How Long Does Surrogacy Take? A Timeline for Intended Parents
Surrogacy Timeline
If you are beginning to explore the path to parenthood through surrogacy, one of the first questions you likely have is: How long does surrogacy take? It is an understandable question. Surrogacy is one of life’s most meaningful and emotional journeys. Knowing what to expect and understanding the typical surrogacy timeline helps you prepare, plan and feel confident as you move forward.
While every journey is unique, most intended parents complete the surrogacy process within 14 to 24 months. Some journeys move faster, and others need more time. Factors like embryo availability, legal requirements and medical readiness all influence the overall length.
At Over the Rainbow, our goal is simple. We want you to feel cared for, supported and fully informed at every stage. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step in the surrogacy journey, along with realistic timeframes and helpful expert resources so you can navigate the process with clarity.
The Complete Surrogacy Timeline
Initial Research and Agency Consultation (2 to 6 weeks)
Most intended parents begin by learning about surrogacy requirements, laws and processes. During this time, many also schedule initial calls with surrogacy agencies. Over the Rainbow offers free consultations designed to help you understand your options, costs and expectations so you can decide whether this path feels right.
You may also review medical guidance from your fertility clinic or trusted reproductive endocrinologists. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is a reliable resource for background information about assisted reproductive technology.
What speeds up this stage
Having embryos already created
Knowing your preferred location or criteria for a surrogate
Being emotionally ready to move forward
What can extend the timeline
Needing time to choose an agency
Completing additional medical or psychological evaluations
Securing financial resources or grants
Completing Agency Intake, Screening and Profile Creation (4 to 8 weeks)
Once you choose an agency, the next step is completing your intake paperwork, creating an intended parent profile and going through required screenings. The goal is to ensure you are medically and emotionally ready for the process, and that your goals align with the potential surrogate’s.
This stage can include:
Background checks
Psychological evaluations
Fertility clinic clearance
Review of embryos or plans for IVF
Financial counseling
The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) provides evidence-based guidance related to IVF success rates and standards of care. Over the Rainbow collaborates closely with your fertility clinic to help gather and coordinate documentation, which streamlines the timeline considerably.
Matching With a Surrogate (3 to 6 months)
Matching is one of the most anticipated stages of the surrogacy process. Intended parents are paired with a surrogate who aligns with their preferences, communication style and values. Many intended parents describe this as the moment the journey becomes real.
Why matching can vary in length
Your specific criteria for a surrogate
Geographic restrictions
Surrogate availability
Medical compatibility
Legal factors in certain states
At Over the Rainbow, we focus on thoughtful, high-quality matches that support healthy relationships and successful outcomes. Even though a match may take a few months, finding the right connection is one of the best investments in the long-term success of your journey.
Medical Screening and Legal Contracts (2 to 3 months)
Once matched, your surrogate completes her full medical evaluation at your chosen fertility clinic. This includes lab work, uterine evaluation and infectious disease testing. These guidelines follow FDA and ASRM protocols. A reliable reference for medical screening information is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Following medical clearance, both parties begin the legal contract process. Reproductive law is highly specialized, and every agreement is tailored to meet the needs of the surrogate, intended parents and the legal requirements in your state.
A reputable resource for understanding reproductive law is The American Bar Association’s Assisted Reproductive Technology Section.
Over the Rainbow ensures you have experienced legal support so that all parties feel protected, respected and comfortable moving forward.
Embryo Transfer Preparation and Transfer Day (1 to 2 months)
After legal clearance, your fertility clinic will schedule the embryo transfer. The timing depends on the surrogate’s cycle and the clinic’s availability. Medications are introduced to prepare the uterine lining and optimize the chance of implantation.
The Mayo Clinic offers helpful background information about IVF and embryo transfer preparation. Once the transfer is complete, everyone begins the two week wait, a milestone filled with hope and anticipation.
Pregnancy and Delivery (9 to 10 months)
A full-term pregnancy is generally 40 weeks, although some intended parents experience earlier milestones if the baby arrives before the due date.
During pregnancy, Over the Rainbow remains actively involved. Our team helps manage communication, coordinates expectations and supports both the surrogate and intended parents. Intended parents typically attend prenatal appointments virtually or in person when possible.
This stage is often the longest but also the most meaningful. Watching your surrogate care for your growing baby and preparing for your child's arrival transforms the surrogacy journey into something deeply personal and connected.
Post-Birth Support and Transition Home (2 to 6 weeks)
After your baby’s arrival, there are a few final steps depending on your state requirements. These may include establishing parentage, filing birth paperwork and ensuring your surrogate receives postnatal care.
If you are an international intended parent, you may also need to complete additional documentation before returning home. Over the Rainbow guides you throughout this stage to ensure the transition is as smooth and joyful as possible.
Total Estimated Timeline: 14 to 24 Months
Your final timeline will depend on:
Whether embryos are already created
Surrogate availability
Clinic scheduling
Legal requirements in your state
Medical screening outcomes
Personal preferences and readiness
One of the advantages of working with Over the Rainbow is the high-touch support you receive from day one. We proactively anticipate roadblocks and help shorten avoidable delays. While no surrogacy agency can promise a specific timeline, a well-supported journey generally progresses more smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to match with a surrogate?
Most intended parents are matched within 3 to 6 months. More specific criteria can extend the matching period.
Does having embryos ready speed up the process?
Yes. Intended parents with frozen embryos can often begin screening and matching faster than those who still need to undergo IVF.
How many embryo transfers are common in surrogacy?
Many journeys result in a positive pregnancy within one or two transfers, although this varies based on embryo quality and clinic recommendations.
Can the surrogacy timeline be shorter than a year?
While rare, it is possible only when embryos are ready, a surrogate is quickly available and all screenings progress without delay.
What is the longest part of the surrogacy process?
Pregnancy is the longest stage, but also the most rewarding. Most intended parents spend nine months preparing for their baby’s arrival.
Begin Your Surrogacy Journey With Over the Rainbow
Surrogacy is a profound act of love and partnership. Understanding the surrogacy timeline helps you step forward with confidence, whether you are just beginning your research or ready to take the first official step.
Over the Rainbow is here to guide you through every stage, from your first consultation all the way to holding your in your arms. If you are ready to explore surrogacy or simply want more information, our team would be honored to support you.
Connect with Over the Rainbow today to begin your journey. Let’s grow your family together.