Surrogacy Process: Step by Step

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The Surrogate Process

Becoming a surrogate is a journey unlike any other — one that blends careful planning, medical milestones, and meaningful connections. At West Coast Surrogacy (WCS), we’re here to guide you through every step, from the moment you’re matched with intended parents to delivery day and beyond.

Once you’ve been accepted as a surrogate, the process unfolds in stages: matching with intended parents, prescreening, medical and legal steps, the embryo transfer cycle, pregnancy, and postpartum support. Along the way, we make sure you’re never alone — our experienced team, trusted physicians, and supportive community are here to help you feel confident, cared for, and connected.

From your first meeting with intended parents to the moment you see a family’s dream fulfilled, our commitment is to make your surrogacy journey safe, supported, and truly rewarding.

The Application Process

Every journey with West Coast Surrogacy begins with a short online application. Because surrogacy is a serious commitment, our program follows carefully established medical and psychological guidelines to ensure the best outcomes for everyone involved. Our team will review your information — factors like age, health history, and prior pregnancies — and then invite you to an initial interview.

We know this part can feel detailed, but our strict standards are part of what makes WCS one of the most trusted programs in the country. By making sure each surrogate is fully prepared and supported, we create the foundation for safe, healthy, and fulfilling journeys.

Once accepted and fully screened, you’ll be ready to move forward into the next stage: matching with intended parents.

For more details about eligibility and requirements, visit our Become a Surrogate Mother page.

Prescreening Process

Once your records have been reviewed by a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist, you and your husband/partner will start the prescreening process. You will meet with a licensed mental health professional for a comprehensive interview. You and your husband/partner will also undergo a psychological evaluation as advised by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

WCS will conduct a background check for all parties over the age of 18 who reside in your home, and a home visit will be completed by a licensed social worker. A health insurance review will also be conducted, if applicable. Each of these steps is in place to ensure the safety, stability, and overall well-being of both you and the baby — helping create a solid foundation for the journey ahead. Prescreening typically takes several weeks to complete, though the timeline can vary depending on scheduling and individual circumstances.

Once matched and medically cleared, you will speak with a counselor for monthly support as well as receive email support as needed, continuing until 2 months post-partum. You will also have unlimited access to our online support group of surrogate mothers from the time you are matched. This combination of professional counseling and peer connection means you’ll always have a trusted place to turn for guidance, encouragement, and shared experience.

The Surrogate Matching Process

The compatibility of our gestational surrogates (also known as surrogate mothers) and intended parents is an important part of the surrogacy process at West Coast Surrogacy. Our objective is to match surrogates and intended parents in an effort to create a comfortable environment for both parties and to foster an atmosphere of unity and teamwork. Before getting started, we encourage candidates to review our surrogate mother requirements.

Because every surrogate and intended parent brings unique hopes and expectations to the journey, we take time to ensure matches are thoughtful and well-aligned. Matching often considers factors such as communication style, desired level of closeness during the pregnancy, and perspectives on important medical decisions (such as selective reduction or delivery preferences). While the timeline can vary, most surrogates are matched within a few weeks to a few months, depending on availability and compatibility.

It is of the utmost importance to us to identify your beliefs and desires and create a situation that would be ideal for you during your surrogacy process. Once we have an intended parent or couple that we believe is a strong match, we will review their profile information with you in depth. If you are interested in becoming a surrogate for the selected intended parents, we will ask that you and the couple/individual communicate prior to meeting.

This meeting (either in person or by Zoom) will include your spouse or partner, the intended parent or couple, and a case manager of West Coast Surrogacy. These meetings are often filled with a mix of excitement and nerves, and our team is there to help guide the conversation so everyone feels comfortable and supported. If all parties agree to work together, the surrogate mother process continues, and psychological and medical evaluations are scheduled.

Become a Surrogate: Apply Today!

Medical Evaluation

Your medical records will be reviewed by an IVF physician. Once your records are reviewed and approved, you will meet with the IVF physician of the intended parents for a consultation and medical evaluation.

As part of this process, you will undergo infectious disease screening, which usually involves bloodwork to check for conditions such as HIV, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases. You’ll also have an ultrasound to evaluate your uterus and ovaries, as well as vaginal cultures to ensure there are no underlying infections. Your spouse/partner MUST be screened for infectious diseases as well — this important step helps ensure the health and safety of both you and the baby throughout the pregnancy.

