If you’re considering becoming a Surrogate in Wisconsin, one of your first questions is probably: “How long does this actually take?” That’s a completely valid question! Understanding the Wisconsin surrogacy timeline helps you plan your life, prepare your family, and feel confident about the journey ahead.

The truth is, surrogacy is not a quick process. It involves multiple steps, careful coordination, and a lot of preparation. Most surrogacy journeys in Wisconsin take between 12 and 18 months from start to finish. Some journeys move faster, while others take a bit longer.

Every Surrogate’s experience is unique. Your personal timeline will depend on factors like clinic scheduling, matching, and your own availability. The good news? When you understand each phase, the process feels much more manageable!

Let’s walk through the Wisconsin surrogacy timeline step by step so you know exactly what to expect.

Table of Contents

• Overview of the Wisconsin Surrogacy Timeline
• Application and Initial Screening Phase
• Medical and Psychological Screening
• Matching With Intended Parents
• Legal Contracts and Coordination in Wisconsin
• Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer
• Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period
• Factors That Can Affect the Wisconsin Surrogacy Timeline
• What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Wisconsin Surrogacy Timeline
• Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence

Overview of the Wisconsin Surrogacy Timeline

Most Wisconsin surrogacy journeys take approximately 14 to 18 months from your first application to delivery. This includes all the screening, matching, legal work, medical preparation, and pregnancy itself.

Here’s a general breakdown of how that time is spent:

• Getting started and pre-screening: 30 to 90 days
• Matching with Intended Parents: 1 to 2 weeks
• In-person screening and medical clearance: 4 to 8 weeks
• Legal contracts: 4 to 8 weeks
• Medical preparation and embryo transfer: 15 to 30 days
• Pregnancy: 40 weeks (approximately 9 months)

Keep in mind that these are estimates. Your journey may move faster or slower depending on many factors. The important thing is that every step exists to protect you and ensure a healthy, supported experience!

Application and Initial Screening Phase

Your surrogacy journey begins the moment you submit your application. This is the “getting started” phase!

During this time, the Golden Surrogacy team reviews your application and medical history. Founder Frank Golden leads the team, and he treats every Surrogate like family. You’ll connect with a dedicated Care Team member who will support you throughout your entire journey.

The pre-screening phase typically takes four to eight weeks. During this time, you’ll:

• Complete your initial application
• Submit your pregnancy and medical records
• Have an introductory conversation with the team
• Learn about the surrogacy process and what to expect

This phase is all about making sure surrogacy is a good fit for you. If you want to learn more about what’s required, check out our Wisconsin Surrogate Requirements guide!

Medical and Psychological Screening

Once you pass the initial screening, you’ll move into more detailed evaluations. This includes both medical and psychological screening.

Medical screening happens at the fertility clinic working with your Intended Parents. The clinic will review your health history, perform a physical exam, and run tests to confirm you’re ready for pregnancy. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), these screenings help protect both Surrogates and babies.

Psychological screening involves meeting with a licensed mental health professional. This isn’t a test you can pass or fail! It’s designed to make sure you feel emotionally prepared and have strong support at home.

One important detail: in-person screening must align with your menstrual cycle timing. This helps the clinic coordinate everything properly. Your Care Team will help you schedule this appointment.

This phase usually takes four to eight weeks, depending on clinic availability and scheduling.

Matching With Intended Parents

Matching is one of the most exciting parts of the surrogacy journey! This is when you’re connected with the Intended Parents you’ll be helping build a family.

At Golden Surrogacy, matching is thoughtful and intentional. The team considers your preferences, communication style, and expectations. You’ll have the opportunity to review profiles and ask questions before confirming a match.

Matching can happen quickly, sometimes within a few weeks. Other times, it takes a couple of months to find the right fit. The average is about two to four months.

The goal is to find Intended Parents who align with your values and communication preferences. A strong match makes the entire journey more positive for everyone involved!

Legal Contracts and Coordination in Wisconsin

Before any medical procedures begin, you’ll complete the legal phase. This is a critical step that protects you and your rights as a Surrogate.

In Wisconsin, surrogacy agreements are legally recognized. You’ll work with an independent attorney who represents only you. The Intended Parents cover all legal fees, so there’s no cost to you.

Your attorney will review the contract with you in detail. This includes:

• Compensation and payment terms
• Medical decisions and expectations
• Communication agreements
• What happens in different scenarios

The legal process begins only after you receive medical clearance from the clinic. This ensures everything is in the right order.

