduling can be affected by lab availability, holiday closures or travel coordination if the surrogate lives far from the fertility clinic.
How American Surrogacy Helps Prevent Unnecessary Delays
An experienced surrogacy partner plays an important role in managing your surrogacy medical clearance timeline.
At American Surrogacy, we take a proactive approach to case management. Our team works ahead of each milestone to reduce avoidable delays.
Before a surrogate is ever presented as a potential match, we conduct a thorough review of her medical records to confirm she meets established clinical guidelines. This early vetting reduces the likelihood of unexpected issues during the clinic’s formal review.
Throughout the process, our specialists coordinate communication between your fertility clinic, attorneys and escrow services to keep each phase moving forward. By maintaining close oversight of medical, legal and scheduling requirements, we help ensure steady progress toward embryo transfer.
If you are ready to move forward with your surrogacy journey, connect with one of our surrogacy specialists today.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or procedure.