---
title: "How Does Surrogacy Work? 8 Steps for Parents | SMARTPath"
url: https://www.smartpathfertilityintl.com/how-surrogacy-works/
updated: 2026-11-05
---

# How surrogacy works, step by step

**Short answer:** A surrogacy journey has eight main stages, from your first inquiry through matching, legal agreements, IVF, embryo transfer, pregnancy and birth. It typically takes 12 to 18 months. Legal agreements are always finalized before any embryo transfer.

- 1

#### Tell us about your family

Fill out our interest form and we guide you to the best path.

- 2

#### Have your consultation

We discuss your situation and explore the USA, Mexico or Ukraine.

- 3

#### Review the details

You see program costs, legal steps, medical information and timelines.

- 4

#### Choose your program

You pick your program and the matching process starts.

- 5

#### Meet your surrogate

Legal agreements are finalized, then you start building your connection.

- 6

#### Begin the medical process

This includes IVF and embryo transfer.

- 7

#### Follow the pregnancy

You get regular updates and check-ins throughout.

- 8

#### Prepare for baby

We plan the birth, any travel, and the paperwork to bring your baby home.

#### What you’ll need

- A fertility clinic for IVF

- Embryos, or donor eggs or sperm

- A gestational carrier

- Legal representation

#### What we coordinate

- Surrogate matching

- Contracts and insurance

- Medical scheduling

- Biotransport and baby registration

#### What you decide

- Your country and program

- How involved you want to be

- How often you communicate

- Whether you attend the birth