One of the most emotionally significant parts of the surrogacy journey is the pregnancy itself. For many intended parents, a central question is:
“How involved can we be while the surrogate is pregnant?”
The answer? It depends — but in most cases, far more than you might expect.
Modern surrogacy isn’t just a medical process — it’s a partnership built on communication, trust, and shared purpose. At Yuzko Medical Center, we design every journey to be inclusive, legally sound, and emotionally meaningful for both surrogate and intended parents.
In this article, we’ll explore:
What types of involvement are possible
How communication is managed
What’s allowed or restricted by law
How cultural and geographical factors affect involvement
Tips for maintaining a healthy, respectful relationship
The Surrogacy Relationship: A Team Effort
While the surrogate is carrying the child, you remain an essential part of the journey. From medical milestones to emotional check-ins, many opportunities exist for involvement — both virtually and in person.
The key is mutual agreement and clear expectations.
Communication: Staying Connected
Regular Updates
Most surrogates are happy to share pregnancy updates via:
Text messages or email
Video calls or phone chats
Weekly or monthly update check-ins
Sharing ultrasound images, doctor reports, and baby bump photos
At Family, we assign a case coordinator to facilitate communication and translation if needed — especially in international cases.
Video Calls and Emotional Support
Many intended parents schedule video calls:
After key appointments (e.g., heartbeat confirmation, anatomy scan)
Before major holidays or personal dates
To offer encouragement and express gratitude
Respectful involvement builds emotional trust — which is linked to better psychological outcomes for all.
Medical Involvement: What You Can Expect
Depending on location and clinic protocols, you may be able to:
Attend embryo transfer (in person or virtually)
Join key ultrasounds (especially anatomy scan at 20 weeks)
Receive real-time medical updates
Participate in birth planning
Be present in the delivery room (with surrogate’s and clinic’s consent)
In Ukraine and similar jurisdictions, intended parents are legally recognized and typically granted access to medical updates, as long as privacy laws are respected.
International Surrogacy: Are There Limitations?
In cross-border surrogacy (e.g., if you live in the US, UK, or EU but your surrogate is in Ukraine or Georgia), direct involvement can be limited by:
Visa/travel restrictions
Language barriers
Time zone differences
Medical center policies
Still, even from afar, parents remain engaged via:
Scheduled video reports
Recorded ultrasound videos
Bilingual coordinators and translation services
Periodic on-site visits (optional)
Emotional Involvement: What Surrogates Appreciate
Most surrogates value being acknowledged as partners in the process. Small gestures go a long way:
Thank-you notes or supportive messages
Celebrating pregnancy milestones (e.g., trimester completions)
Gifts or symbolic tokens (if allowed by law and contract)
❗ Always check with your agency before offering gifts, to ensure compliance with surrogacy laws and ethical guidelines.
Being Present for the Birth
One of the most powerful moments in surrogacy is the delivery day. Here’s how involvement typically works:
You are invited to be in the delivery room (if allowed and agreed upon)
You meet the baby immediately after birth
You can skin-to-skin bond with your child from the first hour
You are included in newborn care and hospital registration
Legal documentation is usually pre-prepared to recognize you as the legal parents from the moment of birth.
Boundaries and Legal Considerations
Each surrogacy contract outlines:
How and how often you’ll communicate
What types of updates you’ll receive
Whether you can attend medical appointments or delivery
Your rights and responsibilities as intended parents
At Yuzko Medical Center, all arrangements are clearly discussed and written into the contract before embryo transfer.
What We Recommend
Voices From the Journey
“Even though we were in Germany and our surrogate was in Ukraine, we felt included in every step. We watched ultrasounds live, cried together during the heartbeat scan, and were in the hospital when our son was born. It felt like family.”
— Anna & Max, Intended Parents, 2023
Final Thoughts
Surrogacy is more than a medical contract — it’s a shared human journey. While the surrogate carries your child, you carry the hope and love that made this possible in the first place.
Being involved in the pregnancy—emotionally, logistically, legally—builds the foundation for a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
At Yuzko Medical Center, we guide you through each step, ensuring that your role is active, your bond with the baby is nurtured, and your relationship with the surrogate is respectful and supportive.
Because even if you’re not carrying the baby, this is your pregnancy too.