When you begin exploring surrogacy, it is natural to wonder how long the journey will take. Understanding the surrogacy timeline can help you feel more prepared as you begin planning your path to parenthood. 

Every surrogacy journey unfolds in its own unique way, shaped by your circumstances and needs. But having a general understanding of the typical phases involved and what to expect along the way can bring you some peace of mind. At Growing Generations, we believe planning ahead helps you, as intended parents, feel more confident as you move forward in your journey. 

Understanding the Surrogacy Timeline

A surrogacy timeline serves as a roadmap of the key phases involved in the journey, from screening to matching to finally welcoming your baby home with you. While every family’s experience is unique and timelines can shift, understanding what you can expect, what timelines you may need to consider, and what factors you need to keep in mind \helps you feel more prepared for the family-building process ahead. 

Having a clear sense of the timeline also supports practical planning, whether that means coordinating schedules, preparing financially, or thinking ahead about travel and support. Just as importantly, it will help you prepare emotionally. Surrogacy is a process that takes time and knowing what to expect at every stage can reassure you as the journey progresses. 

What Determines the Length of a Surrogacy Journey?

Every surrogacy journey moves at its own pace. Several factors can influence how quickly or gradually the process progresses. Understanding these elements can help you set realistic expectations. 

• Matching with a surrogate or egg and/or sperm donor The matching phase often has the greatest impact on timing. Availability, compatibility, and shared expectations all matter. Intended parents with very specific preferences may experience a longer matching period. At Growing Generations, we work closely with you to balance your priorities with flexibility. We help you identify matches that feel right for your family-building journey.  

• Legal contract preparation Once a surrogate match is made, legal agreements must be carefully drafted, reviewed, and finalized. Clear communication between attorneys and all parties can help move this phase efficiently, while complex situations or international considerations may extend the timeline.

• Medical readiness and IVF cycles Medical factors play an important role in timing. IVF preparation, embryo creation, medical clearances, mock cycles and scheduling embryo transfer all require coordination. Some families may need more than one IVF cycle, which can add time but is a normal part of the process. 

• Travel or international requirements For international intended parents or cross-border journeys, additional steps such as travel planning, documentation, or citizenship processes may add time to the overall timeline.  

At Growing Generations, we guide you through each of these factors with transparency and care. While some elements may naturally extend the timeline, our team remains focused on helping you find the right match and move forward confidently with the support you deserve. 

Breakdown of Each Surrogacy Phase

The surrogacy process comes in multiple phases, each with its own typical time range. While exact timing varies, this overview offers a helpful framework of what to expect. Many of our clients at Growing Generations take their time with their family-building journey. They value the timely communication and exceptional, personalized service we provide over rushing the process. We design our services and support to reflect that priority. 

1. Consultation

This phase begins with learning about surrogacy, selecting an agency to partner with, and completing initial consultations and admissions. You will learn more about the surrogacy process, and we get to know you, your goals, and your needs. You do not need to go through any medical or psychological screening when you start your family-building journey with Growing Generations. 

Typical duration: Varies based on individual readiness 

2. Admissions

After the consultation, comes the admissions phase of the process. Once you are ready to start, you will sign a retainer agreement and pay a retainer fee. This permits us to start your journey. 

Please remember: each surrogacy journey is unique. The average surrogacy process takes two and a half to three years. It may seem like a long time, but it’s important that you wait until you’ve found a surrogate or egg donor who is right for you. When you experience the joy of bringing your baby home and starting your new life, the wait will be worth it. 

Typical duration: Can be completed immediately or at your own pace. 

3. Matching With a Gestational Carrier and/or Donor

Matching with a surrogate and/or an egg/sperm donor involves reviewing profiles, exploring compatibility, and participating in meetings when appropriate. This is an important step that lays the foundation for your path to parenthood. Timelines vary depending on availability and preferences. Agencies like Growing Generations actively guide and support this process to help ensure a successful match. 

Typical duration for surrogate matching: Several days to several months, depending on your specific preferences and surrogate availability 

Typical duration for egg donor selection: Once you select a donor, the egg retrieval process typically occurs within 3–5 months 

4. Legal Agreements and Contracts

Once a surrogate match is confirmed, legal teams draft and finalize contracts that outline expectations, responsibilities, and protections for everyone involved. Clear, well-prepared agreements at this stage help prevent complications and delays later in the journey. 

Typical duration: 2–3 months to complete all legal documentation 

5. IVF / Embryo Transfer

This phase focuses on creating embryos through IVF and preparing the surrogate for embryo transfer. The surrogate follows a medical protocol designed to support a healthy transfer. Although the embryo transfer itself is a brief procedure, the preparations leading up to it require careful timing and coordination. Scheduling, medical readiness, and individual treatment plans all influence how long this phase takes. 

Typical duration: 2–4 months for medical screening, cycle preparation, and embryo transfer 

6. Pregnancy and Monitoring

Pregnancy typically lasts about nine months, during which intended parents and surrogates stay connected through agreed-upon communication plans. Updates, appointments, and involvement vary based on individual preferences and circumstances. 

Typical duration: Approximately 9+ months 

7. Birth and Post-Birth Steps

This final phase begins with the delivery of your child and continues through the important steps that follow birth. You and your surrogate work together with hospital staff to carry out the agreed upon birth plan. Hospital procedures may include immediate bonding time, newborn care, umbilical cord blood collection, and coordination with medical teams.  

After birth, legal and administrative steps follow. These may include completing parentage documentation, obtaining birth certificates, and addressing any state or international requirements related to travel or citizenship. Intended parents often use this time to settle into their new roles, bond with their baby, and prepare for the transition home. 

Typical duration: A few days to several weeks, depending on location, legal processes, and travel arrangements  

Why Timelines Vary for Intended Parents

Every surrogacy journey is unique, shaped by a number of factors. Surrogate availability, sperm and/or donor matches, and IVF outcomes can all influence how quickly each phase moves forward. For international intended parents pursuing surrogacy in the United States, additional considerations such as international travel, citizenship requirements, or state legal processes may also affect timing. 

Understanding that these variations are a part of surrogacy can help you approach the journey with flexibility and patience. With the right guidance and support, you can move through each phase feeling confident, even when timelines shift along the way. 

How to Plan Your Family Timeline Effectively

Thoughtful planning can make the surrogacy timeline feel less overwhelming. Partnering with an experienced agency, staying informed about each phase, using clear timelines, and having a strong legal team can help you anticipate what comes next and reduce unexpected stress. Checking in regularly on progress and allowing room for flexibility can also help you feel grounded throughout your journey. 

When you work with trusted professionals who understand both the details and the emotional aspects of surrogacy, you can plan with greater confidence, knowing you’re supported every step of the way. 

Conclusion

While every surrogacy journey follows its own timeline, understanding the key phases and having the right support in place can make the process feel far more accessible. With thoughtful planning and a trusted team by your side, you can move forward feeling prepared and confident. 

At Growing Generations, we walk alongside you through every stage of the journey, offering guidance to ensure each step of your journey to parenthood feels fully supported.