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Pooja Sharma
November 28, 2024, 1:40 pm

How long does the surrogacy process take?

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Rajesh
28 November 2024

The surrogacy process typically takes 12-18 months, depending on legal, medical, and other factors.

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Shubhangi
31 July 2025

The surrogacy process usually takes around 12 to 18 months from start to finish. It begins with finding a surrogate (which can take time), followed by medical evaluations, legal procedures, and the IVF process. Once the embryo is successfully implanted, the pregnancy itself lasts the usual nine months.

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shailesh pandey
01 August 2025

My friend’s cousin went through surrogacy in India recently, so I’ve got a real sense of the timeline. The whole surrogacy process in India, under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, usually takes 12-18 months, but it can vary. Here’s the breakdown in simple terms:

  • Finding a Surrogate (1-3 months): Since it’s altruistic surrogacy, you need a close relative (25-35, married, with a kid) to volunteer. Getting her medical and psychological checks done, plus legal paperwork (eligibility certificate), takes a few weeks to months.
  • IVF Prep and Embryo Creation (2-3 months): The intending mother (or egg donor) gets hormone shots for 10-14 days to produce eggs. Egg retrieval, sperm collection, and lab work to make embryos take another 2-3 weeks. If donor eggs/sperm are needed, add a bit more time.
  • Embryo Transfer (1 month): Transferring the embryo to the surrogate’s uterus is quick (10 mins), but syncing her cycle with meds takes 2-4 weeks. You wait 2 weeks for a pregnancy test.
  • Pregnancy (9 months): If successful, the surrogate carries the baby for 9 months, like a regular pregnancy.
  • Post-Birth Legal Stuff (1-2 months): After birth, legal steps to transfer parenthood to the intending couple take a few weeks, depending on local authorities.

Real Talk: My friend’s cousin took 15 months total, but delays (like failed transfers or paperwork) can stretch it to 2 years. Check with a clinic like AIIMS or a lawyer to plan better.

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Dr. Priya Bhave Chittawar ✓ Verified doctor
12 August 2026

Hello. On average, the journey through altruistic surrogacy in India takes between 12 to 18 months, though this timeline varies depending on administrative, legal, and clinical steps. The initial preparation involves medical evaluations, obtaining legal clearances under local regulations, and embryo creation via IVF treatment, which typically spans 2 to 4 months. Once all regulatory approvals and embryo transfers are completed, the full-term pregnancy requires approximately 9 to 10 months. Comprehensive medical evaluations of reproductive health, as noted by the WHO, are essential for proper planning. Because every family's medical situation is different, exact durations cannot be guaranteed. I strongly advise consulting a qualified fertility specialist for personalized guidance on your journey. Warm regards, Dr. Priya Bhave Chittawar (MBBS, MD, DNB, MRCOG, FRM).

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Dr. Anushka Madan ✓ Verified doctor
12 August 2026

Namaste. Understanding how long does the surrogacy process take involves reviewing both medical and regulatory milestones. In the Indian context, completing a surrogacy process usually spans 12 to 24 months. The early phase—encompassing legal paperwork, essential health screenings, legal board permissions, and embryo development—often takes 3 to 6 months. This is followed by embryo transfer and the standard 9-month pregnancy period. General reproductive health standards, supported by organizations like ACOG, emphasize that individual medical responses affect timing. Please note that exact timelines can never be guaranteed. It is best to consult an experienced fertility clinician to receive a tailored roadmap for your specific circumstances. Best wishes, Dr. Anushka Madan (MBBS, MS).

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