Your family can either be closer than you think or still a long way off — and it depends on the surrogacy agency you choose.
It’s common to wonder, “How long does the surrogacy process take?” Generally, the process can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months if your agency has fast match times. But, many agencies do not.
To get more information about how long surrogacy may take for you, contact a surrogacy professional today.
Working with a surrogacy agency that has an efficient matching process makes a world of difference in your surrogacy wait time. Continue reading to learn more about why the surrogacy process is worth the wait.
How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take? [A Timeline]
The following guide will detail approximately how long the surrogacy process takes. Keep in mind that every surrogacy process is unique, and the timeline depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Matching time: Finding an agency with a short average match time is the most important factor in finally holding your baby.
- The time it takes to conceive: It’s common for a surrogate to need to undergo multiple in vitro fertilization (IVF) rounds.
- And more
How Long Does Surrogacy Take During the Pre-Screening Stage?
If you’re an intended parent with created embryos, this stage of surrogacy typically takes one month. If you’re creating embryos with your or donor gametes, this process can take two to four months.
The pre-screening surrogacy stage is broken down into the following steps:
- Fill out and submit a planning questionnaire: This helps your surrogacy professional understand the type of surrogacy journey you want, your timeline, and your budget.
- Complete any required surrogacy agency screenings: These screenings vary by agency.
- Fulfill background clearances: You, your partner, and anyone who lives in your home older than 12 will undergo this screening.
- Finish in-home assessments: During an in-home assessment, a social worker will conduct a home inspection and interview everyone in the home about their thoughts on surrogacy.
How Long Does it Take to Find a Surrogate?
Currently, the shortest match-making part of the surrogacy process that our research could find takes one to three months with American Surrogacy. But, this is not the norm. Most agencies’ match times are much longer — ranging from months to a year-and-a-half.
How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take During the Medical Procedures?
The surrogacy medical process can take anywhere from three to six months. This is affected by the following:
- The policies of the fertility clinic you work with: All fertility clinics are different.
- The time it takes to complete a mock transfer: A reproductive endocrinologist will manage your surrogate’s cycle 30 days before the embryo transfer to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
- Whether you are using your frozen embryos or not, and if you’re using donor gametes: Retrieving eggs and taking a sperm sample take extra time.
- The time it takes for a surrogate to become pregnant: It’s common for a surrogate to undergo multiple IVF rounds.
How Long is the Surrogacy Process During the Embryo Transfer?
According to American Surrogacy, a national surrogacy agency, the embryo transfer process only takes an hour. “The gestational carrier’s pregnancy levels will be tested twice in the following days, and she will undergo an ultrasound a few weeks later to confirm pregnancy.”
You can prepare for the medical process by reviewing the steps a surrogate will go through during this stage:
- Mock cycle(s)
- Embryo transfer preparation
- Embryo transfer procedure
- Pregnancy confirmation
- Six-week ultrasound
- Prenatal care
- Medical screening
How Long Does Surrogacy Take? [Consider Pregnancy]
Don’t forget to factor in the nine months the surrogate is pregnant. This period is filled with planned meetings with the surrogate, trips to the OBGYN, and regular updates about your growing baby.
Once the surrogate gives birth, all necessary parentage orders are finished, and the surrogacy process is complete. You’ll go home with your new family member, and the surrogate will go home and recover while reflecting on the beautiful gift she’s given your family.
Are You Ready to Start the Surrogacy Process?
Now that you know the answer to the question “How long does surrogacy take” is 12 to 18 months, you may think this seems like a long time. But, the surrogacy process is well worth the wait when you know that you’ll have a baby in as little as a few years.
Contact a surrogacy professional today to start your journey.
