Surrogacy is a profound and life-changing journey for both intended parents and surrogates. It is important to know some key aspects. However, like any significant life event, it’s important to understand that the process of surrogacy is not instantaneous. It involves several stages, from preparation to post-birth, each requiring careful attention, planning, and time. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate or intended parent, knowing how long the surrogacy process takes can help set realistic expectations and ease some of the uncertainties you might have.
We will explain here, but all points are subjective, you need to consult a surrogacy agency. We will walk through the entire process of surrogacy, provide a timeline for each stage, and explain how agencies like Acorn Surrogacy Center in Los Angeles ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
1. The Entire Surrogacy Process
Now let’s look at the entire surrogogacy process. The surrogacy process is composed of several key stages, each playing a crucial role in ensuring that the pregnancy is safe, ethical, and successful. Here’s an overview of the surrogacy journey:
1.1 Stage 1: Research and Choosing an Agency
Before the process even begins, intended parents and prospective surrogates must decide whether surrogacy is the right choice for them. Both parties need to research the intricacies of surrogacy, the legal landscape, and potential surrogacy agencies.
This step is crucial because choosing a reputable surrogacy agency, like Acorn Surrogacy Center in Los Angeles, can make the entire process significantly smoother. Acorn Surrogacy Center provides expert guidance, matching services, and ensures both surrogates and intended parents feel supported throughout the journey.
- Time Frame: 1-3 months
The initial research, consultations, and choosing an agency can take up to several months, depending on how quickly both parties make their decisions.
1.2 Stage 2: Initial Application and Screening
Once you’ve chosen an agency, the next step involves filling out an application form and going through a detailed screening process. This is true for both intended parents and surrogates. Surrogates will undergo medical screenings, interviews, and background checks to ensure they are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for surrogacy. Likewise, intended parents will be screened for their readiness and suitability.
At Acorn Surrogacy Center, the screening process is thorough to ensure that surrogates and intended parents are fully aware of what to expect during the journey.
- Time Frame: 1-3 months
The initial application and screening phase can take several months, as it involves multiple evaluations including medical, psychological, and legal reviews.
1.3 Stage 3: Matching Process
The matching stage is a crucial part of the surrogacy process. During this phase, surrogates and intended parents are paired based on mutual preferences, expectations, and compatibility. This step requires both parties to meet, communicate, and establish trust. Some matches happen quickly, while others may take more time depending on the availability of surrogates and the desires of intended parents.
Acorn Surrogacy Center is known for its personalized approach to matching. They take the time to ensure that both surrogates and intended parents feel comfortable with one another before moving forward.
- Time Frame: 1-6 months
The matching process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the availability of a compatible surrogate and intended parents.
1.4 Stage 4: Legal Contracts Of Surrogacy Process
Now it is the important part. Once a match has been made, the next step is for both the surrogate and intended parents to enter into a legal contract. This contract outlines the rights, responsibilities, compensation, and expectations of both parties. It is essential for protecting everyone involved. Both parties will work with separate attorneys to ensure that the contract is fair and legally binding.
California, where Acorn Surrogacy Center is located, is one of the most surrogacy-friendly states in the U.S. The legal framework ensures that intended parents are recognized as the legal parents from birth, making the process much more streamlined than in other states.
- Time Frame: 1-2 months
The legal process typically takes a month or two, depending on the complexity of the agreement and how quickly both parties and their lawyers can come to terms.
1.5 Stage 5: Medical Screening and IVF
Once the legal contract is signed, the medical aspect of surrogacy begins. The surrogate will undergo a comprehensive medical screening to ensure that she is physically ready for the pregnancy. This includes blood tests, ultrasounds, and sometimes additional procedures like a hysteroscopy to check the health of the uterus.
After the screening, the IVF (in-vitro fertilization) process begins. In IVF, the intended mother’s (or donor’s) eggs are fertilized with the intended father’s (or donor’s) sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. Sometimes multiple IVF attempts are required before a successful pregnancy is achieved.
At Acorn Surrogacy Center, fertility specialists handle this part of the process, working closely with both the surrogate and intended parents to maximize the chances of success.
- Time Frame: 2-3 months (or longer if multiple IVF attempts are needed)
From the initial medical screening to embryo transfer, the medical process typically takes around 2-3 months. However, if more than one IVF cycle is needed, this phase can take longer.
1.6 Stage 6: Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate will begin prenatal care, just like any other pregnancy. This stage is usually the longest part of the surrogacy journey, as it lasts for the duration of a full-term pregnancy, which is around 9 months. Regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and medical monitoring are critical to ensuring the health of both the surrogate and the baby.
Throughout the pregnancy, surrogates receive full support from Acorn Surrogacy Center. The agency ensures that surrogates have access to top-notch medical care and counseling services. Additionally, they manage any communications between the surrogate and the intended parents, making sure both parties are comfortable and on the same page.
- Time Frame: 9 months
The pregnancy stage takes as long as a standard pregnancy, which is typically around 9 months.
1.7 Stage 7: Delivery and Post-Birth
The final stage of the surrogacy process is the birth of the baby. This is a joyous moment for everyone involved. In California, the intended parents are recognized as the legal parents at birth, so they can take custody of the baby immediately after delivery. Both the surrogate and the intended parents will need to finalize any post-birth legal paperwork, but in most cases, this is straightforward.
After the delivery, the surrogate will have a recovery period. Many surrogates also continue to receive support and counseling after the birth to help with any emotional or physical challenges.
At Acorn Surrogacy Center, the post-birth process is handled with care and attention. The agency ensures that all legal and emotional needs are met, so both the surrogate and intended parents can enjoy the moment without worry.
- Time Frame: A few days to a few weeks
Post-birth legal matters are typically resolved within a few days or weeks, allowing everyone to focus on recovery and bonding.
2. Each Stage Time Frame Recap Of Surrogacy Process
With all said, what’s the total time? we will add all together.
- Research and Choosing an Agency: 1-3 months
- Application and Screening: 1-3 months
- Matching Process: 1-6 months
- Legal Contracts: 1-2 months
- Medical Screening and IVF: 2-3 months or longer
- Pregnancy: 9 months
- Post-Birth: A few days to a few weeks
2.1 Total Estimated Time Of Surrogacy Process: 12 to 24 months
Now we can sum up the time. In general, the entire surrogacy process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on how quickly each stage progresses and whether there are any delays in matching or IVF success.
3. How Acorn Surrogacy Center Ensures a Smooth and Comfortable Surrogacy Process
Acorn Surrogacy Center in Los Angeles is dedicated to providing a seamless and supportive surrogacy experience for both surrogates and intended parents. Their personalized approach, legal expertise, and partnerships with top fertility clinics ensure that every step of the process is handled with care. Acorn Surrogacy Center’s team is with you from start to finish, ensuring that each stage of the journey is smooth, timely, and emotionally supported.
By choosing an agency like Acorn Surrogacy Center, you can rest assured that you are in good hands, and your surrogacy experience will be positive and fulfilling for everyone involved.