Becoming a surrogate is a powerful way to give hope to someone longing to grow their family. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How can I apply to become a surrogate?”, this guide will walk you through each step, from submitting your application to the exciting moment when you’re matched with intended parents.
At Joy of Life®, we follow a thoughtful, supportive process designed to ensure your journey is safe, rewarding and handled with the care it deserves. Each stage, from early screenings to legal preparation to embryo transfer, is clearly structured and guided by experts who are with you every step of the way.
Whether you’re in the early phases of consideration or ready to take the first step, this overview will give you a clear picture of what to expect so you can feel confident as you begin your surrogacy journey.
Step 1: Application and Matching Process
Your journey begins by completing our online surrogacy application, where we’ll collect some basic information about your background, health history and prior pregnancies. This form helps us determine if you meet the initial qualifications to move forward.
If you meet the requirements, we’ll schedule a personal interview with a Joy of Life® coordinator. During this one-on-one conversation, we’ll discuss your motivations, answer any questions you may have and get to know you better so we can provide the most personalized support possible. At this stage, you’ll also complete some required paperwork and submit a recent photo. This information is used to build your surrogate profile, which is essential for matching you with intended parents.
Once your profile is complete, you’ll be introduced to profiles of intended parents who are also waiting to begin their journey. When a profile stands out to you, we’ll help coordinate a meeting, either in person or virtually, so you can get to know each other and talk through what you’re both hoping for throughout the experience.
This part of the process is designed with you in mind. It’s your opportunity to get a real feel for who the intended parents are and whether the match feels right to you. Your comfort, clarity and confidence are what will guide the next steps.
Step 2: Record Collection and Review
Before any medical screening or legal work can begin, your pregnancy and delivery records must be collected and approved by the intended parents’ fertility clinic. This is a crucial step that ensures you are medically eligible to proceed with surrogacy.
Collecting past medical records can take time, especially if they come from multiple providers. If you have access to a health portal or digital records, it can greatly speed up this process and is very much appreciated. Our team will guide you through what’s needed and assist in obtaining the documents if necessary.
Once records are received, the clinic will conduct a preliminary review. After their approval, you’ll move forward to the next stage of screening and legal preparation.
Step 3: Medical & Legal Preparation
After your records are approved, the next step is to complete your screenings and prepare legally for the journey ahead. This stage is all about making sure you’re supported physically, emotionally and legally before moving forward.
Medical Screening
You’ll undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to confirm that your body is ready for a healthy pregnancy. This screening is an important part of ensuring a safe and successful journey for both you and the intended parents.
You can expect:
- A full physical exam
- Bloodwork and lab testing
- A transvaginal ultrasound to assess uterine health
- A review of your past pregnancy and delivery records
- All travel arrangements and costs are fully covered, so you can focus on your health and peace of mind.
Psychological Evaluation
You’ll also meet with a licensed mental health professional for a psychological assessment. This is a supportive, confidential space to talk through the emotional aspects of surrogacy and ensure you’re feeling fully prepared.
Legal Review & Contract Signing
Once screenings are complete, you’ll be paired with an attorney (provided at no cost to you) to review your surrogacy contract. This agreement clearly outlines:
- Your rights and responsibilities as a surrogate
- The intended parents’ obligations
- How compensation and reimbursements will be handled
- What support is available to you during and after pregnancy
Once you’re fully comfortable with the terms, you’ll sign and notarize the contract, officially marking your readiness to begin the medical cycle.
Step 4: IVF Transfer & Pregnancy Milestones
Once your legal contract is signed, you’ll begin preparing for the embryo transfer. Your medical team will guide you through a carefully timed process to help your body get ready to receive the embryo.
Uterine Preparation
You’ll start a medication cycle to prepare your uterus for implantation. This may include hormone injections, patches or oral medications to help build a healthy uterine lining.
During this stage, you’ll:
- Follow a personalized medication schedule
- Attend monitoring appointments to check lining thickness
- Stay in close contact with your coordinator and clinic for guidance
Embryo Transfer
When your body is ready, the embryo transfer will be scheduled. This is a simple, outpatient procedure that typically doesn’t require anesthesia and is often described as painless or mildly uncomfortable.
After the transfer, you’ll rest and take it easy for a few days as your body adjusts and the embryo begins to implant.
Pregnancy Confirmation
Roughly 10 days after the transfer, you’ll have a blood test (HCG test) to check for pregnancy. If the test is positive, you’ll return for follow-up monitoring to ensure hormone levels are rising appropriately.
A few weeks later, you’ll have an ultrasound to confirm the baby’s heartbeat, a joyful and emotional milestone for both you and the intended parents.
Step 4: Pregnancy & Ongoing Care
Once the pregnancy is confirmed and the baby’s heartbeat is detected, your care will gradually transition from the fertility clinic to your regular OB doctor. From here, your journey continues just like a typical pregnancy, but with the full support of the Joy of Life® team alongside you.
OB Transition
Around 9 to 10 weeks after the embryo transfer, you’ll begin seeing your own OB for prenatal care. You can continue visiting the doctor or practice you’re most comfortable with, as long as they meet surrogacy care guidelines.
Routine Prenatal Care
Throughout your pregnancy, you’ll attend regular prenatal appointments to monitor the baby’s development and your own health. You’ll also stay connected with your Joy of Life® coordinator, who will check in regularly and help you navigate any questions or needs that arise.
Support continues through:
- Routine OB visits
- Ongoing communication with intended parents (as agreed upon)
- Emotional support and guidance from your coordinator
- Preparation for delivery and hospital planning
Delivery Day
As your due date approaches, our team will help coordinate birth planning to make sure everything goes smoothly. From hospital logistics to intended parent arrival and support during labor, we’ll be there to make sure you feel informed and cared for.
Begin Your Surrogacy Journey with Joy of Life®
Applying to be a surrogate is the first step in helping someone build the family they’ve been dreaming of. With Joy of Life®, you’ll never walk this path alone. From the moment you apply to the day you deliver, our team is here to support you with clarity, compassion and expert care.
If you’ve been wondering how you can become a surrogate, we’re ready to help you get started. We make the process smooth and supportive so you can focus on what matters most.
Apply to become a surrogate today or learn more about surrogate compensation.
Still have questions? Our team is happy to walk you through the process and help you decide if surrogacy is right for you.
