Surrogacy: A Compassionate Journey to Parenthood

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey that helps intended parents grow their families with the support of a gestational carrier (surrogate). If you’re new to this process, the steps, timelines, and requirements can feel overwhelming at first. This guide breaks down the essentials so you know what to expect from start to finish.

What Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is when a gestational carrier agrees to carry and deliver a baby for intended parents. In gestational surrogacy — the most common type today — the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. Instead, embryos are created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm, then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

How Surrogacy Works: The Process

While every journey is unique, most follow these core steps:

1. Consultation & Application

2. Intended parents meet with an agency to discuss goals, costs, and timelines.

4. Surrogates apply and go through initial screening to ensure eligibility.




5. Matching

6. Intended parents and surrogates are thoughtfully matched based on preferences, personalities, and expectations.

8. This step can take 3–4 months on average.




9. Medical & Legal Preparation

10. Surrogates complete medical evaluations, fertility testing, and psychological screening.

12. Legal contracts protect both the surrogate and the intended parents, ensuring clarity on rights and responsibilities.




13. Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy

14. Fertility specialists coordinate the embryo transfer.

16. Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate receives ongoing medical care, emotional support, and regular check-ins from the agency.




17. Delivery & Beyond

18. The baby is delivered, and intended parents welcome their child.

20. Many agencies provide postpartum support for both surrogates and parents to help with the transition.

Timelines: What to Expect

The full surrogacy journey typically takes 12–18 months, depending on medical factors and matching availability. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Consultation to Match: 3–4 months

• Medical & Legal Prep: 1–2 months

• Embryo Transfer to Birth: 9–12 months

  
  

Some journeys move faster, while others take longer depending on medical circumstances, clinic schedules, and individual needs.

Requirements for Surrogates

Agencies and clinics follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of both surrogates and babies. While requirements can vary slightly, most surrogates must:

• Be between 21–42 years old

• Have given birth to at least one healthy child

• Be in good physical and mental health

• Have a healthy BMI (typically 19–32)

• Be a non-smoker and drug-free

• Live in a surrogacy-friendly state or region

• Pass medical, psychological, and background screenings

  
  

These requirements help protect everyone involved and ensure the highest chance of a healthy pregnancy.

Why Work with an Agency?

Surrogacy is a complex journey involving medical, legal, emotional, and financial considerations. A trusted surrogacy agency provides:

• Guidance through every step of the process

• Expert support for both intended parents and surrogates

• Legal protection and coordination

• Emotional and community support, including mentorship programs

• Connections with top fertility specialists and clinics

  
  

The Emotional Journey of Surrogacy

Surrogacy is not just a medical procedure; it is an emotional journey for everyone involved. As a surrogate, you may experience a range of feelings throughout the process. It’s essential to acknowledge these emotions and seek support when needed.

Building Connections

One of the most beautiful aspects of surrogacy is the connection formed between the surrogate and the intended parents. This relationship can be incredibly rewarding. Open communication and mutual respect are vital in nurturing this bond.

Coping with Challenges

There may be challenges along the way. It’s normal to feel anxious or uncertain at times. Remember, you are not alone. Lean on your support network, whether it’s friends, family, or your agency. They can provide encouragement and guidance when you need it most.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy is more than a medical process — it’s a partnership built on trust, compassion, and shared dreams. Whether you’re an intended parent hoping to grow your family or a surrogate called to help others experience parenthood, the journey can be one of the most meaningful chapters of your life.

At One Village Surrogacy, we’re here to make every step clear, safe, and supported. We aim to be the most trusted and compassionate guide for families and surrogates through the surrogacy journey. Together, we can navigate this complex process with clarity and empathy.