The Surrogacy Medical Process for Intended Parents

What Is the Surrogacy Medical Process? [Step-by-Step Breakdown]

While every surrogacy journey is unique, the medical process typically follows a clear, predictable order. Here’s what you can expect after you match with a surrogate:

Step 1: Surrogate Medical Screening

Before any medications begin, your fertility clinic will conduct final medical clearance. This includes bloodwork, imaging of the uterus and a full review of health history to ensure your surrogate is physically prepared for embryo transfer.

Step 2: Medication

Once approved, your surrogate begins a carefully timed hormone protocol. These medications thicken the uterine lining and synchronize her cycle with the embryo transfer schedule to create the best possible environment for implantation.

Step 3: Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer is a brief, non-surgical procedure performed at your fertility clinic. Using a thin catheter, the physician places the embryo directly into the surrogate’s uterus. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and does not require anesthesia.

Step 4: Pregnancy Confirmation

About nine to 14 days after transfer, your fertility clinic will perform a beta hCG blood test to measure hormone levels. This will confirm whether implantation was successful. If levels rise appropriately, early pregnancy monitoring begins.

Step 5: Pregnancy

During the first several weeks, the fertility clinic closely monitors hormone levels and early development. Around 10 to 12 weeks, care transitions to a local OB-GYN for routine prenatal visits and continued monitoring.

Step 6: Delivery

As delivery gets closer, the focus shifts to preparing for the hospital experience and making sure the birth plan is clearly communicated. This includes coordinating with the hospital team in advance, confirming newborn care preferences, and outlining what will happen immediately after delivery.

Preparing Your Surrogate for Embryo Transfer

Once clearance is granted, your surrogate moves forward with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol outlined by your fertility clinic. She will follow a medication schedule designed to support and build her uterine lining. This phase typically lasts one to two months.

Your surrogate will likely take a combination of medications, such as:

• Lupron: Used to suppress ovulation so the clinic can carefully control the timing of the transfer cycle

• Estrogen: Administered via oral pills, patches or injections to help thicken the uterine lining

• Progesterone: Given as intramuscular injections beginning several days before transfer to help support implantation and early pregnancy

Throughout the start of the medical process for surrogacy, your fertility clinic will monitor her progress through lining checks — ultrasound and bloodwork appointments that confirm her body is responding appropriately.

Pregnancy Confirmation and Early Monitoring

Around 9 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, your fertility clinic will schedule a beta hCG blood test to determine whether pregnancy has occurred. This test measures the level of pregnancy hormone in your surrogate’s bloodstream and provides the most accurate answer.

Some intended parents and surrogates choose to take an at-home pregnancy test before the appointment. While that can offer an early glimpse, the blood draw gives clear, measurable results and allows doctors to track whether hormone levels are rising appropriately over the following days.

When levels increase as expected, the pregnancy is medically confirmed. Your clinic will continue monitoring through additional bloodwork and early ultrasounds to check for a gestational sac and, shortly after, a heartbeat. These early weeks involve careful follow-up before your surrogate transitions into standard prenatal care with her OB-GYN provider.

What to Expect at the Hospital When Your Surrogate Gives Birth

As the due date approaches, the surrogacy birth plan outlined in your contract helps guide the hospital experience. Your American Surrogacy specialist coordinates with the hospital in advance so that staff understand everyone’s roles and expectations before delivery day arrives.

Here’s what you can expect when your surrogate gives birth:

• Clear Roles: Your surrogate remains in control of her medical care throughout labor and delivery. Once your baby is born, you assume full parental rights and medical decision-making responsibility.

• Bonding Time: Many birth plans prioritize skin-to-skin contact and private time for you and your baby shortly after delivery.

• Hospital Accommodations: Whenever possible, arrangements are made for you to room with your baby, and hospital staff are prepared with the necessary documentation to reflect your parental status.

If your baby requires time in the NICU, you will have the same access and authority as any parent to be present and participate in medical decisions.

How American Surrogacy Supports the Medical Process

Throughout the surrogacy medical process, American Surrogacy serves as your advocate and coordinator. Here’s how we support you:

We handle the clinic scheduling and escrow payments so you don't have to manage the paperwork yourself. If you have questions about the medical costs, we can walk you through a sample budget.

Our role is to handle the logistics so you can focus on what truly matters — building your family.

If you’re ready to move forward with experienced guidance and steady support, 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.