Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a meaningful and exciting experience, but it’s also a process that involves several key steps. At Village Surrogacy, we’re here to guide you through every phase. Here’s an overview of the typical timeline for gestational carriers (GCs), from initial application to delivery.
Application & Prescreening: About Two Months
Upon completing our Village Surrogacy Intake Form, you begin the process of prescreening. This stage ensures you’re ready to begin the surrogacy process. During prescreening, you will have discussions with our staff introducing you to the process, discussing your goals and expectations, and gathering demographic data. From there, you will work with Village to complete background checks, medical record review, and a mental health evaluation. If all requirements are met and verified, your file of records at Village Surrogacy are then sent to a clinic for final medical screening. Once approved, it is time to schedule removal of any semi-permanent birth control and then create your profile to match with Intended Parents (IPs)!
Matched Medical and Psychological Screening: About Two Months
Congrats! You have viewed and approved an Intended Parent (IP) profile and we’ve initiated the process of matching you. Now you move onto the matched screening phase. First, you will meet with the potential IPs to ensure compatability and establish a strong connection for your journey. After that, the IPs’ clinic requires further medical screening, which includes getting you set up as a patient, starting new medications, lab work for you and your partner, an ultrasound, and some potential other routine procedures, depending on your health and the clinic you work with. To finish this phase of the process, you will attend psychological screenings to ensure you are mentally prepared and ready for a surrogacy journey, this includes completing a screening with your IPs (and your partner, if applicable) to confirm the match is a great fit!
Legal Clearance: About Two Months
Once you have passed all medical and psychological screening, you are ready to get your legal agreement in place. This agreement is essential for mapping out expectations for your successful journey. The IP’s legal team will work with your legal team to draft a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement (GSA), discussing revisions as necessary, until the document is ready for signing. Village will help you identify a highly qualified attorney to support you through the drafting process. With your GSA signed, you are ready to move onto preparations for embryo transfer.
Frozen Embryo Transfer: About One Month
The Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) process requires medical preparation to optimize the chances of a successful transfer. This preparation typically involves prescribed medications, monitoring of the uterine lining, and scheduling the transfer appointment. It is important to note that the timeline and specific requirements may vary for each patient, as additional appointments or procedures may be necessary to ensure the body is fully prepared for transfer day.
Post-Transfer and Pregnancy: About Nine Months
After transfer, the focus shifts to a healthy pregnancy. Throughout the pregnancy, there are various appointments that serve as important checkpoints and check-ins for both the baby and your health and safety. At two weeks after the embryo transfer, a series of blood tests confirms the pregnancy. Then, at six weeks, an ultrasound checks for a developing gestational sac. By eight weeks, another ultrasound confirms the baby’s heartbeat and healthy growth. From there, you will graduate from your Intended Parent’s clinic and begin routine visits with your OB, including the anatomy scan at 20 weeks. Next up is delivery (ideally around 40 weeks), and your chance to celebrate the end of your journey as you help grow a family!
Your Support System
Throughout every stage, our team at Village Surrogacy is here to support you with resources, guidance, and care. By understanding the timeline, you can approach this incredible journey with confidence and excitement!
Ready to get started? Complete our Surrogate Intake Form today to apply!