Legal coordination typically takes two to four weeks. For more information about how Wisconsin handles surrogacy agreements, read our Wisconsin Surrogacy Laws guide!

Medical Preparation and Embryo Transfer

Once contracts are signed, you’ll begin preparing for the embryo transfer. This is when things start to feel very real!

Medical preparation involves taking medications to prepare your body for pregnancy. The fertility clinic will provide detailed instructions and monitor your progress through bloodwork and ultrasounds.

When your body is ready, the embryo transfer takes place. This is a quick, outpatient procedure. Most Surrogates describe it as similar to a routine gynecological exam.

After the transfer, you’ll have a waiting period before taking a pregnancy test. This “two-week wait” can feel long, but your Care Team will be there to support you!

This phase typically takes four to eight weeks from the start of medications to the pregnancy test.

Pregnancy, Delivery, and Postpartum Period

Once you receive a positive pregnancy test, you’ll begin the pregnancy phase. This is the longest part of the timeline, lasting approximately 40 weeks.

During pregnancy, you’ll attend regular prenatal appointments and stay in communication with your Care Team. Golden Surrogacy provides ongoing support throughout your pregnancy. The Agency Director is always available via phone, text, and email!

During the second trimester, birthrights and hospital coordination commence. This ensures everything is in place for a smooth delivery.

When it’s time to deliver, your Care Team will help coordinate with the hospital. After birth, you’ll have a brief postpartum period to recover. The Intended Parents will be there to welcome their new baby, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you helped create a family!

According to the CDC, monitoring and prenatal care are essential for healthy pregnancies. Your health and wellbeing are always the top priority.

Factors That Can Affect the Wisconsin Surrogacy Timeline

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

• Clinic scheduling: Fertility clinics have busy schedules, and appointment availability varies.
• Matching time: Finding the right Intended Parents can take anywhere from weeks to months.
• Medical clearance: Some Surrogates complete screening quickly, while others need additional appointments.
• Legal review: Contract negotiations usually go smoothly, but sometimes they take extra time.
• Cycle timing: In-person screening and embryo transfers must align with your menstrual cycle.
• Personal availability: Your schedule and commitments can affect how quickly you move through each phase.

Delays are normal and don’t mean anything is wrong! The key is to stay patient and trust the process. Your Care Team will keep you informed every step of the way.

What Surrogates Can Expect at Each Stage

Throughout your journey, Golden Surrogacy provides hands-on support. Here’s what you can expect:

Getting Started: You’ll receive education about the process and have all your questions answered.

Pre-Screening: Your medical records are reviewed, and you’ll connect with your Care Team.

Matching: You’ll review Intended Parent profiles and confirm a match that feels right.

In-Person Screening: You’ll travel to the fertility clinic for medical and psychological evaluations.

Legal: Your independent attorney will review every detail of your contract with you.

Embryo Transfer: The clinic will guide you through medications and the transfer procedure.

Pregnancy: You’ll receive ongoing support, regular check-ins, and resources throughout.

For a detailed look at what Surrogates earn, visit our Wisconsin Surrogate Compensation guide. You can also explore the surrogacy process on our website!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Wisconsin Surrogacy Timeline

How long does surrogacy usually take in Wisconsin?

Most journeys take 12 to 18 months from application to delivery. This includes all screening, matching, legal work, and pregnancy.

Can the timeline be shorter or longer?

Yes! Some journeys move faster if matching and screening go smoothly. Others take longer due to clinic schedules or personal factors.

What causes delays?

Common causes include clinic availability, cycle timing, and the time needed to find the right match. Delays are normal and usually minor.

Can Surrogates pause the process?

Yes. If you need to pause for personal reasons, communicate with your Care Team. They’ll work with you to find the best path forward.

When do payments begin?

Compensation begins according to the schedule in your contract. Payments are milestone-based and protected through escrow. Learn more about this in our compensation guide!

Planning Your Surrogacy Journey With Confidence

Understanding the Wisconsin surrogacy timeline helps you feel prepared and empowered. When you know what to expect at each stage, the journey feels less overwhelming and more exciting!

Remember, every step in the process exists to protect you. The screenings, legal work, and careful coordination all ensure you have a safe, supported experience.

At Golden Surrogacy, we believe Surrogates deserve transparency, respect, and exceptional care. Founder Frank Golden and the entire team are committed to guiding you through every phase of your journey.

If you’re considering surrogacy in Wisconsin, take your time to learn and ask questions. When you feel informed and ready, we’d love to connect with you. Visit our Become a Surrogate page to take the next step!