One of the first questions women ask when considering surrogacy in Colorado is simple: how long will this take?

It’s a fair question! The Colorado surrogacy timeline involves multiple stages, from application and screening through pregnancy and delivery. Understanding what to expect at each phase helps you plan with confidence and patience.

Most Colorado Surrogates complete the entire journey in 14 to 18 months from start to finish. Some journeys take a bit longer, while others move more quickly. Every timeline is unique!

This guide walks you through each step of the Colorado surrogacy timeline from a Surrogate’s perspective. You’ll learn what happens during screening, matching, legal coordination, medical preparation, pregnancy, and beyond.

Let’s break it down together!

Table of Contents

• Overview of the Colorado Surrogacy Timeline
• Agency Screening and Preliminary Record Approval
• Matching With Intended Parents
• In-Person Medical Screening at the Fertility Clinic
• Legal Contracts and Coordination in Colorado
• Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer
• Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period
• Factors That Can Affect the Colorado Surrogacy Timeline
• What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Colorado Surrogacy Timeline
• Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence

Overview of the Colorado Surrogacy Timeline

The complete Colorado surrogacy timeline typically spans 14 to 18 months from your first inquiry to the baby’s birth. Some journeys extend to 24 months depending on individual circumstances, clinic scheduling, and matching timelines.

Why does surrogacy take this long?

Because every step exists to protect your health, safety, and autonomy! Reputable agencies like Golden Surrogacy never rush the process. We prioritize thorough screening, thoughtful matching, and proper legal coordination before any medical procedures begin.

Here’s what the typical timeline looks like:

Getting Started and Pre-Screening: 1 to 2 weeks
Medical and Psychological Screening: 30 to 90 days
Matching With Intended Parents: 1 to 2 weeks (sometimes longer)
Legal Contracts and Coordination: 4 to 8 weeks
Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer: 15 to 30 days
Pregnancy: 9 months
Postpartum Period: 6 to 8 weeks for final steps

Understanding these phases helps you set realistic expectations! The timeline isn’t a race. It’s a carefully coordinated journey that honors your wellbeing every step of the way.

Agency Screening and Preliminary Record Approval

Your surrogacy journey begins when you submit your application to Golden Surrogacy!

This phase typically takes 30 to 90 days and focuses on agency-level screening and a preliminary medical records review.

Agency Interview: You’ll hop on a call with our Care Team for a friendly, no-pressure interview. Ask anything! Share what you’re hoping for! Get a feel for the journey!

Background Checks: We run background checks as part of our safety-first process. It helps protect you, the Intended Parents, and the whole journey.

Home Visit: We schedule a home visit so we can meet you in your real life setting and make sure you feel fully supported at home. It’s also a great time to talk through expectations and logistics.

Medical Records Review (Preliminary Approval): We collect and review your OB and pregnancy records from your prior deliveries. This is the “preliminary record approval” step that tells us you’re likely a great fit to move forward.

Psychological Screening and OB Clearance (Agency Level): Before you ever match, we also make sure you complete psychological screening and confirm OB clearance at the agency level. This supports you emotionally and medically before we introduce you to any Intended Parents.

This early phase sets the foundation for everything that comes next! Founder Frank Golden leads our team with a family-first approach, and we treat every Surrogate like part of the Golden Surrogacy community!

Matching With Intended Parents

Once your medical records are preliminarily approved and your agency-level screening is complete, the matching phase begins!

Matching happens ONLY after those steps are done. That’s how we keep the process clean, ethical, and smooth for everyone.

This is one of the most exciting parts of your journey. Matching typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, though some Surrogates match more quickly while others take longer to find the perfect fit.

How Matching Works: Your Golden Surrogacy Care Team shares your profile with Intended Parents whose preferences, values, and communication styles align with yours. You’ll review potential match profiles and decide whether you’d like to connect!

The Match Meeting: When a promising match is identified, you’ll have a video call or in-person meeting with the Intended Parents. This conversation allows everyone to get to know each other, discuss expectations, and see if the relationship feels right. There’s no obligation to move forward if the connection doesn’t feel comfortable!

Why Matching Takes Time: We never rush this step. Finding the right match is about more than logistics. It’s about building a relationship based on mutual respect, shared values, and clear communication. Some Surrogates match immediately, while others take several months to find their ideal Intended Parents.

Values Alignment Matters: Golden Surrogacy prioritizes thoughtful matching. We want you to feel confident, excited, and supported throughout your journey! The right match makes all the difference.

Your Program Manager remains available via phone, text, and email throughout the matching phase to answer questions and provide guidance.

In-Person Medical Screening at the Fertility Clinic

After you match, you’ll complete your formal in-person medical screening at the Intended Parents’ fertility clinic!

