Learn what to expect from the surrogacy process for surrogates
You probably have a lot of questions if you want to help someone else start or grow their family through surrogacy. Getting answers about the surrogacy process for surrogates can empower you when taking the next steps on this beautiful journey.
Les Petits Surrogacy® uses our team’s decades of combined experience to provide concierge support and helpful guidance to our surrogates. As part of our commitment to supporting selfless women like you, we are here to explain the steps of gestational surrogacy.
What are the first steps for gestational surrogates?
Our first-time surrogates will need to go through our comprehensive screening process. The goal of our screening is to ensure that surrogacy will be safe and effective for all.
All our experienced surrogates will have already undergone these steps, but will need to refresh their screening to ensure that a future surrogacy journey will be safe and successful.
Complete your personal surrogacy profile. If you are eligible, you will complete a profile. Your profile will include your medical history, lifestyle, values and surrogacy preferences. Intended parents can later view your answers to see if you have similar values and traits.
Background checks and medical records review. Next, we will perform a background check and a medical records review. It may take several weeks to collect your records from multiple providers. You will also have an opportunity to review your medical history and ask questions during a virtual visit with a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.
Mental health evaluation. You will meet with a mental health professional who has experience in surrogacy. Together, you will explore your motivations, wishes and what you expect from surrogacy. You can ask questions during this time to ensure surrogacy is right for you.
Around the same time as your mental health evaluation, we will also arrange for a professional virtual home visit and health insurance review.
What steps come after the initial surrogate screening?
Both first-time and experienced surrogates will go through the next steps of the surrogacy process for surrogates.
Matching. We will share your profile with parents who meet your criteria. To help make the perfect match, we use our extensive experience and consider factors that are important to both of you. When there is a fit, we will facilitate a video call between you and the intended parents.
Medical screening. Once a match is made, you will visit the intended parents’ IVF clinic. Their fertility doctor will perform an exam to assess your physical and reproductive health. You may need to travel for this appointment, but we will make all arrangements and cover costs.
You can expect to undergo screening for drugs and alcohol, infectious diseases, hormone levels, blood type and other factors. You will also have imaging studies to confirm your uterus is healthy and able to support a pregnancy.
Legal agreements and funding. After medical screening, the intended parents’ attorney will draft the legal contract, and the attorney you have selected will represent your interest in negotiating a fair and impartial legal agreement. This document protects you and the intended parents, outlining all rights and responsibilities. You can review this contract and make changes with your attorney. It’s normal to go through a few drafts before everyone is comfortable with the final agreement.
Our surrogacy agency will help you obtain a life insurance policy. The intended parents will also fully fund a trust or escrow account to secure the funds that will support your needs.
What are the final steps of the surrogacy process for surrogates?
These final steps are among the most magical in the surrogacy process for surrogates. They start with the embryo transfer and culminate in the birth of a beautiful baby.
Embryo transfer and pregnancy test. A fertility doctor will give you medications to prepare your body for pregnancy. You will have several monitoring appointments to ensure your uterus is ready for an embryo.
When the time is right, the doctor will perform the embryo transfer. This is a quick outpatient procedure followed by a pregnancy test 10 days later. Pregnancy is confirmed through blood tests, and an ultrasound confirms a fetal heartbeat at six to seven weeks.
Enjoy the pregnancy. At the end of the first trimester, you will begin regular visits to a local OBGYN. The intended parents will make decisions about prenatal screenings. In the second trimester, you’ll have fetal scans and routine tests to ensure that you and the baby are healthy.
During the pregnancy, you will have continuous support from the Les Petits Surrogacy team. We will check in frequently, providing emotional support and guidance. Our mission is to ensure that you are comfortable, feel well supported, and stay healthy throughout the pregnancy.
Welcome the baby into the world. With help from our team, you and the intended parents will create a detailed birth plan that respects your wishes. On the big day, you and the intended parents will all celebrate the birth of a beautiful new life together.
We will be there for you to help you transition back to your pre-pregnancy life, emotionally and physically.
Get more information about becoming a surrogate
Les Petits Surrogacy is here to guide you through the surrogacy process for surrogates. Our compassionate support and concierge services ensure you receive the exceptional care you deserve. To learn more, we invite you to contact Les Petits Surrogacy today.
