Introduction
Every surrogacy journey starts with hope: that dream of holding your child in your arms. But how does surrogacy become reality? Surrogacy is more than a medical procedure; it involves trust, love and science working hand-in-hand to bring that hope closer to parenthood. Let us walk through each of its steps that transform hope into parenthood!
It does not matter if you are beginning to research this option or have been doing so for some time; it is important to understand the entire process, from the medical steps to the legal rights to the role of surrogate mothers. This guide will make it easy.
We will walk you through surrogacy step-by-step and help you decide if this is the best way to grow your family.
Step 1: Understanding What Surrogacy Is
Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction in which a woman (the surrogate mother) agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another individual or couple who will become the parent(s) after its birth.
Gestational Surrogacy: By far the most prevalent form, gestational surrogacy involves no genetic relationship between surrogate mother and child; an embryo is created using IVF, using both eggs and sperm from either intended parents or donors as the foundation of creation.
Traditional Surrogacy (now rarely practiced): When traditional surrogacy was commonplace, surrogates would use their eggs as part of a gestational carrier's donation, making her the biological mother of the child.
Step 2: Consultation & Evaluation
Once a couple or individual decides upon IVF surrogacy, their journey starts with an exhaustive consultation process encompassing medical tests, psychological exams, and legal discussions between themselves and the surrogate mother/father pair.
At this step, both you and your surrogate must be physically and psychologically prepared for what lies ahead. Selecting an established surrogacy center offering support, transparency, and legal guidance from day one is paramount.
Step 3: Finding a Surrogate Mother
Finding an appropriate surrogate mother is a highly personal and vital decision. Some couples may enlist relatives or friends as surrogate mothers; other families turn to clinics' pools of prescreened, healthy surrogates.
The surrogate is evaluated for:
Physical health
Reproductive history
Emotional readiness
Background checks
It is more than just carrying a baby - it is about trust, responsibility, and compassion.
Step 4: IVF Procedure and Embryo Transfer
Now comes the medical part: IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation). Eggs are collected from the intended mother (or donor) and fertilised with the intended father's (or donor's) sperm in a lab. Once embryos form, one (or sometimes two) is transferred into the surrogate's uterus.
This marks the beginning of a surrogate pregnancy. Success does not always happen on the first try, but with skilled doctors and modern techniques, chances have improved remarkably.
Step 5: The Pregnancy Journey
Throughout the nine months, the surrogate undergoes regular checkups, ultrasounds, and monitoring, all arranged by the clinic. The intended parents are kept involved and informed. Many even attend scans or appointments, building a gentle bond with the journey.
While it is the surrogate's body, it is everyone's emotional journey. Mutual respect and communication are key during this time.
Step 6: Delivery and Legal Handover
The baby is delivered when the big day arrives, often with the intended parents present. After delivery, legal processes kick in to ensure the child is officially recognised as theirs. This is usually a smooth, pre-arranged step thanks to prior legal work and contracts.
The surrogate maternity experience concludes here, but the bond, memories, and gratitude often last a lifetime.
Surrogate Cost: How Much Does It Cost?
One of the most common questions is, ''How much does it cost?''
Costs vary based on location, clinic, medical needs, legal support, and compensation. It is generally more affordable in India than in Western countries, such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, where expenses are significantly higher due to stricter regulations and medical fees.
Components of surrogate cost include:
IVF procedures
Surrogate's medical care and living expenses
Legal documentation
Hospital delivery charges
Agency or coordination fee (if any)
Always choose clarity over cheap promises. Trust only experienced surrogacy companies with medical and legal backing.
Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in India
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, defines how IVF and surrogacy can legally occur in India and specifies strict eligibility criteria for both the intended parents (givers) and the surrogate mother (carrier).
Only altruistic surrogacy is allowed - the surrogate mother can be reimbursed only for medical expenses and insurance, not paid beyond that.
Who is eligible? Married Indian couples where the woman cannot carry a pregnancy for medical reasons.
Legal agreement is mandatory - covering consent, medical responsibilities, expenses, and post-birth custody.
Clinics must be registered under national/state surrogacy boards to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Surrogacy is not simply a medical procedure; it is a bonding process between compassion, science, and the hope of a child. If you can plan it properly, with the right medical professional and legal advice, the road to becoming a parent is viable.
At Pratap IVF, we walk you through every step from embryo to embrace. Whether you are exploring options or ready to begin, our expert team ensures you are never alone on this beautiful journey.