You’ve been through pregnancy before. You know the drill of prenatal vitamins, regular checkups, and that mix of excitement and anticipation. But now you’re considering becoming a surrogate in Virginia, and you’re wondering: What’s going to be different this time around?
Much of your medical care will feel familiar, but there are some key differences that actually work in your favor. You’ll have enhanced medical support, comprehensive coverage, and a dedicated team focused entirely on ensuring both you and the baby receive exceptional care throughout the journey. If you feel ready to talk to someone about becoming a surrogate, we can connect you to a specialist.
How Your Medical Care is Different This Time Around
As an experienced mom, you already understand pregnancy. However, surrogate medical care in Virginia comes with some distinct advantages you didn’t have during your own pregnancies.
The major differences from your medical care this time around are that you won’t be paying for the medical costs. All surrogates get their medical care covered by the intended parents from medications to delivery expenses. You’ll also work with specialized reproductive endocrinologists.
As Codi, a surrogate who worked with American Surrogacy explains: “Doctor’s appointments for a surrogacy pregnancy are much more common and frequent than with a normal pregnancy.” This increased frequency means potential issues are caught early and both you and the baby receive the most comprehensive care possible throughout your journey.
What stays the same:
- Regular prenatal appointments and monitoring
- Standard pregnancy tests and screenings
- The same physical experience of pregnancy itself
- Your ability to make day-to-day health decisions
The Medical Prep Phase Before Pregnancy
Before you even become pregnant, you’ll work with Virginia fertility clinics to prepare your body for the embryo transfer procedure. This comprehensive phase typically lasts 6-10 weeks and is designed to prepare your body for a successful pregnancy, here’s exactly what to expect!
You’ll go through a medical screening and a psychological evaluation, it’s designed to protect your safety and give intended parent’s peace of mind. Doctors need to understand your body to create the most effective treatment plan for you. The psychological screening process involves discussing motivations for surrogacy, what your support system looks like, how you plan to handle emotional aspects, and any concerns you might have.
Your medication timeline will begin about 2-3 weeks before your transfer, here is what it involves:
- Birth control pills to sync your cycle with the intended mother or egg donor
- Estrogen patches or pills to build up your uterine lining
- Progesterone supplements to support implantation
You’ll receive a detailed medication calendar showing exactly when to take each dose, and video tutorials for injections. During the preparation phase, you’ll have appointments every few days to check how your body is responding to the medications, which makes it more intensive than what you experienced previously when you were pregnant.
The Medical Phase During Pregnancy
Once you’re pregnant, your medical care transitions to a routine you’re used to, but with some extra perks! You’ll receive regular prenatal monitoring from both your OBGYN specialists and the fertility clinic initially.
During the first trimester, you’ll continue some fertility medications while gradually transitioning to standard prenatal care. Your appointments might be slightly more frequent than during your own pregnancies, but this extra attention ensures everything progresses smoothly.
What to expect at appointments:
- Standard prenatal screenings and tests
- Additional ultrasounds (the intended parents often love these!)
- Coordination between your medical team and the intended parents
- Clear communication about any questions or concerns
Between your medical team, the intended parents, and your surrogate support system, you have more support than most pregnant women ever experience. Many surrogates also find it helpful to connect with others who’ve been through the process.
Additionally, you’ll have the option to choose your own OB-GYN for prenatal care and deliveries, similar to your own pregnancies. The intended parents may have network requirements, but you’re typically able to choose a provider you like.
Delivery and Hospital Care in Virginia
Delivery and hospital care for surrogates in Virginia is handled with special consideration for everyone involved. Most hospitals have specific protocols for surrogate deliveries, ensuring the experience is smooth for both you and the intended parents.
You’ll work with your medical team to create a birth plan that respects your preferences while accommodating the intended parents’ wishes. Many surrogates appreciate having this conversation early as it removes any uncertainty about the delivery experience. This includes discussing:
- Who will be present during labor and delivery
- Decision making protocols for medical situations
- Hospital room arrangements and visiting policies
- Communication preferences during labor
- Post-delivery procedures for the baby
Virginia hospitals are well-versed in surrogate deliveries, so the staff will understand the unique dynamics. You’ll have your own recovery room and care team, while the intended parents can bond with their new baby. It’s actually quite beautiful to witness this moment you’ve helped create.
Postpartum Care
Your postpartum care as a surrogate focuses entirely on your recovery and well-being. You’ll receive the same medical attention and follow-up care as any new mother, with one key difference—you can focus completely on healing without the demands of caring for a newborn.
Recovery support includes:
- Standard postpartum medical checkups
- Emotional support and counseling if needed
- Coordination with your regular healthcare provider
- Follow-up care for any delivery-related concerns
Many surrogates find their recovery period more peaceful than after their own pregnancies. You can rest, heal, and gradually return to your normal routine while the intended parents adjust to life with their new baby.
Surrogacy Medical Professionals in Virginia
Virginia offers excellent medical support for surrogates through established fertility clinics and medical professionals throughout the state. Whether you’re in Northern Virginia, Richmond, or Norfolk, you’ll have access to top-tier medical care at some of the nation’s best hospitals.
Top-Ranked Virginia Hospitals for Maternity Care:
- Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church): Ranked #1 in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for five consecutive years, with one of the busiest labor and delivery units in Northern Virginia
- VCU Medical Center (Richmond): Ranked #2 in Virginia and #1 in Richmond, offering comprehensive academic medical center services
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital (Norfolk): Ranked #3 statewide and #1 in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk area
- HCA Virginia Health System: Multiple locations with skilled maternal-fetal medicine specialists
Your Medical Team Will Include:
- Reproductive endocrinologists specializing in gestational carrier cycles
- Experienced OBGYN specialists comfortable with surrogate pregnancies
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists for high-risk pregnancies
- Comprehensive surrogate medical teams coordinating your entire care
- 24/7 on-site anesthesiologists and neonatologists at major facilities
Insurance and Medical Costs for Surrogates
You won’t pay for your surrogate medical insurance or care. The intended parents cover all medical expenses, from initial medications through postpartum recovery.
Medical expense coverage typically includes:
- All fertility medications and monitoring
- Prenatal care and testing
- Delivery and hospital costs
- Postpartum follow-up care
- Any pregnancy-related complications
Working with a reputable surrogacy agency makes this process seamless. They handle the complex Virginia specific insurance considerations and ensure proper cost responsibility clarifications from the start. You’ll never receive a medical bill or worry about coverage gaps.
Are You Ready to Learn More About the Full Process?
The medical surrogacy process in Virginia is designed to give you the best possible care while making the experience as smooth as possible. You’ll have enhanced medical support, comprehensive coverage, and a team of professionals dedicated to your well-being.
If you’re considering this incredible journey, remember that every surrogate brings something special to the process. Your experience as a mother, combined with Virginia’s excellent medical infrastructure, creates the perfect foundation for a successful surrogacy journey.
Get started with your surrogacy journey today by connecting with a specialist and discover how rewarding it can be to help create families while receiving exceptional medical care every step of the way.