How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take? A Detailed Overview

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.