Egg Donation and Surrogacy FAQs

Every surrogacy journey is unique, but once you are ready to move forward, the process can progress efficiently. From application through delivery, a full gestational carrier journey can be completed in as little as 13 months, though many journeys take 18–24 months depending on matching timelines, clinic protocols, and individual circumstances. This timeframe includes the full pregnancy, so remember that nine months of baby growing is already built in.

Yes, absolutely. The medical process begins with a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) at the fertility clinic, who will complete your screening, monitoring, and embryo transfer. Each clinic follows its own protocol, but after transfer, care is typically transitioned back to your local OB/GYN. This transition may occur shortly after transfer, following early pregnancy monitoring, or after the first trimester. Your OB/GYN will then oversee the remainder of your prenatal care and delivery.

Yes, gestational carriers must have medical insurance. As part of the intake process, a full insurance verification is completed on your current policy to determine whether it is considered surrogacy-friendly.

If your policy allows coverage for surrogate pregnancies, you may remain on your existing plan and continue using those benefits. If your policy does not include surrogate coverage, you can still move forward. In those cases, a separate insurance policy will be secured on your behalf to act as primary coverage for the pregnancy. This does not replace your existing insurance, and carriers are never advised to cancel their current policy.

Base compensation for gestational carriers typically ranges from $25,000 to $65,000, depending on experience level and insurance coverage. Base compensation begins only after pregnancy is confirmed by fetal heartbeat via early ultrasound and is paid in monthly installments throughout the pregnancy, with any remaining balance paid after delivery.

In addition to base compensation, carriers receive contingent compensation for other steps and circumstances throughout the journey. These may include medication starts, embryo transfers, maternity clothing allowance, monthly allowance, lost wages, travel, procedures, and other pregnancy-related expenses. These additional compensations commonly total $10,000–$15,000 or more, depending on the journey.

Gestational carriers receive a $250 monthly allowance, which begins at the signing of legal contracts and continues through two months postpartum. This allowance helps reimburse incidental and out-of-pocket expenses such as local travel, meals during appointments, childcare for medical visits, phone and postage costs, supplements, comfort items, and similar expenses related to the journey.

Some travel is required for fertility clinic appointments, screening, monitoring, and embryo transfer, though every effort is made to keep travel minimal. If the first embryo transfer is successful and follow-up appointments are limited, total travel time typically falls between 3 and 10 non-consecutive days throughout the journey. Travel expenses, mileage, lodging, and meals are reimbursed according to the agreement.

Depending on your journey, you may receive additional compensation for specific milestones or circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Medication start fees
• Embryo transfer procedures
• Mock cycles or cancelled cycles
• Maternity clothing allowance
• Multiples pregnancy compensation
• Invasive medical procedures
• Cesarean delivery
• Lost wages for you or your spouse/partner when medically required
• Housekeeping or childcare if bed rest is ordered

All compensation details are clearly outlined in your Gestational Surrogacy Agreement and managed through escrow for transparency and protection.

This is entirely up to you and the intended parents and should be discussed openly during the matching process. Some matches form lifelong relationships, while others prefer more defined boundaries. There is no right or wrong approach, but expectations should be aligned from the beginning. Relationships often evolve naturally throughout the journey, and flexibility and mutual respect are key.

Legal representation is a required and essential part of the surrogacy process. Both the gestational carrier and the intended parents must have separate attorneys who specialize in third-party reproduction law. Your attorney will represent your interests, explain all legal terms, and ensure your rights and protections are fully outlined in the Gestational Surrogacy Agreement. Carrying Dreams can assist with attorney coordination if needed.

Matching is one of the most exciting and meaningful parts of the journey. You will complete a detailed profile and questionnaire to help us understand your preferences, boundaries, and expectations. When a potential match is identified, you’ll review the intended parents’ profile and meet via video call to ensure everyone feels comfortable moving forward. Matches are made thoughtfully, with the goal of long-term alignment, trust, and a positive experience for all involved.