If you’re thinking about becoming a Surrogate in Pennsylvania, you’re probably wondering about one big thing: time!

How long does the Pennsylvania surrogacy timeline really take?

Surrogacy is a big, beautiful commitment!

And when you know what’s coming, it’s way easier to plan your life around it.

From application to delivery, most journeys take about 14 to 18 months.

Sometimes it moves faster!

Sometimes it takes a little longer.

Clinic schedules, legal steps, and medical timing can all shift things around.

Let’s break it down step by step so you know what to expect!

Table of Contents

• Overview of the Pennsylvania Surrogacy Timeline
• Getting Started: Application and Initial Screening
• Pre-Screening: Medical and Psychological Evaluations
• Matching With Intended Parents
• In-Person Screening at the Fertility Clinic
• Legal Contracts and Coordination in Pennsylvania
• Embryo Transfer and Medical Preparation
• Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period
• Factors That Can Affect the Pennsylvania Surrogacy Timeline
• What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Pennsylvania Surrogacy Timeline
• Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence

Overview of the Pennsylvania Surrogacy Timeline

From application to delivery, most Pennsylvania journeys land around 12 to 18 months.

That’s the whole path: screening, matching, legal, embryo transfer, and pregnancy.

And yes, it can vary!

But that range is a great planning baseline.

Why does it take time?

Because every step is there to protect you!

Surrogacy is medical, legal, and emotional, all at once.

At Golden Surrogacy, Founder Frank Golden leads the team and guides every Surrogate like family.

You also get a Dedicated Care Team that stays with you from start to finish.

And our Agency Director is available by phone, text, and email, anytime you need support!

Getting Started: Application and Initial Screening

This is your jump-off point!

You submit an application and tell us about your health history, pregnancy history, and why you want to become a Surrogate.

Then our team reviews everything and follows up with any questions.

Keep it simple and honest!

Want to see the basics up front?

Check out our Pennsylvania Surrogate Requirements guide!

Most Surrogates finish this phase in about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on paperwork and response time.

Pre-Screening: Medical and Psychological Evaluations

Next comes pre-screening.

This is where we double-check that surrogacy is safe, healthy, and emotionally supportive for you!

Medical screening

You’ll do blood work, records review, and other basic testing to confirm your body is ready for IVF and pregnancy.

Clinics follow health guidelines, including those shared by ASRM.

Psychological screening

You’ll meet with a mental health professional and talk through support systems, expectations, and the emotional side of being a Surrogate.

No judgment!

Just support and readiness.

Most pre-screening takes about 30 to 90 days, depending on scheduling and how fast results come back.

Matching With Intended Parents

Matching is an exciting milestone! This is when you’re paired with Intended Parents who share your values and vision for the journey.

At Golden Surrogacy, we take matching seriously. We consider your preferences, communication style, and expectations. The goal is to create a partnership built on mutual respect and trust.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about potential Intended Parents before committing. Many Surrogates have a video call or phone conversation to see if the connection feels right.

Matching timelines vary. Some Surrogates match within a few days. Others may take a couple of weeks or longer. It depends on your preferences and the current pool of Intended Parents.

Don’t worry if matching takes time. Finding the right fit is more important than finding a fast fit! This process is designed to be successful for both Surrogates and Intended Parents!

In-Person Screening at the Fertility Clinic

After matching, you’ll head to the fertility clinic for in-person screening.

This is more detailed than pre-screening.

Expect additional labs and an ultrasound so the clinic can confirm you’re ready for embryo transfer.

Important note: In-person screening must align with your menstrual cycle timing!

So yes, there can be some calendar juggling.

That’s totally normal.

This phase usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, including scheduling, travel, and results.

Legal Contracts and Coordination in Pennsylvania

Now it’s time to make it official!

Your contract protects you, the Intended Parents, and the whole journey.

In Pennsylvania, you have your own independent attorney.

The Intended Parents have theirs too.

And yes, the Intended Parents cover your legal fees.

Key timing rule: The legal process begins only after medical clearance from the fertility clinic!

