Surrogates: process

What is the surrogacy process for a surrogate, step by step?

The short answer

The surrogate process at Private Label Surrogacy has 17 steps in five phases. Screening (one to two months): a five-minute prescreen, an intake interview, a prenatal and delivery records review by Mark Silverberg, MD, a psychological evaluation with an independent licensed professional, a background check on every adult in your home, and an insurance review. Matching: your profile goes to intended parents who fit your wish list, followed by a video match meeting. Legal: a contract negotiated by your own attorney, paid by the parents, and escrow funded. Medical (two to three months): clinic screening, a possible mock cycle, Lupron, estrogen and progesterone, and a single embryo transfer. Pregnancy: a blood test 9 to 11 days after transfer, release to your OB at 10 to 12 weeks, delivery and postpartum support. Application to delivery usually takes 12 to 18 months.

Written by Jan Telman Berman

Global Surrogacy Coordinator. 18+ years managing national and international cycles.

Medically reviewed by Mark Silverberg, MD

Last updated October 14, 2026

Phase 1: How are you screened?

This section is being written.

Phase 2: How are you matched with intended parents?

This section is being written.

Phase 3: What does the legal contract cover?

This section is being written.

Phase 4: What happens in the medical cycle?

This section is being written.

Phase 5: What is pregnancy, delivery and postpartum like as a surrogate?

This section is being written.

Who is on your team at each step?

This section is being written.

How long does each phase take?

This section is being written.

What can stop or delay the process?

This section is being written.

Table in preparation

17-step table: step, phase, who you work with, what you need to provide, typical duration, payment triggered.

Editor notes (B-039): Confirm the one-to-two-month screening estimate and 12 to 18 month application-to-delivery estimate with Nancy. The existing screening article says the application takes under five minutes; keep.

Frequently asked questions

How does a surrogate get pregnant?

By embryo transfer. A lab-created embryo from the intended parents' or donors' egg and sperm is placed in your uterus through a thin catheter; no intercourse and no genetic link to you.

How long is the screening phase?

Typically one to two months from prescreen to full clearance, depending on how fast records arrive.

Do you meet the intended parents before agreeing?

Yes. A video match meeting is held and the match proceeds only if both sides agree.

When do you switch from the fertility clinic to your own OB?

At about 10 to 12 weeks, once the clinic confirms a stable pregnancy.