Starting the surrogacy process is a meaningful and emotional journey, but it also 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 Intended Parents (IPs), from initial pre-screening to delivery.
Onboarding to Match: About Two to Four Months
This stage ensures you’re ready to begin the surrogacy process. Upon completing our Intended Parent Intake Form, you begin the process of onboarding at Village Surrogacy. During onboarding, 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 Surrogacy to complete background checks and create your profile to match with a gestational carrier (GC)! We will then market your profile and work with you to identify an excellent surrogate candidate.
Matched Medical & Psychological Screening: About Three Months
Once we have found a potential match and you have approved their profile, you will begin the match screening process. First, you will meet with the potential Gestational Carrier and her spouse/partner (if applicable) to establish a strong connection for your journey. After that, your clinic will establish a relationship with your GC, and she will undergo the clinic’s medical screening process. This will include an ultrasound, lab work for her and her spouse/partner, and additional routine procedures to ensure her body is responding well to medications and will be prepared for an upcoming transfer. To finish this phase of the process, you and your spouse/partner (if applicable) will attend a psychological screening independently, and your GC will do the same, to assess that you are all mentally prepared and ready for a surrogacy journey. From there, you will complete a joint psychological screening with the GC, her partner, and the reproductive psychologist to confirm the match is a great fit!
Legal Clearance: About Two Months
Once you and your GC have passed 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. Your legal team will work with your GC’s legal team to draft a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement (GSA), discussing revisions as necessary, until the document is ready for signing. At Village Surrogacy, legal fees are covered within the agency fees which means no additional out-of-pocket expenses for drafting! With your GSA signed, you are ready to move forward with 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 for the GC, monitoring of her 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 the transfer day.
Post-Transfer and Pregnancy: About Nine Months
After transferring, the focus shifts to a healthy pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, there are various appointments that serve as important checkpoints and check-ins for both the baby and the GC’s health and safety. 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 your baby’s heartbeat and healthy growth. From there, your GC will graduate from your clinic and begin routine visits with her OB, including the anatomy scan at twenty weeks. During this time (around 12-20 gestation), you will work with your legal team to get the necessary legal documents in place for delivery. For example, your Pre-Birth Order will ensure proper parentage is established to ensure accuracy of your baby’s birth certificate on the big day! During the third trimester (around twenty-eight weeks), you will begin delivery preparations with the hospital and plans for post-delivery. Finally, you’ll have the delivery, and your chance to celebrate the arrival of your baby!
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 Intended Parent Intake Form today to apply!
