The Surrogacy Process for Surrogate Mothers
Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing commitment — one that involves much more than the medical process alone. From the first application to the moment you see a family’s dream come true, Southern Surrogacy is here to guide you every step of the way. Our team will provide clarity, support, and compassion throughout your journey, ensuring you always know what to expect.
Below, learn more about the full surrogacy process, including medical care, matching, legal protections, and the benefits of becoming a surrogate with Southern Surrogacy.
Application and Initial Screening
The surrogacy journey begins with an application. This is your opportunity to share basic details about your health, family, and motivations for becoming a surrogate. After your application is reviewed, our team will schedule interviews and request medical records.
If you meet the initial requirements, you’ll move forward to more detailed evaluations, including medical, psychological, and background screenings. These steps ensure that you are fully prepared and supported for the surrogacy journey.
Getting Matched with Intended Parents
Once you’ve been approved, Southern Surrogacy will help match you with intended parents. Matching is one of the most meaningful parts of the process — it’s about finding the right connection.
You’ll be able to review intended parent profiles, ask questions, and meet virtually or in person. Our team facilitates this process to make sure you feel comfortable and confident before moving forward.
Legal Protections and Contracts
Before any medical procedures begin, attorneys representing you and the intended parents will draft and finalize a legal contract. This agreement covers compensation, responsibilities, medical decisions, and what to expect throughout the journey.
Southern Surrogacy ensures that every surrogate has her own independent legal representation, so your rights and interests are fully protected.
The Gestational Surrogacy Progress
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate becomes pregnant through a procedure called in vitro fertilization (IVF). An embryo will be created in the laboratory and transferred to the surrogate’s uterus, and she will not be genetically related to the child.
Below, find additional details about the four steps of the IVF process for gestational carriers.
1. Ensure you are healthy and physically ready for surrogacy
Before beginning the surrogacy process, you will undergo medical screening to ensure you are healthy enough to carry a surrogate pregnancy. In addition to a standard physical and bloodwork, you will have an ultrasound to examine your uterus. Your spouse or partner may also need to complete bloodwork to check for infectious diseases.
In addition to this medical screening, you will also need to complete certain psychological and social evaluations and ensure you meet all requirements to be a surrogate with Southern Surrogacy.
2. Complete the embryo transfer
The doctor may use birth control pills and other hormones to regulate your cycle. This gives the doctor more control over your cycle and ensures you are ready to receive the embryos at the exact right time.
At this point in the surrogacy process, you will likely be taking progesterone injections and estrogen replacements to help maintain your hormone levels and support a stable pregnancy. You will continue taking these hormones until the 12th week of pregnancy, when the placenta generally takes over hormone production.
The embryo transfer procedure will take place when the embryos have grown for five days and you are five days past mid-cycle. The embryo(s) will be transferred using a catheter, which is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
The procedure is relatively quick and painless, and you will not be under anesthesia. However, you may need to rest for a few days after the embryo transfer.
3. Return to the clinic to confirm that you are pregnant
About a week after the embryo transfer, you will return to the fertility clinic so the doctor can measure your pregnancy hormone levels. An HCG count of 50 or higher indicates a positive, stable pregnancy, and a count over 200 may indicate a multiple pregnancy. The doctors will do another HCG test a few days later to ensure that these levels are continuing to rise; they should double every two days.
It is important to remember that multiple embryo transfers may be required before a surrogate pregnancy is achieved. You will continue to be closely monitored throughout this process, and your Southern Surrogacy case manager is always available to provide any additional support or information you may need.
4. Complete the six-week ultrasound and begin prenatal care
Once a successful embryo transfer takes place, the doctor will perform an ultrasound around the sixth week of pregnancy. If a heartbeat is heard during the ultrasound, you may be released to your own OB/GYN, or you may complete another ultrasound around 12 weeks before being released from the fertility clinic’s practice to your own OB/GYN.
At this point in the process, you will continue to receive prenatal care as you would with any other pregnancy. However, you may have more frequent appointments to ensure the pregnancy is still stable, especially if you are carrying multiples.
Surrogate Compensation and Benefits
Surrogates are generously compensated for the time, energy, and commitment they provide. Compensation varies based on experience and circumstances, but typically covers:
- Base compensation
- Monthly allowances
- Medical expenses
- Maternity clothing allowance
- Travel costs (if required)
- Additional benefits for multiples or C-sections
Our team will review the full surrogate compensation package with you in detail so you understand exactly what to expect.
Pregnancy Support and Relationship Building
Once you are pregnant, you will have the support of your case manager, the intended parents, and your medical team. Many surrogates build close, lasting relationships with their intended parents, sharing milestones like ultrasounds and baby kicks.
Southern Surrogacy will be by your side during appointments, available to answer questions, and present for important moments if you wish. Your well-being — physically, emotionally, and financially — is always our top priority.
Delivery and Beyond
When it’s time to deliver, your birth plan will have been carefully discussed and agreed upon in advance. Intended parents are usually present for the birth, and our team helps ensure a smooth and respectful experience for everyone.
After delivery, you’ll recover while the intended parents begin life with their new baby. Southern Surrogacy remains a resource for you during your post-birth transition, offering support as you return to your daily routine.
Begin Your Surrogacy Journey with Southern Surrogacy
Surrogacy is an extraordinary act of generosity, and Southern Surrogacy is here to make your experience rewarding, safe, and supported. From your first application through birth and beyond, we’ll walk beside you every step of the way.
Ready to learn more about becoming a surrogate? Contact Southern Surrogacy today to begin your journey.