How The Surrogacy Process Works

A Guide for Surrogate Partners

Is your partner thinking about becoming a surrogate? Here’s everything you need to know about the surrogacy process.

Being a part of a surrogacy journey is a unique and rewarding experience. One of the first steps as the surrogate partner is to understand what the surrogacy process looks like.

We understand that surrogacy can be confusing especially if you’re not familiar with how it works. To help you get a better grasp on what it means for your partner to be a surrogate, we’re here to breakdown the process so that you’re prepared to be a supportive partner during the life-changing journey of surrogacy.

If you want to learn more about what it takes for your partner to be a surrogate, then check out our surrogate page.

What is the Surrogacy Process? [Step-by-Step]

Step 1. Researching Surrogacy

If your wife hasn’t already done her research, this can be a great opportunity for you both to learn more about the surrogacy process. This is also where your partner can learn if she meets our requirements to be a surrogate. These requirements include:

  • Age range of 21-40

  • Are currently raising a child

  • Have at least one successful pregnancy

By exploring this path together, you can strengthen your bond while also gaining valuable insights into the process.

Step 2. Our Screening Process

Our pre-screening process involves a wide range of aspects that protect everyone involved in the process. These screenings include:

  • A social medical form, which covers a wide range of aspects, including their personal and family medical history, previous pregnancies, reproductive health and any medications or allergies she may have.

  • In-home assessments and background checks, to ensure that your partner has a safe, stable environment for her surrogate pregnancy.

  • A psychological evaluation, to ensure that your partner is emotionally ready for the surrogacy process.

  • Insurance review, to ensure that your partners insurance covers a surrogacy pregnancy and if not, we can provide coverage for her.

Step 3. Finding Intended Parents

We prioritize your partners comfort and well-being by exclusively working with thoroughly screened domestic families. This means that if she wants to find a local family, then we can find the perfect match for her. Our screening process ensures that intended parents are emotionally prepared, financially stable and committed to the surrogacy journey.

Throughout this process, you can be there for your partner, ensuring that she finds the right intended parents that you’re comfortable with.

Step 4. Creating a Contract

We provide your partner with an attorney to help her draft a contract with the intended parents. This contract protects your partner, preventing legal, financial or personal disputes from arising in the future.  This is where your partner will explain her preferences for the process, including the kind of relationship she wants to have with the intended parents once the process is over.

Step 5. The Medical Process

After completing her surrogacy contract, she’ll be able to begin the medical surrogacy process. This will involve a medical screening that may include:

  • Blood tests

  • Hormonal assessments

  • Infectious disease screenings

  • Genetic testing

  • Physical exam

To help prepare for pregnancy, a fertility clinic will prescribe your partner fertility medications to prepare her for the embryo transfer. The embryo is created using IVF with the intended parents’ sperm and eggs or a donor. When your partner is deemed ready by her fertility clinic, the embryo will be transferred to your partner’s uterus.

Although this is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, your partner will need to be on bedrest for 48 hours after the procedure is competed. Your support during this significant milestone helps your partner feel confident knowing they’re playing a crucial role in helping a couple build their family.

Step 6. Pregnancy and Delivery

Roughly a week or two after the embryo transfer, your partner will return to the fertility clinic to confirm the pregnancy.

Once a pregnancy is confirmed, your partner will need to attend regular check-ups to ensure the well-being of both her and the baby. Attending these appointments allows you to actively participate in the surrogacy process, gaining firsthand insights into the progress and milestones.

Leading up to delivery, your partner will create a birth plan with the intended parents outlining her preferences and expectations for the delivery process. This plan ensures that everyone’s wishes are respected and understood.

During this stage of the surrogacy process, you can share any concerns or questions you may have about the delivery. At the end of it all, you’ll be a part of this incredible moment and can witness all your partners hard work pay off.

Supporting your partner through their surrogate journey is a shared adventure, where you’ll have a hand in helping them become a hero in someone else’s story. 

If you’re ready to become a supportive surrogate partner, then have your partner fill out this form or text us at 913-204-0224.