Inside the Surrogacy Process: What Intended Parents Can Expect Step by Step

Taking the first step towards surrogacy is a significant milestone, and it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed when the path ahead still feels unfamiliar. Luckily, with an experienced surrogacy agency beside you, each stage becomes clear and more manageable, providing you with the structure you need to focus on growing your family with confidence and ease. Below is a step-by-step look at what intended parents can expect, along with some tips and prompts to help you feel more prepared as you move forward.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Your first conversation with the agency sets the foundation for everything that follows. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your family-building goals, medical history, and what type of surrogate match you’re hoping for. This is also your chance to learn more about the surrogacy process and how your agency can support you. To ensure a seamless journey, you’ll be paired with a case manager who will help coordinate logistics, timelines, and next steps. 

Step 2: Pre-Screening

Before the matching process begins, both surrogates and intended parents complete pre-screening steps to ensure a safe, transparent, and well-prepared foundation for the journey ahead.

Surrogate screening generally includes reviewing past pregnancies, basic medical testing, psychological assessments, and background checks. These steps ensure each candidate is healthy, emotionally ready, and capable of moving safely through a surrogacy pregnancy.

Intended parents complete their own screening steps as well, including a background check, confirmation of financial preparedness, and a review of program expectations. You’ll also create a profile for potential surrogates to review during the matching process. Here you can give an  introduction to who you are, your values, and your hopes for the journey. When creating your profile, try asking yourself: “What parts of my story feel meaningful to share with a future surrogate?”

Step 3: Matching with a Surrogate 

Based on your preferences, values, and information you’ve shared, your agency will identify candidates who are medically cleared and aligned with the type of partnership you envision.  You’ll review potential profiles and, when you feel ready, meet a potential match. When choosing your match, focus on finding someone you can communicate with easily, trust fully, and feel at ease with.

Step 4: Medical Screening

Once you and your surrogate agree to move forward, your surrogate will complete a full medical evaluation at your fertility clinic. This screening ensures she is medically cleared and able to safely proceed with an embryo transfer. The workup typically includes blood tests, uterine imaging, infectious disease screening, and a detailed review of her prior pregnancy and birth records.

Your clinic will confirm that the surrogate meets all medical requirements for treatment and will provide official clearance before moving on to the legal stage. This is also when you’ll receive updated timelines for the embryo transfer process, helping you understand what to expect in the weeks ahead.

Step 5: Legal Agreements 

Once both sides agree to move forward, legal contracts are drafted to protect the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved. The agreement will outline compensation, medical expectations, decision-making boundaries, and plans for delivery. Your agency will help connect you with experienced surrogacy attorneys, track each step of the process, and ensure both parties feel fully informed and supported before signing. The legal phase may feel formal, but it provides clarity, giving you and your surrogate the peace of mind needed for a smooth journey.

Step 6: Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy

Once legal and medical steps are complete, your clinic will guide your surrogate through the preparation phase. This includes aligning her cycle with the transfer schedule and checking progress through ultrasounds and lab work. 

Once the embryo is transferred and a pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll start receiving consistent updates and milestone reports so you feel connected and informed throughout the pregnancy. During this time, think about how you’d want to feel connected and supported during the pregnancy in a way that feels comfortable for both you and your surrogate.

Step 7: Delivery Planning

As the due date approaches, your agency will work with you to prepare for hospital procedures and plan for travel if needed. Leading up to the delivery, consider the kind of birth experience you’re hoping for and share those expectations early so everyone is aligned. 

Step 8: Post-Birth 

After delivery, you’ll complete any remaining paperwork, receive newborn records, and have the chance to support your surrogate as she transitions into postpartum recovery. Many intended parents stay in contact with their surrogates long after birth, but the nature of that relationship is entirely up to both of you.

Navigating Surrogacy with Fertility Source Companies 

Each step of surrogacy has its own emotions, decisions, and logistics, but luckily, intended parents don’t have to walk the path alone. At Fertility Source Companies, we provide guidance, structure, and advocacy, helping transform a complex process into one that feels manageable and meaningful. With the right support, every stage becomes clearer and brings you closer to growing your family. If you’re exploring surrogacy, connect with our team to see how we can support your path forward.