Surrogacy Timeline: From Start to Baby

Starting your surrogacy journey can feel overwhelming. There are medical steps, legal paperwork, emotional decisions, and international logistics — all before your baby is even conceived.

Whether you're an international couple, single intended parent, or LGBTQ+ family, understanding how long surrogacy takes and what happens at each stage helps you plan with confidence.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a realistic timeline for gestational surrogacy — from your first inquiry to holding your baby in your arms.

📌 Average timeline: 15 to 20 months, but it can vary depending on the country, legal steps, and embryo readiness.

Phase 1: Preparation (1–3 Months)

1. Research & Initial Consultation (Weeks 1–4)

• Choose a licensed surrogacy agency or medical center

• Attend consultations with fertility specialists & legal advisors

• Learn about your options (own gametes, donor eggs/sperm, embryo shipping)

• Get a cost estimate and confirm eligibility

 Tip: At Yuzko Medical Center, you can book a free virtual consultation to explore international surrogacy routes in Ukraine or abroad.

2. Sign Contracts & Complete Screening (Weeks 5–12)

• Review and sign agency/service agreements

• Undergo required medical tests and infectious disease screening

• Psychological screening (you + potential surrogate)

• Submit legal documents and begin drafting surrogacy contract

Phase 2: IVF & Embryo Transfer (2–4 Months)

3. IVF Cycle & Embryo Creation (Weeks 13–18)

If you don’t already have embryos frozen:

• Intended mother or egg donor begins stimulation

• Egg retrieval procedure

• Fertilization via ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)

• Embryo culture + preimplantation genetic testing (PGT, optional)

• Embryo freezing

If you already have frozen embryos, this step can be skipped.

4. Surrogate Matching & Medical Evaluation (Weeks 19–26)

• Surrogate completes medical screening at IVF clinic

• Final psychological & legal clearance

• Surrogacy contract is signed by both parties

• Embryo transfer calendar is set
  Only after legal and medical clearance is the embryo transfer allowed.

5. Embryo Transfer & Two-Week Wait (Week 27–28)

• Surrogate begins endometrial preparation

• Embryo transfer performed at clinic

• Wait 10–14 days for pregnancy test (β-hCG blood test)

If the test is positive — the surrogacy pregnancy officially begins!

Phase 3: Pregnancy & Delivery (9 Months)

6. First Trimester (Weeks 1–12 of Pregnancy)

• Pregnancy is monitored by the IVF clinic

• First ultrasound to confirm heartbeat

• Monitoring for complications or multiple gestation

• Ongoing updates for intended parents

7. Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)

• Surrogate transitions to OB/GYN for prenatal care

• Detailed anatomy scan at 20 weeks

• Possible trip for parents to visit the surrogate (optional)

• Bonding via video calls, messages, or meetings

8. Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)

• Birth plan confirmed

• Legal team prepares post-birth documents (parentage orders, etc.)

• Travel documents, embassy notifications, pediatrician prep

• Intended parents travel to birth country around Week 36–38

Phase 4: Delivery & Return Home (1–2 Months)

9. Baby Is Born! (Month 15–18)

• Delivery in a partner hospital

• Parents meet the baby immediately

• Birth certificate issued (depending on local law)

• Passport & citizenship procedures begin
   

At Yuzko Medical Center, a coordinator will help you manage the paperwork and guide embassy communication so you can take your baby home faster.

Optional Delays (That Can Extend the Timeline)

Summary Timeline: From Start to Baby

Why Families Choose Yuzko Medical Center

✔️ International surrogacy coordination (UA, PL, USA, CAN, UK)
✔️ In-house IVF lab, psychologists, and legal experts
✔️ Pre-screened surrogate database
✔️ 24/7 support during pregnancy & delivery
✔️ Assistance with post-birth documentation
✔️ Transparent pricing, no hidden costs

👨‍👩‍👧 Final Thoughts

Surrogacy isn’t a quick process — and it shouldn’t be. Each stage is designed to protect the baby, the surrogate, and you as future parents. By understanding the timeline, you can prepare mentally, financially, and emotionally for the journey ahead.

And remember: when you’re holding your baby in your arms, every day of waiting will be worth it.