The complete step-by-step process, from your first question to bringing your baby home.

Surrogacy is a structured medical, legal, and emotional journey that allows intended parents to grow their families with the help of a gestational surrogate. Although the process varies slightly between countries, the essential steps remain the same.

At Nest & Co, we guide intended parents through ethical, regulated international surrogacy programs, offering clarity, safety, and support from start to finish.

 

Surrogacy in 9 Clear Steps

Below is the full gestational surrogacy process, explained in simple, transparent stages.

Step 1 — Initial Consultation & Fertility Assessment

The surrogacy journey begins with understanding your situation, medical history, and family-building goals.

During this phase, intended parents:

• Discuss their fertility background
  
• Plan IVF and embryo creation
  
• Compare international surrogacy destinations
  
• Understand legal and budget considerations
  

If needed, you may also explore:

• Egg donation
  
• Sperm donation
  
• Double donation
  
• Embryo testing (PGT/PGS)
  

This step gives you a personalised roadmap.

 

Step 2 — Choosing a Surrogacy Country

Surrogacy laws differ around the world. Some countries fully regulate gestational surrogacy; others prohibit it completely.

Popular international destinations include:

• United States
  
• Canada
  
• Colombia
  
• Mexico (in specific regulated states)
  
• Greece
  
• Argentina (depending on legal pathway)
  

Your country of residence, family structure, and budget determine which destinations are best for you.

Nest & Co helps you compare:

• Legal parentage
  
• Cost ranges
  
• Surrogate availability
  
• Medical quality
  
• Travel requirements
  
• Timeline and risk
  

 

Step 3 — Matching With a Gestational Surrogate

Once you choose a destination and program, the matching process begins.

Surrogates undergo:

• Full medical screening
  
• Psychological evaluation
  
• Background checks
  
• Lifestyle assessments
  
• Obstetric history review
  

A strong match is based on:

• Shared expectations
  
• Communication preferences
  
• Views on selective reduction & pregnancy decisions
  
• Personality compatibility
  

A great match is key to a healthy relationship and successful journey.

 

Step 4 — Legal Agreements

Surrogacy requires clear legal protection for both the intended parents and the surrogate.

During this step:

• Each party receives independent legal representation
  
• Terms of compensation are finalised (if applicable)
  
• Responsibilities before, during, and after pregnancy are defined
  
• Parentage and custody are established
  
• Medical decisions and communication expectations are outlined
  

This contract ensures transparency and safety for everyone involved.

 

Step 5 — IVF & Embryo Transfer

Once agreements are signed, the medical phase begins.

Intended parents create embryos via IVF, using:

• Their own eggs/sperm
  
• Donor eggs
  
• Donor sperm
  
• Or donor embryos
  

Then:

1. The surrogate begins a controlled medical cycle
   
2. She receives medications to prepare her uterine lining
   
3. The embryo is transferred at the fertility clinic
   
4. Pregnancy is confirmed through blood tests and ultrasounds
   

Gestational surrogacy typically uses single embryo transfer for safety.

 

Step 6 — Pregnancy Coordination & Support

Throughout the pregnancy, you will receive:

• Medical updates
  
• Ultrasound reports
  
• Ongoing communication
  
• Milestone summaries
  
• Emotional and logistical support
  

Depending on country rules, parents may:

• Attend key appointments
  
• Join video calls
  
• Travel for late-term visits
  

Programs should also provide:

• Psychological support for the surrogate
  
• Medical oversight
  
• Emergency protocols
  

A surrogate’s well-being is central to the success of the journey.

Step 7 — Birth Planning

As the due date approaches, you’ll prepare for:

• Travel arrangements
  
• Hospital registration
  
• Birth plan agreements
  
• Legal documentation
  
• Passport or travel documents for the baby
  

In many countries, parents can be present in the delivery room if the surrogate is comfortable with it.

Step 8 — The Birth & Parental Rights

This is the most emotional moment of the journey: the arrival of your child.

At birth:

• You meet your baby immediately
  
• Hospital staff follow agreed-upon protocols
  
• Surrogates receive postnatal care
  
• Legal procedures begin (pre- or post-birth orders depending on the country)
  

Each country has its own parentage process.
Nest & Co ensures you understand the steps specific to your program.

 

Step 9 — Returning Home With Your Baby

Once legal parentage is recognised, you will complete:

• Birth certificate issuance
  
• Passport application
  
• Embassy/consulate documentation
  
• Local travel authorization
  

This stage can take anywhere from 4–12 weeks, depending on your nationality and the country of birth.

Nest & Co remains with you until you successfully arrive home with your child.

 

How Long Does Surrogacy Take?

Typical timeline:

Stage	Duration
Matching	1–6 months (country-dependent)
Legal contract	1–2 months
IVF cycle + embryo transfer	1–2 months
Pregnancy	~9 months
Post-birth legal steps	1–12 weeks

Total time: 12–24 months depending on destination and embryo readiness.

 

What Makes Surrogacy Successful?

Successful, ethical surrogacy requires:

• A healthy, screened gestational surrogate
  
• Regulated legal framework
  
• Transparent contracts
  
• High-quality IVF clinic
  
• Emotional and psychological support
  
• Clear communication
  
• Professional case management
  
• Ethical compensation (where allowed)
  

This is why choosing the right program—and country—is critical.

 

Is Surrogacy Safe?

Yes, when done through regulated gestational surrogacy programs with:

• Full medical screening
  
• Independent legal representation
  
• IVF performed in licensed clinics
  
• Clear ethical guidelines
  
• Pre-birth and post-birth legal protections
  

Safety depends heavily on location.
Nest & Co helps families avoid unregulated, high-risk programs and choose safe options.

 

Who Is Involved in the Surrogacy Process?

Intended Parents

The individuals or couple pursuing parenthood.

Gestational Surrogate (Carrier)

The woman who carries the pregnancy.

Fertility Clinic

Handles IVF, embryo transfer, screenings, and medical protocols.

Agency / Program Coordinator

(Varies by country) Handles matching, case management, and support.

Legal Team

Protects rights and ensures compliance with local laws.

Psychological Support Professionals

Provide counselling to both surrogate and intended parents.

 

How International Surrogacy Works

When pursuing surrogacy abroad, additional steps include:

• Choosing a legal and ethical destination
  
• Understanding local laws
  
• Preparing financial documents
  
• Coordinating travel
  
• Managing embassy paperwork
  
• Planning multiple stays abroad
  

Nest & Co’s role is to simplify every part of your international journey.