What to expect when you're expecting
for someone else
Surrogacy timeline explained
The surrogacy process can feel complex, especially for first time surrogates.
Here you’ll find a clear, step-by-step overview of the full surrogacy journey from start to finish.
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2–6 weeks
We get to know you, answer your questions, gather your information, and guide you through the first steps. This stage is all about making sure you feel confident, supported, and ready to move forward.
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1–2 weeks
Things that happen during the matching process include:
We present Intended Parent profiles to you that we believe would be a great match. You are able to ask questions and discuss with your support system prior to making a decision.
Your profile is then shared with those specific Intended Parents who align with your values, preferences, and communication style, ensuring a thoughtful, compatibility-driven match.
A mutual “yes” finalizes the match, and you officially move into records review, medical screening, psychological evaluation, and preparation for next steps in your surrogacy journey.
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4–8 weeks
You’ll complete medical exams, as well as a psychological evaluation, to ensure you’re fully prepared for a safe, healthy journey. Our team walks with you through every requirement.
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4–6 weeks
You’ll work with an experienced surrogacy attorney of your choosing, to create a clear, protective contract that outlines everyone’s roles and expectations. Your rights and well-being are of the utmost importance.
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3–6 weeks
You’ll begin embryo transfer cycle medications and attend morning monitoring appointments, to get your body ready for transfer. We all have experience with embryo transfer cycles, allowing us to support you closely so you know exactly what to expect.
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38–40 weeks
During this time, you will carry the growing baby with ongoing support from your medical team and Family Makers. We check in regularly, advocate for your needs, ensure all legal steps are completed in time, and build a birth plan to safeguard you throughout the pregnancy and delivery.
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6–12 weeks
We continue supporting you as you recover physically and emotionally. This includes follow-ups, resources, and ongoing communication to ensure you feel supported long after delivery. We also make sure your medical bills are received and paid in a timely manner.
The Family Makers experience
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![Two people holding hands, with a clear sky in the background.]()
Advocacy you can count on
You’ll have a dedicated team ensuring your emotional, physical, and financial well-being are fully protected. We can rely on us to protect your needs, honor your voice, and stand beside you from the first conversation through the 4th trimester.
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![Passenger waiting at an airport terminal, looking out a large window at an airplane flying overhead, with rolling clouds in the sky.]()
A compensation package built around you
Family Makers doesn’t pressure you into preset numbers. We help you build a compensation plan that fits your financial needs and empowers your family while you help another grow theirs.
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![Ashlee Hammonds, her husband, and their surrogate on transfer day!]()
A personalized, respectful matching experience
We take time to understand your values, preferences, and comfort levels so we can match you with Intended Parents who truly align with you.
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![A Surrogate with brown hair, wearing a lavender sweater and headphones, using a silver laptop on a bed in a bright room.]()
Clear, genuine communication
You’ll receive honest answers, fast responses, and guidance that keeps you informed and confident. We explain every step so there’s never any confusion about what comes next.
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![Surrogate Gifts]()
Unwavering support at every stage
Our team supports you through every stage of the journey, with zero judgment and constant care.
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![A surrogate breast pump placed on a wooden table, with a bottle of breast milk attached, and a milk collection cap and flange in the foreground.]()
A relationship that lasts
Our care doesn’t end when the baby arrives, we make sure you feel valued long after your journey is complete.
“Unwavering support, filled with knowledge.”
“I love this agency so much, everyone is absolutely wonderful. My case manager, Shelby, has been amazing and I wish I had found Family Makers for my first journey!”
– Surrogate Nicole, experienced surrogate
Wondering about something?
Start here
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Screening typically includes bloodwork, an ultrasound, a psychological evaluation, and a review of your medical history. Our team prepares you for every appointment, explains what to expect, and helps coordinate travel if needed. We make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident every step of the way.
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Every journey is unique, but most follow a general timeline: 2–6 weeks for onboarding, 1–2 weeks for matching, 4–8 weeks for screening, 3–6 weeks for legal, 4–6 weeks of preparation before embryo transfer, and about 40 weeks of pregnancy. This equals an average timeline of 18 months. We keep you updated during every phase so you always know what’s coming next.
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Matching is a thoughtful, relationship-focused process. We consider your preferences, comfort level, communication style, and expectations to ensure you’re paired with Intended Parents who align with your values. You’ll review their profile, ask questions, and meet them virtually before deciding whether the match feels right.
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No. All medical costs, travel, legal fees, and journey-related expenses are covered by the Intended Parents.
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Yes you can choose your own OB and delivery hospital in most circumstances.
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Yes! Because pregnancy is achieved through IVF, your tubes are not necessary to get pregnant. Science is amazing, right?!
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If you have a spouse or partner, they will need to be supportive and involved in signing legal agreements. Beyond that, you’re welcome to involve your support system as much or as little as you feel comfortable.
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Absolutely. Most surrogates work normal jobs during their journeys. If your job has physical demands, we’ll help coordinate restrictions or documentation if needed.
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Yes. Your comfort is a priority. We encourage you and your Intended Parents to create a plan together that honors your boundaries, medical needs, and preferences.
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Every match is different, and you get to set the tone. Before moving forward, you’ll meet your Intended Parents and discuss expectations around communication, involvement, and boundaries. Family Makers helps facilitate these conversations so the relationship feels comfortable, respectful, and aligns with what everyone wants.
Surrogacy, explained
At Family Makers, our eligibility standards are rooted in ethics, safety, and respect.
We believe surrogacy should never compromise a woman’s health, well-being, or autonomy, which is why our criteria are intentional, thoughtful, and guided by best medical practices.
Between ages 21-40
U.S. Citizen
Healthy pregnancy history
No more than 2 previous c-sections or 5 vaginal deliveries
BMI under 32
No smoking, vaping, or drugs
Financially stable; not on government assistance.
Strong support system
Ready to commit to 18-24 months for the journey
Eligibility standards
