Knowing how long the surrogacy process takes, helps intended parents plan a successful surrogacy journey.
When couples choose the path of surrogacy to fulfill their dreams of having a baby, the burning question in their minds is, “How long does the surrogacy process take?” At IVF Conceptions, we understand the excitement of holding a newborn and welcoming them into your loving home. We are here to guide you through this incredible journey, providing you with a detailed and clear outline of the surrogacy timeline.
No doubt, gestational surrogacy is a long and tedious process. But some people are lucky enough to get through this process quickly. While some would-be parents, it may take more than twice the time required for the same process. Let’s talk briefly usually how long does the surrogacy process take?
What are the different types of surrogacy?
in between gestational and traditional surrogacy, there is a very important difference. The mother has no genetic connection to the baby she is carrying in gestational surrogacy. The surrogacy method involves fertilizing the father’s sperm (or sperm donor) with the mother’s intended mother (or egg donor) to form an embryo through in vitro fertilization.
The surrogate’s own egg is fertilized by artificial insemination in traditional surrogacy, and the surrogate is both the carrier and the biological mother of take over baby.
Types of surrogacy agreements
There are two types of surrogacy agreements –
- Altruistic surrogacy– Altruistic surrogacy applies to surrogacy arrangements where no monetary compensation is offered to the surrogate. The mother is a close relation to the intended parents in most altruistic surrogacy arrangements. The surrogate can be a relative or family friend. Surrogacy in the UK, Canada, and Australia is altruistic surrogacy.
- Commercial surrogacy – In addition to paying medical expenses, etc., a commercial pregnancy surrogacy arrangement provides a fixed monetary payment to the surrogate, this is known as substitute payment to the mother. In Georgia Ukraine, and USA (some states), commercial surrogacy is legally allowed.
Read more:
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Pros and cons of surrogacy that parents should know
Surrogacy Process Timeline For Intended Parents
The average time for the surrogacy process is usually 15 to 24 months but it varies from case to case. So, before answering this question, one needs to understand that surrogacy is not an honest procedure.
It involves many steps and stages such as:
- Deciding if surrogacy is the right choice,
- Going through screening processes,
- Finding a partner
- Compliance with legal aspects
- The medical procedure of IVF or IVF with an egg donor
- Preparation for the transfer process and other things
Therefore, we can say that it is a long process with many parties involved in each step. There are various factors that can influence the length of the surrogacy cycle, but locating a suitable surrogate usually takes about four to six months..
Understanding the Surrogacy Process Timeline in brief
The surrogacy process is a unique and complex journey involving intended parents, surrogates, medical professionals, and legal experts. It allows those who cannot conceive to have children of their own, with the help of a gestational surrogate who selflessly carries the baby to term. But, you may wonder, how long will this heartbreaking journey take? Let’s explore the different stages of the surrogacy process and find out the estimated timelines for each step.
First Steps: Building a Strong Foundation (30 – 60 days)
The first part of the surrogacy journey begins with the application and consultation phase. As intended parents, you will complete an application that undergoes a careful review by our agency. We then schedule a consultation to engage in meaningful discussions about your requirements, expectations, and any questions you may have.
Finding the Perfect Match: The Bonding Process (30 – 120 days)
Choosing the right surrogate is an important step in the surrogacy process. The matching process can vary in duration, with some matches achieved quickly and others requiring additional meetings to find the perfect fit. Rest assured, we are committed to supporting you throughout this important phase.
Surrogate Screening and Legal Process: Ensuring a Smooth Journey (45 – 60 days)
Upon confirmation of your preferred surrogate, the agency proceeds with a medical examination to evaluate her ability to carry a child successfully. A comprehensive physical and psychological assessment is conducted to ensure that she is ready to embrace the responsibilities of surrogacy wholeheartedly.
The legal team diligently drafts a comprehensive contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.
The IVF Process: Beginning the Journey to Pregnancy (60 – 90 days)
With all the preparations, the fertility clinic begins the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process. The surrogate undergoes a cycle of drugs to prepare her body for pregnancy. During the IVF procedure, fertility specialists carefully implant the embryos. In about 15 days, the first results will be visible.
Pregnancy and Preparing for Parenthood (240 – 280 days)
Successful embryo implantation marks the beginning of an extraordinary pregnancy journey. As the surrogate carries your child, we celebrate this momentous occasion with you. Around 16 to 20 weeks into the pregnancy, our legal team begins the process of obtaining a pre-birth order, which establishes your legal parentage.
Because each surrogacy case is unique, the exact duration of the journey may vary. However, based on our experience, we can confidently estimate that the surrogacy process takes approximately 15 to 18 months to reach its exciting conclusion.
Factors that determine how long the surrogacy process takes
The time of surrogacy may vary based on various factors-
- Your professional’s advertisement, matching, and screening resources and the number of substitutes they are currently working with.
- Ambitions, goals, and desires of the surrogacy can ease or prolong the matching process.
- Number of cycles and embryo transfers required to successfully achieve pregnancy.
- Legal services are available in your specific situation and more.
- Cross-border surrogacy is faster because the surrogacy agency has pools of egg donors and surrogate mothers ready to be matched immediately. Furthermore, other legal processes take less time because of the established surrogacy process.
More resources on the topic of the surrogacy process:
How does the surrogacy process work?
All about surrogacy costs with a breakdown
All about the gay surrogacy process
Conclusion
Therefore, it can take at least one to two years to plan and carry out the surrogacy process until delivery.
Intended parents need to know that every surrogacy journey is different and the total time depends on many factors. Some of them are out of your hands and even out of the fertility clinic’s hands. However, if you are sure that gestational surrogacy is your only way to become parents, then taking the plunge sooner rather than later is good.
Communicate with many surrogacy professionals as much as possible and understand the dynamics of the surrogacy process and the value of your individual case.
If you want to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services around the world, check out the rest of our website at IVF Conceptions.
FAQ – How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?
1. How long does the surrogacy process take?
The surrogacy process can vary in length, but on average it takes about 12 to 18 months from the first steps to the birth of the baby. However, it is important to remember that each surrogacy journey is unique and can be influenced by various factors.
2. What is the role of a surrogate in the surrogacy process?
A surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier, is a woman who carries the intended parent’s embryo to term. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child, as the embryo is usually created using the intended parents or a donor’s genetic material through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
3. How long does it take to match a surrogate?
The time it takes to match a surrogate can vary. This depends on factors such as the availability of surrogates, the specific needs of the intended parents, and the policies of the surrogacy agency or fertility clinic involved. It can range from a few weeks to a few months.
4. What is the legal process involved in surrogacy?
The legal process for surrogacy involves establishing the parentage of the intended parents and terminating any rights of the surrogate. This process may include drafting and signing a surrogacy contract, obtaining a pre-birth order or other legal document, and ensuring that all parties involved are in compliance with applicable surrogacy laws.
5. Can the surrogacy process take time?
Yes, the surrogacy process can take time in certain situations. Factors such as the complexity of the case, the availability of surrogates, the need for additional medical procedures, and potential legal challenges can contribute to a longer timeline.
6. How does IVF treatment fit into the surrogacy process?
IVF treatment plays an important role in the surrogacy process. This involves retrieving eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor, fertilizing those eggs with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, and creating viable embryos. These embryos will be transferred to the surrogate’s uterus during the embryo transfer procedure.
7. What are some milestones in the surrogacy journey?
Some important milestones in the surrogacy journey include finding a suitable surrogate, completing medical and psychological screening, undergoing the IVF process, and achieving successful embryo implantation.
