Surrogacy is an intricate and deeply personal journey that
offers hope to many couples and individuals unable to conceive naturally. One
common question asked by prospective parents is, "How long does the
surrogacy process take?" The answer depends on several factors, including
the type of surrogacy, medical requirements, and legal processes involved.
Understanding Altruistic Surrogacy
Altruistic surrogacy is a legal and popular form of
surrogacy in India. In this arrangement, the surrogate mother carries the child
for the intended parents without receiving any financial compensation beyond
covering medical and pregnancy-related expenses. Altruistic surrogacy is often
chosen by intended parents who prefer a non-commercial approach, usually
involving close family members or friends as the surrogate.
The General Timeline of Surrogacy
The surrogacy process is multi-staged, and while it can take
time, each step is vital for the success of the journey. Here is a breakdown of
the typical timeline:
1. Initial Consultation and Screening (1-2 Months)
The process begins with selecting the right surrogacy clinic
and consulting with a fertility expert like Dr.
Shivani Sachdev Gour at a leading surrogacy clinic in Delhi. During
this phase:
- The
intended parents meet the doctor to discuss medical history, fertility
options, and surrogacy preferences.
- A
surrogate must be identified and undergo comprehensive medical and
psychological screening to ensure she is healthy and prepared for the
journey.
Depending on how quickly both parties come to an agreement
and complete the screening, this phase may take about 1-2 months.
2. Legal Contracts and Agreements (1-2 Months)
Surrogacy, especially altruistic surrogacy in Delhi,
requires detailed legal agreements. Both the intended parents and the surrogate
must agree to the terms of the arrangement, including the financial aspects,
rights, and responsibilities.
- An
experienced lawyer will draft and review the contract, ensuring it
complies with India's surrogacy laws.
This legal phase can take an additional 1-2 months, as it
ensures that all parties understand their roles and obligations.
3. Preparation and Embryo Transfer (1-3 Months)
Once the legal contracts are in place, the surrogate begins
preparation for the embryo transfer. The IVF process, which involves
stimulating the intended mother's or donor's ovaries, retrieving eggs,
fertilizing them in the lab, and preparing the surrogate's body for pregnancy,
can take about 1-3 months.
- At
this stage, the surrogate undergoes medications to prepare her uterus for
the embryo.
- The
embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s womb, and the waiting game
begins.
The embryo transfer typically happens within a few weeks,
but the preparation can stretch over a couple of months.
4. Pregnancy and Delivery (9 Months)
Once the surrogate becomes pregnant, the process follows the
regular course of a typical pregnancy. During this phase, the surrogate will
receive prenatal care, undergo regular check-ups, and follow all medical
guidelines set by the fertility expert, like Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour.
- The
pregnancy lasts for approximately 9 months, with the intended parents kept
informed throughout the journey.
5. Post-Delivery Legal Procedures and Handover (1-2
Months)
After the baby is born, there are legal formalities to
finalize the handover of the child to the intended parents. The child will need
to be legally recognized as the offspring of the intended parents, a process
that may take another 1-2 months.
How Long Does Altruistic Surrogacy in Delhi Take?
For altruistic surrogacy in Delhi, the entire process, from
the initial consultation to the birth of the child, typically takes anywhere
from 12 to 18 months. This timeline depends on several variables, such as:
- How
quickly a surrogate is identified and screened.
- The
legal process and contracts.
- The
success of the embryo transfer and IVF process.
Choosing the Right Surrogacy Clinic in Delhi
When opting for surrogacy, the choice of clinic plays a
crucial role in determining the success and smoothness of the process. One of
the best options is consulting Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour, a leading fertility
expert and surrogacy specialist in India, known for her exceptional work in the
field.
At a reputable surrogacy
clinic in Delhi, like SCI IVF Hospital where Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour
practices, intended parents can expect:
- Personalized
care tailored to their medical needs and surrogacy preferences.
- Advanced
technology and cutting-edge fertility treatments to improve the
chances of success.
- Comprehensive
legal support to ensure that the entire process adheres to the latest
surrogacy laws in India.
Conclusion
The surrogacy process, particularly altruistic surrogacy in Delhi, involves a journey that can span up to 18 months from start to finish. Each step, from selecting the surrogate to the birth of the child, is vital to the success of the process. With the right guidance from top experts like Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour and a trusted surrogacy clinic in Delhi, intended parents can feel confident that they are receiving the best care available during their surrogacy journey.