Surrogacy Process for Intended Parents Step-by-Step
Growing Generations has been helping people become parents for 30 years. Once you choose to pursue surrogacy with us, we make sure your journey is tailored to you and your needs. From your first consultation through delivery, we guide you at each stage and connect you with the right people at every milestone.
Overview of the Surrogacy Journey
Step 1
Consultation
1-2 Weeks
Step 2
OnBoarding
2-4 Weeks
Step 3
MATCHING YOU WITH AN IDEAL SURROGATE
1-6 Months
Step 4
PREPARING YOU AND YOUR SURROGATE FOR PREGNANCY
2-4 Months
Step 5
EMBRYO TRANSFER & PREGNANCY
9-10 Months
Step 6
FINAL STRETCH: PREPARING FOR THE DELIVERY & YOUR NEW BABY
9+ Months
Each surrogacy journey is unique, and for our Heritage program the average surrogacy process takes 13 to 18 months*.
*Timelines vary based on the program you select, surrogate availability, clinic protocols, and your specific family-building needs.
Step 1
Consultation
Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation. This is an opportunity to learn about our surrogacy program, and costs while we get to know you, your expectations, and your needs. We'll discuss your family-building goals, discuss egg and sperm donor options if needed, and answer any early questions. There's no pressure to commit right away. This conversation is about making sure you feel informed and confident before moving forward.
Step 2
OnBoarding
When you are ready to begin, you will sign a retainer agreement and pay a retainer fee, allowing us to officially begin your surrogacy journey. This can be completed at any time, including immediately following your consultation, if you feel prepared.
At this stage, we will assist you in creating a profile for potential surrogates to learn more about you, complete required background checks, and as needed, introduce you to experienced medical and legal professionals. If you need the assistance of an egg or sperm donor, we will support you in locating a donor who meets your preferences.
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Step 3
Matching you with an Ideal Surrogate
Finding the right surrogate is one of the most important steps in your journey. We take a personalized approach to matching, built around your preferences, expectations, and comfort level.
In the rare case that a surrogate does not pass her in-person medical screening, our Surrogate Match Guarantee covers up to $5,000 of screening expenses, and we provide an additional match at no additional agency fee.
For intended parents in our Heritage programs, we also offer a Match Timeline Guarantee with a full refund of the program fee deposit if we don't meet our commitment.
Step 4
Preparing You and Your Surrogate for Pregnancy
Once matched, we coordinate the medical, legal, and financial steps needed before the embryo transfer.
Medical Preparation: Your surrogate will complete in-person medical screening with your selected fertility clinic and follow the clinic's protocol to prepare for the transfer. Your fertility clinic coordinates the timing and procedure, and we stay in close communication throughout.
Legal Agreements: Before IVF medications begin, we’ll coordinate with your selected reproductive law attorney to draft your gestational carrier agreement. Your surrogate will also have independent legal counsel. This agreement outlines expectations, responsibilities, compensation, and parental rights.
Insurance & Escrow: At this point, you'll begin funding your Growing Generations expense and escrow accounts.
As your transfer date approaches, many intended parents begin preparing their home for the arrival of their baby.
Step 5
Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy
Once all preparations are complete, your surrogate will undergo the embryo transfer. While the transfer itself is brief, it marks the moment your journey moves from preparation to possibility.
The Transfer: The embryo transfer is performed by your fertility clinic and involves your surrogate only. We’ll coordinate any needed travel and make sure she’s well supported and prepared.
Confirming Pregnancy: About ten days after the transfer, your surrogate will have a pregnancy test to confirm whether the embryo has successfully implanted. This is followed by a series of ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor early pregnancy. While your fertility clinic directs this care, appointments are typically completed at a monitoring facility close to your surrogate’s home.
Throughout the Pregnancy: We support you and your surrogate through the entire pregnancy, keeping communication open and making sure you feel connected to the journey as it unfolds.
Step 6
Preparing for the Delivery & Your New Baby
As the pregnancy enters its second trimester, we begin preparing you, your surrogate, and the hospital for the arrival of your child.
Legal Preparation: We coordinate with your legal team so they ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
Birth Planning: We work with you and your surrogate to create a birth plan that reflects your preferences, including who will be present at delivery and how you would like the first moments with your baby to unfold. We’ll provide guidance around packing for the hospital and feeding options for your new baby.
Hospital Coordination: We communicate with the hospital in advance so the staff understands your surrogacy arrangement.
Coming Home: Intended parents traveling within the U.S. can typically expect to return home within a few days of their baby’s birth. For those traveling internationally, your reproductive law firm will assist in obtaining the necessary travel documents for your newborn. Most international parents can expect to return home approximately 3–6 weeks after birth.
Surrogacy Process FAQs
Independent or private surrogacy requires intended parents to manage the journey on their own. This means finding and screening a surrogate, sperm donor, and egg donor (if needed), choosing an IVF clinic, securing legal support, and coordinating many other moving pieces throughout the process.
Agencies like Growing Generations provide intended parents, as well as surrogates, sperm donors, and egg donors, with support and guidance throughout their journeys. With 30 years of experience helping families grow through surrogacy, sperm donation, and egg donation, we coordinate each stage of the process and are there to navigate each journey seamlessly.
In our Heritage Program, the average surrogacy journey takes 13 to 18 months from initial consultation to birth. Factors like program selection, surrogate availability, embryo creation, and your clinic's timeline can influence the overall duration.
Payments are structured throughout the journey, with major milestones including your retainer fee, immediately following the match with your surrogate, and funding your escrow account before medications begin. Your Financial Specialist will walk you through the complete payment schedule during your consultation.
You have very meaningful input in the matching process. We present surrogate profiles based on your preferences, and you will have a match meeting via video conference before confirming. If the match does not feel right, we continue the search until you find the right fit for your family building needs.
Yes. We have worked with intended parents from over 20 countries and have extensive experience navigating international surrogacy.
If a transfer does not result in pregnancy, your medical team will review the cycle and discuss next steps. Depending on your situation, this may involve additional transfers with your current surrogate or exploring other options. We support you through every outcome.
We connect you with experienced reproductive law attorneys who specialize in surrogacy. They draft your gestational carrier agreement, guide you through pre-birth or post-birth orders, and ensure your parental rights are protected. Your surrogate also receives independent legal counsel.
