Your gestational carrier journey begins here by carefully reviewing the information provided, then complete the online GC application in full. To avoid any delays in the screening process, please ensure every field is filled out completely.

Once we receive your completed application, we’ll schedule an interview—either in person or via video call—to get to know you better and answer any questions you may have about the surrogacy process.

Once your application is reviewed and your initial interview is complete, you’ll officially begin the surrogate selection process. We will share your profile and photos with clients seeking a gestational carrier through An Eggceptional Match. Once a prospective parent or couple expresses interest in working with you, we will send you their profile to review as well.

This is a deeply personal and intentional process. Intended parents have carefully considered the personality, lifestyle, values, and overall compatibility they hope to find in their surrogate. Please know that if you are not selected by one family, it simply means your Eggceptional Match is still ahead!

Once a match is mutually agreed upon, a full background check will be conducted by an independent agency. The same high standards apply to the intended parents—they must also complete a thorough psychological screening and background check to move forward.

After you’re selected by intended parent(s), we’ll schedule an initial phone call to help you and the prospective parent(s) connect. During this call, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss shared values, ask important questions, and start building a strong foundation for your surrogacy journey.

If both sides feel confident moving forward, the next step is a Match Meeting—either in person or via video call. During this meeting, we’ll dive deeper into expectations, communication styles, and the details of the journey ahead. This step is essential to making sure everyone is fully aligned and ready to move forward as a team!

Once you and the intended parents agree to move forward, the next step is a full workup. This includes both mental health and medical evaluations to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead.

First, you’ll complete a psychological evaluation with a licensed professional who specializes in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and gestational carrier assessments. Depending on the situation, a home visit may also be requested to further support the evaluation process.

Next, you’ll undergo a full medical screening, which includes:

• A comprehensive physical exam

• A gynecological evaluation

• A uterine assessment

• Routine testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

These evaluations usually take place at the intended parents’ fertility clinic. However, if needed, they may be arranged at a qualified clinic closer to you.

Additionally, if you are married or in a committed relationship, your partner will also need to complete a psychological evaluation and bloodwork. Rest assured, all evaluation costs are fully covered by the intended parents.

Before beginning any injectable medications, a legally binding contract—called a Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA)—must be completed between the gestational carrier (GC) and the intended parents.

This agreement is designed to protect the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of everyone involved. It covers important topics such as:

• Parental rights
• Medical decisions
• Compensation and covered expenses
• Confidentiality
• Legal obligations in the event of complications
• Custody of the child after birth

Each party will have separate legal representation to ensure their rights are protected and their voices heard. An Eggceptional Match will help coordinate this process and connect you with experienced reproductive attorneys.

Once both sides have reviewed and signed the agreement, the intended parents’ attorney will issue a legal clearance letter to the fertility clinic, confirming that the contract is finalized. Only then can the transfer portion of the surrogacy process begin.

This legal process is essential to safeguard everyone involved—especially you as the surrogate—and to ensure a smooth and secure GC journey from start to finish.

Once you complete the legal process, the fertility clinic will give you a cycle calendar. This calendar outlines your medication schedule, monitoring appointments, and the anticipated embryo transfer date. From there, you’ll attend several lab work and ultrasound appointments to make sure your body is responding well to the treatment plan.

Following the embryo transfer, you’ll return for two HCG blood tests to confirm pregnancy. If confirmed, you’ll then have two heartbeat ultrasounds to track early development. At this point, your life insurance policy will also go into effect. If you’re carrying one baby, you’ll typically transition to your regular OB around week 10. However, if you’re carrying multiples, you may continue with the fertility clinic until about week 12.

Between weeks 16 and 20, the intended parents and their attorney will start filing for a pre-birth order. This ensures their names appear on the baby’s birth certificate. Around the same time, a birth plan will be finalized and sent—along with the pre-birth order—to the social worker at your chosen delivery hospital.

When the big day arrives, many hospitals offer a separate recovery room for the intended parents and their newborn. This arrangement gives you a quiet space to rest and recover, while still allowing meaningful moments with the family if you choose.

After delivery, your journey shifts to focus on healing, resting, and celebrating the incredible gift you’ve given. Throughout it all, our team remains by your side, ready to support your emotional and physical recovery.