The medical evaluation is essential for the surrogate mother process to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and the baby. While some of the testing may feel extensive, it is designed to give you and the intended parents complete peace of mind before moving forward. All expenses related to the medical evaluation are paid for by the intended parents.

There are potential risks with all aspects of the surrogacy process: the medical procedures, infertility medications, and, ultimately, pregnancy itself. Common considerations may include side effects from hormone medications (such as fatigue, bloating, or injection soreness), the chance of carrying multiples, or the possibility of a C-section. We encourage all surrogate candidates to discuss these risks with their physician before enrolling in any surrogate program. You’ll also have the full support of the WCS team, who will ensure you feel informed, prepared, and supported throughout.

The Legal Process

You will have access to independent attorneys specializing in reproductive and surrogacy law. You may select one of these attorneys to review your legal contract and advise you regarding your rights and obligations. The surrogacy contract is drafted by the intended parents’ attorney. Once all parties have signed the contract, you are clear to start medications for the embryo transfer cycle as determined by the IVF physician. All fees associated with the legal process for being a surrogate mother are paid by the intended parents.

Your attorney’s role is to represent you and you alone. This ensures that your interests, rights, and well-being are fully protected, and that you have a clear understanding of every clause in the agreement.

A surrogacy contract typically outlines:

• The compensation schedule and how/when payments will be made.

• Agreements regarding medical decisions (such as prenatal care, delivery plans, and pregnancy management).

• Parental rights and obligations of the intended parents.

• Confidentiality expectations and communication guidelines.

• Provisions for life insurance and other safeguards to protect you and your family.

These contracts are signed before any medications or procedures begin, so that all parties move forward with clarity and confidence.

California is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S. Surrogacy contracts here are legally enforceable, and state law clearly affirms the rights of intended parents while also protecting surrogates. This strong legal framework helps ensure that your journey is secure and supported from start to finish.

*Disclaimer

The Embryo Transfer Cycle

Once you have completed all aspects of the screening phase, the surrogate mother process continues with an embryo transfer cycle. You will be required to undergo multiple blood tests, injections (both subcutaneous and intramuscular), and vaginal ultrasounds throughout the embryo transfer cycle, as well as the first 8–12 weeks of pregnancy.

Some of the medications you may be prescribed are: Birth Control Pills, Lupron, Estradiol/Delestrogen, and Progesterone. These medications will be reviewed with you in detail during your initial interview with West Coast Surrogacy, as well as during the medical evaluation with the IVF physician. These medications help regulate your cycle, prepare the uterine lining, and support early pregnancy. Some women experience mild side effects such as bloating, fatigue, or injection-site soreness, but your physician will help manage any discomfort.

The embryo transfer itself is a simple, quick, and virtually painless procedure. In most cases, embryos are thawed and prepared in the laboratory before being placed into the uterus using a thin catheter guided by ultrasound. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes, and no anesthesia is required. This step is an important milestone in the surrogacy journey, marking the hopeful beginning of what the entire process has been leading toward: pregnancy.

You may be required to rest in bed for 2–3 days immediately following the embryo transfer. Surrogates in our program stay in a hotel for the rest period to ensure you are removed from your daily responsibilities. This period of rest helps support implantation while also giving you time to relax and focus on your health. All medical expenses, as well as any travel or hotel-related expenses, are paid by the intended parents.

In some cases, the first transfer may not result in pregnancy. If this happens, your physician will work with you and the intended parents to determine the best path forward, which may include additional embryo transfer attempts. WCS is here to provide emotional support and counseling throughout this process, ensuring you never feel alone in the ups and downs of treatment.

The Final Step! Surrogate Pregnancy

Once you are pregnant, you will continue to see the IVF physician until you are released to your obstetrician, generally around 10 weeks of pregnancy. At that point, care transitions to your OB, and you may continue seeing your own provider, provided they accept your health insurance and all parties agree with this selection. This handoff from the fertility clinic to your OB is a reassuring milestone, signaling that the pregnancy is progressing smoothly.

Your case manager at West Coast Surrogacy will support you through important milestones in the pregnancy. Intended parents are often closely involved during this stage, whether by attending ultrasounds in person, joining virtually, or receiving updates from your WCS case manager.

