surrogacy screening steps
Surrogacy Screening Steps: What to Expect at Every Stage
Surrogacy screening steps are designed to protect you and the baby. Here's a clear walkthrough of every test, evaluation, and check — so nothing catches you off guard.
Quick Answer
- Rocky Mountain Surrogacy coordinates the full screening process — all costs are paid by the intended parents, never by you
- Surrogacy screening includes a medical review, psychological evaluation, and background check
- Medical screening covers bloodwork, infectious disease panels, uterine evaluation, and an ultrasound
- The psychological evaluation is a conversation, not a test — it confirms you are emotionally prepared with a strong support system
Medical Screening in Surrogacy Screening Steps
Medical screening is the biggest part of surrogacy screening steps. It makes sure your body is ready for pregnancy.
The clinic draws blood. They check your hormones, blood type, and screen for infections. These tests follow standard fertility-clinic screening protocols set by ASRM's gestational carrier guidelines.
You also get an ultrasound. The doctor checks your uterus to make sure it can carry a baby safely. If you had a C-section before, they look at the scar tissue.
The parents pay for all of it. You don't pay for any test or visit in the surrogacy.
Every medical test, evaluation, and appointment in the surrogacy screening steps is paid for by the intended parents.
Psychological Evaluation
The psych evaluation is part of surrogacy screening steps. It's not a test you pass or fail. It's a talk about how you feel.
A counselor sits with you. They ask why you want to be a surrogate. They ask who supports you at home. They want to know you have real expectations.
They also talk about carrying a baby for someone else. The baby is not yours genetically. The counselor makes sure you're at peace with that.
This step is there to protect you. It makes sure you move forward with clarity, not doubt. Read more about whether surrogacy is safe to see all the safeguards in place. The Office on Women's Health also has good info on pregnancy health.
The psychological evaluation is typically completed in a single session with a licensed mental health professional. It is a conversation, not an exam.
Background Check and Records Review
A background check is part of every surrogate's screening. It verifies basic info and keeps everyone safe.
The agency also pulls your pregnancy records. This is separate from the clinic tests. The records confirm your past pregnancies went well.
You need at least one past pregnancy with no big problems. You must be 21 to 38. You need a healthy BMI. You can't smoke. These rules follow ASRM's gestational carrier guidelines.
See the full list at our qualifications page.
- Background check completed
- Pregnancy records reviewed
- Medical history confirmed
- Qualification criteria verified
After Screening: What Comes Next
Once you pass all surrogacy screening steps, you are approved. Next comes prep for the surrogate embryo transfer.
Your doctor gives you meds to get your uterus ready. The transfer itself is quick. It's done at a clinic, and you go home the same day. Then you wait for the pregnancy test.
Rocky Mountain Surrogacy gives you 24/7 support through all of this. Your coordinator is with you from the first screening visit to delivery day.
The agency has matched surrogates with families since 2007. Families are waiting right now. Apply today and start.
There is a critical shortage of gestational surrogates. Intended parents are on a waitlist right now. Your decision to apply could change a family's life.
Screening is thorough but straightforward — and it costs you nothing. Apply today and our team walks you through everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does surrogacy screening take?
Screening typically takes a few weeks from start to finish. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy coordinates all scheduling for medical appointments and the psychological evaluation.
Do I pay for any of the screening?
No — all screening costs are paid by the intended parents. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy ensures this is confirmed in your agreement before any screening begins.
Can I fail the psychological evaluation?
The evaluation is a conversation, not a pass-or-fail test. It confirms you are emotionally prepared for the journey. If concerns come up, the psychologist discusses them with you directly.
What if I had a C-section in a prior pregnancy while still parenting or closely involved with that child?
A prior C-section does not automatically disqualify you. The fertility clinic evaluates your scar tissue and uterine health to determine if you can safely carry again.