Surrogate Pregnancy: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Expect

Surrogacy is a trusted and meaningful path for many intended parents who dream of growing their families with the help of a surrogate. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate yourself or just starting to explore this option as an intended parent, gaining a clear understanding of the process and key terms can help you feel more confident as you take the first steps on this journey.

What Is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a unique family-building journey in which a woman, known as a surrogate, carries and delivers a child for someone else. Intended parents may be individuals or couples who, for medical or personal reasons, are unable to carry a pregnancy on their own.

There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional and gestational. Today, gestational surrogacy is the most common path. In this process, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child she carries, making it a safe and trusted option for intended parents worldwide.

What Does a Surrogate Do?

A surrogate, sometimes called a gestational carrier, plays a vital role in the surrogacy journey. She undergoes thorough medical and psychological screenings, prepares for and completes the embryo transfer, and carries the pregnancy through delivery.

Throughout the process, the surrogate attends regular prenatal appointments, follows medical guidance, and maintains a healthy lifestyle to support the baby’s well-being. She also stays in close communication with the intended parents, helping them feel connected to the pregnancy every step of the way.

With the support of a surrogacy agency, a surrogate’s primary responsibility is to carry the baby safely to term while receiving the medical, emotional, and logistical care she needs.

Who Chooses to Work With a Surrogate?

Intended parents turn to surrogacy for many different reasons. Some face medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe, infertility challenges, or a history of pregnancy loss. Others may experience age-related fertility issues that prevent them from carrying a child.

Surrogacy is also a trusted path for LGBTQ+ couples and single individuals who want to build their families. For same-sex male couples, for example, working with a gestational carrier provides the opportunity to have a biological connection to their child. Single parents by choice may also rely on surrogacy to make their dream of parenthood possible.
For all of these individuals and couples, surrogacy offers not only a viable medical solution but also a supportive, compassionate journey toward creating a family.

At Elevate Baby, we are proud to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, supporting intended parents of all backgrounds, identities, and family structures.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Surrogate?

Not everyone can become a surrogate. Agencies and clinics follow strict medical and psychological guidelines to ensure the safety and readiness of the surrogate and the baby.

Elevate Baby surrogate requirements include:

• Age 21 to 40
• Healthy BMI of 32 or below
• No smoking/drug use
• Have given birth to at least once, but no more than 5 times
• Healthy pregnancy and delivery histories
• No more than 3 births via cesarean section
• Financially independent
• Have reliable transportation
• Permanently reside in the United States in a surrogacy-friendly state
• Have a support system of family and friends

Do you have what it takes? Take our Surrogate Quiz!

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

Choosing to grow your family through surrogacy is an exciting and hopeful decision. But it’s natural to wonder how long the surrogate process takes, from agency selection to bringing your baby home. From onboarding to birth, the process typically takes 15–18 months; however, each journey is unique. Understanding a realistic timeline helps set expectations and empowers you to move forward with confidence. Read more about the timeline here.

How Does a Surrogacy Agency Help?

Surrogacy agencies guide both surrogates and intended parents through every step of the surrogacy journey. From matching and legal contracts to appointment coordination and emotional support, an agency plays a central role in ensuring a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved.

Because surrogacy is a long and emotional process, working with an agency provides invaluable support. You’ll have a dedicated case manager who oversees each step, performs regular check-ins, shares updates, and supports you through key milestones. The agency also serves as a bridge between the surrogate, intended parents, medical professionals, and legal teams, helping the entire journey stay organized and compassionate.

At Elevate Baby, we take this support a step further. We provide personalized guidance tailored to each family and surrogate, ensuring medical, legal, and emotional needs are met. Our team is committed to making the surrogacy process as seamless, transparent, and inclusive as possible, helping intended parents and surrogates feel confident and cared for throughout the journey.

Are Surrogates Involved After the Baby Is Born?

Some surrogate-intended parent relationships continue after birth, while others do not. This is a personal choice. What matters most is that all expectations are discussed beforehand so everyone feels comfortable and respected.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some surrogates maintain a close relationship with the family, while others part ways after the baby is born.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy is a generous and life-changing process – and with the right information and support, it can be a rewarding journey for everyone involved. Contact our team today to learn how we can guide you through every part of the surrogacy journey with care, clarity, and confidence.