Surrogacy timeline – how long does the process take? (Plus, working out the blockers)
We’ve covered so many aspects of surrogacy – work through our dedicated library for specific topics and support – but very often, it’s the basics people are searching for. From start to finish, how long does the surrogacy process typically take? And what are the main stages along the way?
Understanding a ball park surrogacy timeline can help intended parents visualise the journey and plan ahead. While every experience is unique, gestational surrogacy processes take around 12-18 months on average, from initial onboarding to bringing a baby home.
This timeline has been developed in collaboration with full service international agency Be Parent, drawing on their extensive experience supporting parents and carriers through every stage of the surrogacy journey. Their insights help highlight not just the stages themselves, but also the common blockers and practical tips that can help the process move smoothly.
Pin this, use it as a rough guide and let’s go.
MONTH 1-2: Onboarding and preparation
The surrogacy journey begins with onboarding. During this stage, intended parents take part in consultations, review medical requirements and complete initial paperwork.
Medical and background screening takes place for parents and donors, and legal contracts are signed so that expectations and responsibilities are clearly established.
This early stage lays the foundation for the entire process, so thorough prep can help prevent delays later in the journey. Ensuring documentation and screenings are completed promptly helps the surrogacy timeline stay on track.
Common blocker
Incomplete medical records or delays in submitting documentation.
Fix
Where possible, respond quickly to coordinator requests and prepare required paperwork in advance.
MONTH 2-3: Gamete collection and embryo creation
Once onboarding is complete, intended parents and/or donors arrive for gamete (egg and sperm) deposit or collection. At this stage embryos are created using IVF.
After creation, embryos undergo screening to ensure they’re suitable for transfer.
This stage is a key milestone in the surrogacy timeline, as embryo readiness determines when the next steps can begin.
Embryo preparation timelines can vary depending on IVF protocols and screening processes. Clear coordination between clinics and intended parents helps ensure the process moves efficiently.
Common blocker
Delays in embryo readiness or additional IVF cycles being required.
Fix
Maintain close communication with your clinic team to help testing and screening steps stay on schedule.
MONTH 3-4: Surrogate matching and preparation
While embryos are being prepared, the process of matching intended parents with a surrogate partner (gestational carrier) begins.
Matching typically takes around four weeks, although this can vary depending on preferences and availability.
Once a match is confirmed, the gestational carrier begins preparation for embryo transfer.
Be Parent highlight that the matching process tends to move faster when intended parents are open to a broader range of surrogate profiles and communicate expectations clearly.
The agency’s triple screening process ensures gestational carriers are carefully vetted, helping to minimise delays and ensure strong, compatible matches.
Common blocker
Highly specific matching preferences can lengthen this stage. This is very natural, but just a common delay to be aware of.
Fix
Being open and flexible during matching can help keep the surrogacy timeline moving smoothly. But again, this is your timeline. Follow your instincts, and know that clear communication is the top priority.
MONTH 4-15: Embryo transfer and pregnancy
Once the gestational carrier is ready, the embryo transfer procedure takes place.
This is a short, non-invasive procedure, similar to a gynaecological exam. After the transfer, there is typically a 14-day waiting period (two week wait) before pregnancy confirmation.
If the transfer is successful, the pregnancy progresses with ongoing monitoring and support.
During pregnancy, Be Parent also help guide intended parents through preparations for birth, including prenatal support, surro-doula classes and more.
Common blocker
Even with careful planning, delays can occur during IVF or implantation stages. Having structured support and clear communication throughout pregnancy helps intended parents navigate the emotional and practical aspects of the journey.
Fix
It really helps to prepare for all eventualities, factoring in:
- embryo implantation not succeeding
- additional embryo transfer(s)
- IVF cycle timing
If a transfer is unsuccessful, a second transfer typically takes around two months. This allows for one cycle skip and one month of preparation before trying again
MONTH 15-18: Birth and post-birth processes
As the pregnancy reaches term, preparations are made for the birth.
Be Parent coordinate pre-birth arrival and stay, ensuring intended parents are ready to welcome their baby.
Birth takes place with surro-doula guidance in residence, supporting both the surrogate and intended parents across the experience.
After birth, the focus shifts to legal processes and the baby’s passport application, enabling families to return home together.
Common blockers
- administrative processing times
- passport documentation requirements
Fix
Preparing documents in advance can help streamline the post-birth stage.
What is gestational surrogacy?
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate does not use her own eggs. Instead, embryos are created using genetic material from the intended parents or donors.
This approach offers clearer legal frameworks, greater medical control and more predictable timelines.
Traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate uses her own egg, is less common and may introduce additional legal complexities.
Gestational surrogacy is typically the preferred approach for international intended parents due to its clearer legal and medical structure.
How agencies manage surrogate payment timelines
The surrogacy process also involves structured milestone payments linked to stages of the journey.
Payments typically include:
- a registration deposit
- a program payment
- milestone payments linked to pregnancy progress (such as heartbeat confirmation and gestation weeks)
- surrogate compensation beginning at embryo transfer
This staged structure allows intended parents to plan financially alongside the timeline of their journey.
The surrogacy timeline at a glance
While every journey is unique, most surrogacy timelines follow a similar structure:
Month 1-2:
Onboarding, medical screening and legal preparation
Month 2-3:
Gamete collection and embryo creation
Month 3-4:
Surrogate matching and preparation
Month 4-15
Embryo transfer and pregnancy
Month 15-18
Birth and post-birth legal processes
It’s rarely a perfectly straight path. But understanding a potential surrogacy timeline, along with common blockers and expert guidance, can help intended parents approach the journey with confidence.
Ready to hit go? Connect with Be Parent. Their independent Be Fair Committee ensures that every decision made prioritises clarity, wellbeing and dignity for all involved in this most incredible of journeys.
