Your complete, step-by-step guide to how surrogacy works—medically, legally, and emotionally.

Surrogacy is a carefully coordinated journey that involves medical procedures, screenings, legal protection, and ongoing support for both the intended parents and the surrogate.
While the details vary by country, the gestational surrogacy process follows the same core structure worldwide.

At Nest & Co, we help intended parents navigate international surrogacy programs safely and confidently, from planning and IVF to birth and returning home.

The Surrogacy Process in 10 Clear Steps

Step 1 — Consultation & Surrogacy Planning

Your journey begins by understanding your unique situation and goals.

You’ll discuss:

• Your fertility history
  
• Your expectations and priorities
  
• Which countries you qualify for
  
• Budget and timeline
  
• Any medical or legal concerns
  

You’ll receive a personalised international surrogacy roadmap showing the safest options for your nationality.

Step 2 — Choosing the Right Country

Every country has its own:

• Surrogacy laws
  
• Parental rights processes
  
• Costs
  
• Medical standards
  
• Surrogate availability
  
• Embassy requirements
  

Popular regulated destinations include:

• USA
  
• Canada
  
• Colombia
  
• Mexico (regulated states only)
• Greece
  

Nest & Co helps you choose a country where:

• Surrogacy is legal for your family structure
  
• Programs are ethical and medically regulated
  
• Surrogate screening is robust
  
• Your parental rights are fully protected
  

Step 3 — IVF, Embryo Creation & Genetic Planning

Most intended parents create embryos through IVF before matching with a surrogate.

IVF may involve:

• Your own eggs and sperm
  
• Donor eggs
  
• Donor sperm
  
• Double donation
  
• PGT-A genetic testing to identify the healthiest embryos
  

We guide you in selecting:

• A fertility clinic
  
• Embryo creation strategy
  
• Testing options
  
• Embryo transport (if needed)
  

If you already have embryos, we evaluate whether they can be transported to your destination country.

Step 4 — Surrogate Screening & Matching

Matching is one of the most important parts of the journey.

Program partners screen surrogates for:

• Full medical health
  
• Obstetric history (previous healthy pregnancies)
  
• Psychological readiness
  
• Lifestyle safety
  
• Family/partner support
  
• Background verification
  

The match between intended parents and surrogate is based on:

• Shared expectations
  
• Communication preferences
  
• Legal views (e.g., selective reduction)
  
• Values regarding pregnancy and birth
  
• Personality compatibility
  

This step sets the foundation for a healthy, trusting relationship.

Step 5 — Legal Agreements

Surrogacy requires independent legal representation for both the surrogate and intended parents.

The surrogacy contract typically includes:

• Parental rights
  
• Medical decisions
  
• Embryo transfer details
  
• Compensation (in compensated countries)
  
• Surrogate expenses
  
• Responsibilities during pregnancy
  
• Insurance coverage
  
• Birth plan agreements
  

This legal protection ensures clarity, transparency, and safety for everyone involved.

Step 6 — The Surrogate’s Medical Preparation

Once the contract is complete, the medical phase begins.

The gestational carrier:

• Begins a monitored IVF cycle
  
• Takes hormone medications
  
• Has ultrasounds to check uterine lining
  
• Prepares for embryo transfer
  

Programs only proceed when both doctors and surrogate give medical clearance.

Step 7 — Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer is a simple, pain-free clinical procedure.

Process:

1. The surrogate arrives at the clinic
   
2. A single embryo (in most cases) is selected
   
3. The embryo is transferred into the uterus
   
4. A pregnancy test is done approx. 10–12 days later
   

Single embryo transfer (SET) is recommended to reduce risks and increase safety.

Step 8 — Pregnancy & Communication

Once pregnancy is confirmed, intended parents receive:

• Beta hCG and ultrasound results
  
• Monthly or trimester updates
  
• Photos/videos of scans
  
• Medical reports from the OB/GYN
  
• Ongoing communication with the surrogate (depending on agreed frequency)
  

High-quality programs provide:

• Case managers
  
• Mental health support
  
• Emergency contact teams
  
• Nutrition and wellness monitoring for the surrogate
  

Many intended parents visit during the second or third trimester, depending on program structure.

Step 9 — Birth & Parental Rights

The birth is the most emotional moment in the journey.

Before birth, intended parents prepare:

• Travel plans
  
• Hospital registration
  
• Accommodation
  
• Local legal documentation checklist
  

At birth:

• Parents meet their baby immediately
  
• The surrogate receives full postpartum care
  
• Hospitals follow the agreed birth plan
  

Legal Parentage

Depending on the destination:

• The USA offers pre-birth orders
  
• Latin America / parts of Europe may use post-birth parentage
  
• Some countries require DNA tests or embassy filings
  

Nest & Co guides you through every document, signature, and appointment.

Step 10 — Returning Home With Your Baby

After birth, parents must complete:

• Birth certificate issuance
  
• Passport application
  
• DNA testing (if required by your embassy)
  
• Exit authorization
  
• Consular appointments
  

Timelines vary by nationality, typically 4–12 weeks.

Nest & Co remains involved until you are safely home with your baby.

Surrogacy Process Timeline for Intended Parents

Total: 12–24 months, depending on country and embryo readiness.

Key People Involved in the Surrogacy Process

You will interact with several professionals:

✔ Intended Parents (you)

The legal parents of the baby.

✔ Gestational Surrogate (GC)

The woman who carries the pregnancy—not genetically related.

✔ Fertility Clinic

Performs IVF, embryo creation, transfer, and medical monitoring.

✔ Surrogacy Agency / Program Partner

If applicable, they coordinate matching, support, and logistics.

✔ Lawyers (both sides)

Manage contracts and parental rights.

✔ Psychologists & Counsellors

Support the surrogate and intended parents emotionally.

✔ Nest & Co Specialists

Your advisors, advocates, and guides through international surrogacy.

How International Surrogacy Differs From Domestic Surrogacy

International surrogacy includes extra steps:

• Immigration & citizenship planning
  
  
• Country selection based on legal eligibility
  
  
• Translation & local administration
  
  
• In-country pregnancy monitoring
  
  
• Travel logistics
  
  
• Embassy/consulate filings
  
  

Nest & Co’s role is to simplify these complexities and ensure parents stay fully protected.

Is the Surrogacy Process Safe?

Yes—when done in regulated gestational surrogacy programs with:

• Proper surrogate screening
  
• Independent legal representation
  
• Licensed IVF clinics
  
• Ethical compensation (if applicable)
  
• Psychological support
  
• Clearly defined contracts
  
• Strong medical oversight
  

Choosing the right country is essential for safety.