Your Six Step Journey to Surrogacy
Getting Started
The surrogacy journey begins with a flurry of excitement and anticipation. Take our surrogacy and, once approved to start, we will work together in gathering essential medical records, including your pregnancy and delivery history in addition to recent pap smear and lab test results. During this time, you will have the opportunity to learn more about surrogacy and work closely with
Step 1: Prescreening Pregnancy Record Review
Next, your records undergo a meticulous review by a Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) physician and you participate in a virtual visit. This is your opportunity to discuss your pregnancy history and address any concerns. The MFM physician then approves you to move forward with surrogacy and provides a comprehensive report with clinical recommendations for your journey. Simultaneously, prescreening continues with a background check, psychological evaluation, virtual home visit, and insurance review, all facilitated by professionals introduced by
Step 2: Matching Process and the Initial Match Call
The matching process is a pivotal and emotionally charged phase, typically spanning a few weeks. Your surrogacy profile, now complete and vetted, is shared with potential Intended Parents. Medical records are also reviewed by the Intended Parent’s fertility doctor, a Reproductive Endocrinologist, to ensure compatibility and readiness for the next steps.
Step 3: Medical Screening and Legal Processes
Over the next several weeks, medical screening takes precedence. This involves a comprehensive evaluation at the IVF center to affirm your health status and readiness for pregnancy. If your Intended Parents’ IVF clinic is not local, travel arrangements will be organized by
Following the medical screening and upon receiving medical clearance from the IVF clinic, the legal groundwork is laid to protect the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. You will be introduced to a life insurance broker and select an attorney specializing in third-party reproduction. The Surrogacy Agreement is drafted by the Intended Parents’ attorney, and then reviewed by you with your attorney. This agreement may go back and forth until all parties are comfortable with the details of the agreement. Once finalized, the agreement is signed and notarized by all parties, with the Intended Parents also required to fully fund a trust fund or escrow account, a critical requirement before proceeding to the embryo transfer stage.
Step 4: IVF Process and Pregnancy Confirmation
Typically 9-10 days post embryo transfer, you will undergo lab tests to confirm pregnancy. You receive a tentative embryo transfer cycle calendar, medications are delivered, and if necessary, local monitoring arrangements are made. The actual embryo transfer is a magical moment full of emotion and hope. The transfer may be followed by decreased activity for a few days or bed rest as recommended.
Post-transfer, you undergo lab tests to confirm pregnancy, typically around 9-10 days after the embryo transfer. Assuming a positive result, an ultrasound to confirm a fetal heartbeat is scheduled between weeks 5-7 of gestation. You will transition your care from the IVF center to an obstetrician near the end of the first trimester.
Step 5: Pregnancy Monitoring through Trimesters
Once under obstetric care, the pregnancy is closely monitored through its trimesters. The first trimester includes setting up initial OBGYN appointments and your Intended Parents will decide on prenatal screenings. You can count on being well supported every step of the way during your journey. You will always be in communication with Rebecca and your team of professionals and share updates with the Intended Parents. The second trimester focuses on detailed fetal scans and other routine tests such as glucose tolerance tests. During the third trimester, preparations for birth intensify. You’ll work closely with Les Petits Surrogacy to communicate your wishes for the birth and learn the Intended Parents’ wishes. This is the initial step in creating a coordinated and detailed birth plan. You will also register with the hospital, order necessary supplies like a breast pump, and pack your hospital bag. Routine tests continue to ensure the health and well-being of both you and the baby.
Step 6: Birth and Postpartum Care
The culmination of your surrogacy journey is the birth of a beautiful baby or babies, a profoundly rewarding experience. Following the delivery, your role might still include pumping breast milk, if this is agreed upon, and ensuring all postpartum care and supplies are adequately managed with the help of your case manager. Importantly, support sessions continue for three months postpartum to help you transition emotionally and physically after the surrogacy.
Throughout these six steps, your journey involves profound partnerships with medical professionals, legal advisors, and, most importantly, the Intended Parents. Each phase is designed to ensure safety, transparency, and emotional support, culminating in the ultimate goal of bringing a new life into the world for someone who deeply values this gift.