Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing decision rooted in compassion and strength. If you’re considering becoming a gestational surrogate, understanding the surrogacy process from start to finish is essential. At every stage, Southern Surrogacy is here to protect your health, rights, and emotional well-being.
This guide breaks down the surrogacy process for surrogates, so you know exactly what to expect.
What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is when a surrogate carries a baby created using an embryo that is not genetically related to her. The embryo is created through IVF (in vitro fertilization) using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm.
Surrogates play a critical role by providing a safe, nurturing environment for the pregnancy while receiving medical care, legal protection, and financial compensation.
Step 1: Surrogate Application and Initial Screening
The first step in becoming a surrogate is completing an application on our website. This helps determine whether you meet the basic surrogate requirements.
Typical surrogate qualifications include:
- Age 21–40
- At least one healthy, full-term pregnancy
- No major pregnancy complications
- Stable lifestyle and support system
- Non-smoker and drug-free
- Healthy BMI and medical history
- Must not be on any public benefits (Medicaid, etc..)
Once approved, you’ll move forward with comprehensive evaluations.
Step 2: Medical and Psychological Screening
Surrogate screening is thorough to ensure a safe and healthy journey for everyone involved.
Medical screening includes:
- Review of pregnancy and delivery history
- Bloodwork and infectious disease testing
- Ultrasound and uterine evaluation
- Hormone testing
Psychological screening includes:
- Evaluation by a licensed mental health professional
- Discussions about emotional readiness and expectations
- Education on boundaries and communication
These screenings protect both surrogates and intended parents and are a standard part of ethical surrogacy.
Step 3: Matching With Intended Parents
Once medically and psychologically cleared, you’ll be matched with one of our intended parent(s). We will carefully guide you through this process to ensure compatibility and shared expectations.
Matching considers:
- Communication preferences
- Pregnancy and lifestyle expectations
- Views on medical decisions
- Desired level of relationship during and after pregnancy
A successful match sets the foundation for a positive surrogacy journey.
Step 4: Legal Contracts and Surrogate Rights
Before any medical procedures begin, a legally binding surrogacy agreement is drafted and signed.
Key protections include:
- Independent legal representation for the surrogate
- Clearly defined compensation and reimbursements
- Medical decision-making rights
- Plans for unexpected circumstances
- Confidentiality and boundaries
Surrogates never pay for legal services—this is covered as part of the process.
Step 5: IVF Medications and Embryo Transfer
After legal clearance, medical preparation begins for embryo transfer.
This stage may involve:
- Hormonal medications to prepare the uterus
- Regular monitoring appointments
- A simple, outpatient embryo transfer procedure
About 10–14 days after transfer, a pregnancy test confirms whether implantation was successful.
Step 6: Pregnancy and Ongoing Support
Once pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate transitions to routine prenatal care with her chosen OB provider.
Throughout pregnancy, surrogates receive:
- Ongoing agency support
- Reimbursement for approved pregnancy-related expenses
- Clear communication with intended parents
- Emotional and logistical guidance
We remain involved every step of the way to ensure the surrogate feels supported and respected.
Step 7: Delivery and Birth Plan
As delivery approaches, a birth plan is finalized outlining:
- Hospital arrangements
- Who will be present at delivery
- Immediate post-birth procedures
After birth, the baby is placed with the intended parent(s), and legal steps ensure parental rights are finalized according to state law.
Step 8: Postpartum Recovery and Final Compensation
After delivery, surrogates focus on physical and emotional recovery.
Postpartum support may include:
- Follow-up medical care
- Mental health check-ins
- Completion of compensation
- Guidance transitioning out of the surrogacy journey
Many surrogates describe this phase as both emotional and deeply fulfilling.
Why Work With Southern Surrogacy?
Working with an experienced surrogacy agency ensures:
- Comprehensive screening and matching
- Legal and medical protection
- Financial transparency
- Emotional support throughout the journey
Remember, agencies exist to advocate for surrogates, ensuring your experience is safe, ethical, and rewarding.
Ready to Become a Surrogate?
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, learning the process is the first step. With the right support, surrogacy can be an empowering way to help build a family—while being cared for every step of the way.
👉 Apply today or schedule a consultation to learn more about becoming a surrogate and whether this journey is right for you.