This is the clinic’s official evaluation. It typically takes 4 to 8 weeks when you factor in scheduling, testing, and final approval timelines.

Fertility Clinic Medical Evaluation: You’ll visit the fertility clinic for comprehensive testing. The clinic reviews your history, performs exams, and runs labs to confirm you’re medically cleared to move forward.

Important note: In-person screening must align with your menstrual cycle timing. That timing can add a few extra weeks, and it’s totally normal!

Why This Phase Matters: These screenings exist to protect you. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), thorough medical and psychological evaluations reduce risks and support positive outcomes for Surrogates and Intended Parents alike.

The clinic screening phase can feel like a lot, but it’s worth it! It’s the final “green light” before legal can officially kick off!

Legal Contracts and Coordination in Colorado

After you’ve matched with Intended Parents and the fertility clinic has given final medical clearance following your in-person appointment, the legal phase begins!

This step typically takes 4 to 8 weeks and involves drafting, reviewing, and signing a gestational surrogacy agreement.

Why Legal Contracts Matter: Colorado requires a written surrogacy agreement before any medical procedures can begin. This contract protects your rights, establishes compensation terms, outlines medical decisions, and clarifies everyone’s responsibilities. It’s an essential safeguard!

Independent Legal Representation: You’ll work with your own attorney who specializes in surrogacy law. The Intended Parents cover all legal fees for your representation. This ensures you have an advocate looking out for your best interests throughout the process.

What the Contract Covers: Your surrogacy agreement addresses compensation, medical procedures, communication expectations, decision-making authority, and more. Your attorney explains every detail in plain language so you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.

Legal Timing in Colorado: The legal process cannot begin until after you receive final medical clearance from the fertility clinic following your in-person screening appointment. Once contracts are signed, you can proceed to the medical preparation phase!

To learn more about Colorado’s legal framework, check out our guide on Colorado surrogacy laws for Surrogates.

Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer

With legal contracts in place and medical clearance secured, it’s time for the embryo transfer!

This phase typically takes 15 to 30 days and involves hormone medications, cycle synchronization, and the transfer procedure itself.

Medical Preparation: The fertility clinic creates a customized medication protocol to prepare your uterus for embryo transfer. You’ll take hormone medications (typically injections and pills) for several weeks to ensure optimal conditions for implantation.

Cycle Synchronization: The clinic carefully times your cycle with the Intended Parents’ embryo availability. This coordination ensures everything aligns perfectly for transfer day!

Embryo Transfer Procedure: The transfer itself is a simple, minimally invasive procedure performed at the fertility clinic. A doctor places one or more embryos into your uterus using a thin catheter. The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes and doesn’t require anesthesia.

The Two-Week Wait: After the transfer, you’ll wait approximately 10 to 12 days before taking a pregnancy test. This waiting period can feel long, but it’s necessary to get accurate results!

Important Timeline Note: If the first embryo transfer doesn’t result in pregnancy, you may need to repeat this phase. Most Surrogates achieve pregnancy within one to three transfer attempts.

Your Care Team supports you throughout this medical phase with check-ins, encouragement, and practical guidance!

Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period

Once you’re pregnant, the most significant phase of your surrogacy journey begins!

Pregnancy: This phase lasts approximately 9 months and follows the typical pregnancy timeline. You’ll attend regular prenatal appointments, receive ongoing support from Golden Surrogacy, and maintain communication with the Intended Parents based on your agreed-upon preferences.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends standard prenatal care throughout pregnancy. Your fertility clinic and OB-GYN coordinate to ensure you receive comprehensive medical attention.

Second Trimester Coordination: Around the second trimester, birthrights paperwork and hospital coordination begin. This ensures everything is in place for a smooth delivery experience!

Delivery Preparation: As your due date approaches, your Care Team helps coordinate delivery logistics. You’ll finalize birth plans, confirm hospital arrangements, and prepare for the big day.

Birth Experience: On delivery day, you bring a beautiful gift into the world! Many Surrogates describe this moment as incredibly meaningful and rewarding.

Postpartum Recovery: After birth, you’ll need time to recover physically and emotionally. Golden Surrogacy provides postpartum support during this transition. This phase typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks as you heal and complete any final administrative steps.

Your dedicated Care Team remains connected throughout pregnancy and postpartum to ensure you feel supported every step of the way!

Factors That Can Affect the Colorado Surrogacy Timeline

Every surrogacy journey is unique! Several factors can influence how long your Colorado surrogacy timeline takes.

Clinic Scheduling: Fertility clinic availability can impact timing for medical screenings, embryo transfers, and monitoring appointments. Some clinics have waitlists during busy seasons.

