The Step-by-Step Surrogacy Timeline: Process for First-Time Surrogates

Surrogacy is a beautiful, life-changing process—for both surrogates and intended parents. But as with any decision to give birth or build a family, it might seem overwhelming at times, and it’s completely normal to have questions and concerns. 

What is surrogacy, exactly? How long does the surrogacy timeline take? And what actually happens after you apply to be a surrogate?

In simple terms, surrogacy is a process where a woman carries and delivers a baby for intended parents. It’s a deeply rewarding experience, but it’s not a path you take without a roadmap; it’s a structured journey with clearly defined steps designed to protect everyone involved.

Understanding the full surrogacy timeline can help set expectations and ease uncertainty for first-time surrogates. Generally, the surrogacy process takes anywhere from one year to over two years—but every journey is different. 

Below, we’ll guide you through the entire process, so you can know exactly what to expect. 

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

One of your first questions as you consider surrogacy is probably: How long will it take? 

Here’s a quick overview of a typical surrogacy timeline: 

Step in the Surrogacy Process	Timeline
Research & choosing a surrogacy agency	1 – 3 months
Application process	1 week
Consultation and screening processes	2 - 4 weeks
Matching process	1 - 18 months
Medical and legal clearance	1 – 3 months
Medical preparation & embryo transfer	1 – 2 months
Pregnancy and delivery	~ 9 months

Each step is essential to ensure a safe, ethical, and successful surrogacy journey for both surrogates and intended parents. Below, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of every step of the process.

Overview of the Surrogacy Timeline

Step 1: Understanding Initial Requirements

Before beginning the surrogacy process, it’s important to make sure you meet the basic qualifications. These requirements ensure safety and legal compliance, maximizing the chances of a healthy, successful pregnancy. 

While requirements may vary slightly by surrogacy agency, Royal Surrogacy requires the following:

• Have had at least one full-term, healthy pregnancy.

• Be currently raising at least one child.

• Be between 21 and 36 years old.

• Maintain a healthy height-to-weight ratio, with a BMI no higher than 31.

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, with valid documentation for at least two years.

• Possess a valid driver’s license.

• Live in a surrogacy-friendly U.S. state.

• Be a non-smoker in excellent health.

• Have no history of alcohol or substance abuse.

• Have a strong support system.

• Be open to traveling to fertility clinics for the IVF process.

You’ll also need to be comfortable sharing your medical history and undergoing thorough screening.

Step 2: Research & Choose the Right Agency (1–3 Months)

Choosing the right surrogacy agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A reputable agency will guide you through every step—from the matching process to legal parentage and beyond.

Take time to research agencies, ask questions, and understand their approach to:

• Support and communication

• Matching preferences

• Compensation and benefits

• Relationships between intended parents and surrogates

An agency aligned with your values makes for the smoothest, most fulfilling surrogacy journey possible—for everyone involved. 

Step 3: Apply to Become a Surrogate (1 Week)

Once you’ve chosen an agency, the next step is to complete your application.

This typically includes:

• Basic personal information

• Pregnancy history

• Lifestyle details

• Initial medical records

The application is your first step toward becoming a surrogate—and it helps agencies determine whether you meet the initial criteria. 

While the entire application process can take longer, Royal Surrogacy’s application takes just 20 minutes to complete.

Step 4: Consultation & Screening (2 - 4 Weeks)

After your application is approved, you’ll likely schedule a consultation, then you’ll move into more comprehensive screening processes. This stage ensures that you’re physically, emotionally, and medically ready for surrogacy.

Screening may include:

• Medical screening and review of medical records

• Psychological evaluation

• Background checks

• Fertility clinic assessments

This step is critical to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a positive experience for everyone involved.

The screening process varies by agency, but Royal Surrogacy’s pre-screening takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 5: Matching Process (2 weeks–18 Months)

The matching process is where intended parents and surrogates are carefully paired based on compatibility.

Agencies consider:

• Matching preferences

• Communication styles

• Values and expectations

• Logistics and availability

You’ll typically meet potential intended parents before a match is finalized. Once both sides feel confident, the match is confirmed, and your journey together officially begins.

The length of this step varies greatly by agency. In some cases, it could take 6+ months.

At Royal Surrogacy, however, you can find a match in as soon as two weeks. The exact timeline will depend on your personal criteria. 

Step 6: Medical Clearance (4 - 6 Weeks)

You’ll complete medical screening through a fertility clinic. This step ensures you’re physically prepared for pregnancy and meet all health requirements for the surrogacy process.

You can expect:

• A visit to an IVF clinic for screening and evaluation

• A review of your medical records and medical history

• Bloodwork, ultrasounds, and other necessary tests

• Final approval from medical professionals

Your surrogacy agency will coordinate appointments and logistics.

Step 7:  Legal Clearance (2 – 4 Weeks)

After medical clearance, legal contracts are finalized. The surrogacy contract outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the surrogate and the intended parents.

This includes:

• Compensation and benefits

• Expectations during pregnancy

• Plans for delivery

• Legal parentage arrangements

Each party works with independent legal professionals to ensure everything is fair, transparent, and legally sound.

Step 8: Medical Preparation & Embryo Transfer (5 - 8 Weeks)

Next comes medical preparation with a fertility clinic. This phase prepares your body for the embryo transfer, which is when the embryo created via IVF is placed in your uterus.

Steps may include:

• Hormonal medications

• Monitoring appointments at fertility clinics

• Final medical screening

Through Royal Surrogacy, this process typically takes 5-8 weeks, but it can take anywhere from 1-3 months. 

Step 9: Pregnancy and Prenatal Care (40 Weeks)

About two weeks after the embryo transfer, you’ll take a pregnancy test to confirm whether the transfer was successful. Success rates vary, and it may take multiple attempts. This is perfectly normal.

Once pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll begin regular prenatal care, just like any other pregnancy. The first ultrasound will take place within 6-10 weeks. Once the heartbeat is confirmed, you'll receive further care from your OB.

During this phase:

• You’ll attend routine medical appointments

• Maintain communication with intended parents

• Develop a birthing plan together

• Receive ongoing support from your agency and support system

This is an extremely emotionally rewarding part of the surrogacy journey. You’re helping bring a long-awaited child into the world! 

Step 10: Delivery & Post-Delivery Legal Finalization

At delivery, the intended parents typically welcome their baby immediately, depending on the agreed-upon plan.

After birth:

• Legal parentage is finalized (if not already completed pre-birth)

• You may have a recovery period with continued support

• Emotional and post-delivery resources are provided

This is the final step of the surrogacy timeline, marking the end of an incredible journey for both surrogates and intended families. 

Why Women Choose to Become Surrogates

There are many reasons to choose to become a surrogate. 

Some of the most common reasons include: 

• The desire to help others experience parenthood

• A sense of purpose and fulfillment

• Financial compensation and stability

• The opportunity to be part of a meaningful, life-changing journey

While the process certainly requires commitment, many surrogates describe it as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. There’s nothing like the beauty of childbirth—and knowing that you’re helping someone else in the process is all the more rewarding. 

Start Your Surrogacy Journey With Royal Surrogacy

Surrogacy can seem like a daunting journey, but understanding the full surrogacy timeline can make the process feel more manageable! With the right guidance, support system, and preparation, you can move through each stage with confidence.

At Royal Surrogacy, you’ll be supported every step of the way, from your initial application to delivery and beyond. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to apply, our experienced team is here to guide you through a safe, structured, and empowering surrogacy journey.

Ready to take the first step? Your journey toward making a lasting impact starts here.