As the pregnancy advances, WCS helps coordinate delivery planning — discussing where the birth will take place, who will be present in the delivery room, and how legal documents will be finalized at the hospital to confirm the intended parents’ rights. Our role is to act as a liaison between you and the intended parents you are working with, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being and that of the baby.

Our commitment to you is to have the surrogate pregnancy experience be one that is completely fulfilling, leaving you with an experience of having contributed to the world in a unique and precious way. Many surrogates describe the birth as an unforgettable moment — the instant when intended parents finally hold their baby for the first time.

Support from WCS does not end at delivery. For up to two months postpartum, you will continue to have access to counseling, support groups, and regular check-ins from your case manager. This ensures that your physical recovery and emotional well-being are cared for, even after your surrogacy journey has reached its most important milestone.

Surrogacy Process FAQs

• How long does the surrogacy process take from start to finish?

  The timeline can vary, but most surrogacy journeys take between 12 and 18 months from the time you apply until delivery. The process includes matching with intended parents, prescreening and medical evaluations, legal contracts, the embryo transfer cycle, and pregnancy itself. Some stages — like matching or embryo transfer — may take longer depending on availability and medical circumstances. Throughout the process, West Coast Surrogacy keeps you supported and informed so you always know what to expect.

• Do surrogates get to choose their own doctor or OB?

  Yes, in most cases, you can continue seeing your own obstetrician, as long as he or she accepts your health insurance and the intended parents agree with the choice. You’ll start care with the intended parents’ IVF physician and then transition to your OB around 10 weeks of pregnancy. This balance ensures the best medical oversight while also allowing you to be cared for by a provider you already know and trust.

• How much contact will I have with the intended parents during pregnancy?

  Every match is unique, but most intended parents are actively involved throughout the pregnancy. They may attend appointments in person, join via video calls, or receive regular updates through your West Coast Surrogacy case manager. Many surrogates build close relationships with their intended parents, while others prefer a more professional connection — the level of contact is something discussed and agreed upon during the matching process to ensure everyone is comfortable.

• What medical procedures are involved in becoming a surrogate?

  Before becoming pregnant, surrogates go through thorough medical screening, including blood tests, ultrasounds, and infectious disease testing for both you and your partner. During the embryo transfer cycle, you may take medications such as birth control pills, Lupron, Estradiol, and Progesterone to prepare your body for pregnancy. The embryo transfer itself is a quick and painless procedure, performed under ultrasound guidance. Throughout the process, West Coast Surrogacy staff and physicians are there to guide you, answer questions, and ensure your health and safety.

• Are there risks to being a surrogate?

  Yes, surrogacy involves medical procedures and pregnancy, which always carry some risks. Possible considerations include side effects from fertility medications (such as bloating, fatigue, or mood changes), the chance of carrying multiples, and potential delivery complications like C-section. These risks are discussed in detail with your physician before you begin, so you can make informed decisions. At every stage, West Coast Surrogacy prioritizes your health and well-being, ensuring you have the medical guidance and emotional support you need.

• What kind of support do surrogates receive during and after pregnancy?

  Support is a cornerstone of the West Coast Surrogacy program. Surrogates receive monthly counseling sessions, ongoing email access to professional support, and unlimited entry to a private online surrogate community. Case managers attend appointments, answer questions, and act as a bridge between you and the intended parents. After delivery, support continues for two months postpartum, including counseling and group resources to ensure both your physical recovery and emotional well-being are cared for.

• What happens after delivery — how is the baby handed over to the intended parents?

  The moment of birth is carefully planned so everyone knows what to expect. In most cases, intended parents are present at the hospital for delivery, ready to meet and hold their baby right away. Legal documents finalized before birth make the handoff smooth and secure. Your role is to focus on recovery and your own well-being, while West Coast Surrogacy staff and the hospital team ensure the intended parents’ rights are recognized and the transition is handled with care.

• Will my own family be involved or supported during the surrogacy journey?

  Yes. Surrogacy affects not just the surrogate but her whole family. Partners often participate in the prescreening and medical clearance process, and they’re encouraged to join counseling sessions or support groups if they wish. WCS also recognizes the role of children and extended family, offering resources to help you explain and navigate the journey together. This family-inclusive approach helps ensure that everyone in your household feels supported, informed, and proud of the role they play in your surrogacy experience.