That keeps you protected before any meds or procedures start.

Contract drafting and review usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks.

Pennsylvania laws can shape how contracts and parentage work, so it helps to understand the landscape.

Read our Pennsylvania surrogacy laws overview!

Quick reminder: We don’t give legal advice. Your attorney guides you through the details!

Embryo Transfer and Medical Preparation

Contracts are signed!

Legal clearance is in!

Now your clinic starts your transfer cycle.

You’ll follow a medication protocol to prep your uterine lining.

This usually takes about 15 to 30 days.

Then comes the embryo transfer.

It’s quick and typically pretty simple.

After that, it’s the two-week wait!

About 10 to 14 days later, you’ll get a blood test for pregnancy confirmation.

If the first transfer doesn’t work, take a breath.

It happens!

And it doesn’t mean anything is “wrong.”

Your team sticks with you and helps plan next steps.

Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period

Once pregnancy is confirmed, it starts to feel very real!

Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, just like any other pregnancy.

You go to regular OB appointments and keep everyone in the loop.

Your Dedicated Care Team stays right with you the whole way.

And our Agency Director is available via phone, text, and email, whenever you need support!

Second trimester

This is when birthrights and hospital coordination commence.

We help make sure the hospital knows the plan and the Intended Parents are set up for a smooth delivery experience.

Delivery and postpartum

As you get close to delivery, we coordinate with the hospital and support you through the final stretch.

After birth, you focus on recovery.

We help wrap up the journey details so you can rest.

The CDC maternal health resources can be a helpful read during pregnancy.

And if you want a compensation overview, check our Pennsylvania Surrogate Compensation guide!

Factors That Can Affect the Pennsylvania Surrogacy Timeline

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

Clinic Scheduling

Fertility clinics are busy! Appointment availability and cycle coordination can add time to your journey.

Legal Review

Contract negotiations vary. If there are complex terms to work through, the legal phase may take longer.

Insurance Coordination

Securing appropriate insurance coverage can take time. Your agency helps navigate this process.

Personal Readiness

Your own schedule and availability matter too. If you need to pause for personal reasons, that’s okay!

Medical Factors

Sometimes embryo transfers don’t succeed on the first try. Additional cycles add time but are completely normal.

The key is to stay patient and trust the process. Every step has a purpose!

What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage

Throughout your journey, you’ll never feel alone. Here’s what support looks like:

Communication

Expect regular check-ins from your Care Team. We keep you informed and answer questions promptly.

Agency Support

Golden Surrogacy manages scheduling, coordination, and logistics. We handle the complicated stuff so you can focus on your health.

Your Role

You’ll attend appointments, follow medical protocols, and communicate openly. We work together as a team!

Our surrogacy timeline page breaks down each phase in even more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Pennsylvania Surrogacy Timeline

How long does surrogacy usually take in Pennsylvania?

Most journeys from application to delivery take about 12 to 18 months.

Can the timeline be shorter or longer?

Yes! Every journey is different. Some move faster, and some take longer depending on clinic schedules, legal processes, and medical factors.

What causes delays?

Common factors include clinic availability, contract negotiations, insurance coordination, and the need for additional embryo transfers.

Can Surrogates pause the process?

Absolutely. If you need to pause for personal reasons, communicate with your team. We’ll work with you to find a path forward when you’re ready.

When do I receive compensation?

Compensation details are outlined in your contract. Payments typically begin after legal contracts are finalized and continue through pregnancy and postpartum. See our compensation guide for more details.

Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence

When you understand the Pennsylvania surrogacy timeline, you can breathe easier!

You know what’s next.

You know why it matters.

And you know you’re not doing this alone!

At Golden Surrogacy, Frank Golden leads with heart and experience.

Your Dedicated Care Team keeps things organized, clear, and supported.

And your Program Manager is available via phone, text, and email when you need us!

Want to take the next step?

Check us out and learn more by learning about our surrogate intake process!

Ready to apply?

Go for it!

Learn more about becoming a Surrogate with Golden Surrogacy!