Legal Review Timelines: Contract drafting and review can take longer if complex issues arise or if attorneys need additional time to finalize terms. This is normal and ensures thorough protection!

Insurance Coordination: Reviewing and securing appropriate insurance coverage may extend the timeline by several weeks. Golden Surrogacy helps navigate this process, but it requires careful attention.

Medical Factors: If initial embryo transfers don’t result in pregnancy, additional transfer cycles extend the timeline. Most Surrogates achieve pregnancy within three attempts, but individual experiences vary.

Personal Readiness and Availability: Your own schedule, family commitments, and readiness to proceed influence timing. It’s completely okay to move at a pace that feels comfortable for you!

Matching Timeline Variation: Some Surrogates match quickly, while others take several months to find the right Intended Parents. Matching cannot be rushed! Finding the right fit is worth the wait.

These variables are normal parts of the surrogacy process. Your Golden Surrogacy team works diligently to minimize delays while prioritizing your well-being and safety.

What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage

Throughout your Colorado surrogacy timeline, you’ll receive consistent support and clear communication!

Regular Check-Ins: Your dedicated Care Team stays in touch throughout every phase. You’ll receive updates, guidance, and encouragement when you need it most.

Agency Coordination: Golden Surrogacy manages coordination between you, the Intended Parents, fertility clinics, attorneys, and insurance providers. We handle the logistics so you can focus on your health and wellbeing!

Transparent Communication: Your Agency Director is available via phone, text, and email whenever questions arise. We believe in open, honest communication every step of the way.

Educational Resources: You’ll receive information tailored to each phase of your journey, including guides on Colorado surrogate requirements and the Surrogate intake process.

Emotional Support: Surrogacy is an emotional journey! We provide access to counseling resources, support groups, and mentorship opportunities with experienced Surrogates.

Financial Management: Golden Surrogacy coordinates compensation payments, expense reimbursements, and escrow management so you never have to worry about financial logistics.

You’re never alone on this journey! Our team treats you like family because that’s exactly what you are to us.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Colorado Surrogacy Timeline

How long does surrogacy usually take in Colorado?
Most Colorado surrogacy journeys take 14 to 18 months from application to birth. Some take up to 24 months depending on individual circumstances, matching timelines, and medical factors.

Can timelines be shorter or longer than average?
Yes! Some Surrogates complete the journey faster than the average if screening, matching, and medical procedures progress smoothly. Others take 24 months or longer if challenges arise. Every journey is unique!

What causes delays in the surrogacy timeline?
Common factors include clinic scheduling conflicts, extended matching periods, insurance coordination, legal review timelines, and unsuccessful embryo transfers that require additional cycles.

Can Surrogates pause the process if needed?
Absolutely! Your wellbeing always comes first. If you need to pause for personal, medical, or family reasons, Golden Surrogacy supports your decision. You can resume when you’re ready.

Does living in Colorado affect the timeline?
Colorado’s supportive legal environment generally streamlines the process compared to less surrogate-friendly states. However, clinic availability and individual circumstances have a bigger impact on timing than location alone.

What happens if I don’t get pregnant on the first transfer?
If the first embryo transfer doesn’t result in pregnancy, you’ll work with the clinic and Intended Parents to plan another transfer attempt. Most Surrogates achieve pregnancy within one to three attempts. Each additional cycle adds 1 to 2 months to the overall timeline.

Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence

Understanding the Colorado surrogacy timeline helps you approach this journey with realistic expectations and confidence!

Remember, surrogacy isn’t a race. Every phase exists to protect your health, honor your autonomy, and ensure positive outcomes for everyone involved.

The 14 to 18 month average timeline includes careful screening, thoughtful matching, proper legal coordination, and medical preparation. These steps cannot be rushed! They’re essential safeguards that make your experience safe, ethical, and rewarding.

As you consider becoming a Colorado Surrogate, take time to learn about the full process. Explore resources on compensation, requirements, and the overall surrogacy process.

When you’re ready to take the next step, our team is here to support you! We treat every Surrogate like family because we believe surrogacy is about more than transactions. It’s about relationships, compassion, and the incredible gift of helping someone build their family.

You have the power to change lives! Understanding the timeline is just the beginning of your surrogacy journey.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re considering becoming a Surrogate in Colorado, we’d love to connect with you!

Golden Surrogacy provides comprehensive support throughout your journey, from initial screening through postpartum care. Our dedicated Care Team, led by founder Frank Golden, ensures you feel valued, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Explore our Become a Surrogate page to learn more about the application process and what makes Golden Surrogacy different. Take your time, ask questions, and move forward when it feels right for you!

You deserve an agency that prioritizes your wellbeing, respects your autonomy, and celebrates your generosity. That’s exactly what we offer at Golden Surrogacy!