How long does the surrogacy process take in California?

The entire surrogacy journey typically takes 12-18 months from initial consultation to birth, depending on various factors including matching time and medical procedures.

What are the California surrogacy requirements to become a surrogate?

To become a surrogate in California, you must be between 21-40 years old, have had at least one successful pregnancy, maintain a healthy BMI, be a non-smoker, and live in a stable environment.

How much does surrogacy cost in California?

Total surrogacy journey costs typically range from $150,000 to $230,000+, including agency fees ($42,500), surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal fees, insurance, and escrow. Every dollar is accounted for before you commit.

How much compensation do surrogates receive?

At On Fertility Ground, surrogates set their own base compensation rate — your worth, your choice. We never negotiate your rate down. Additional benefits include maternity clothing ($750-$1,000), monthly expense allowance ($250/month), embryo transfer fees, and more.

Becoming a Surrogate

What Happens to Your Body as a Gestational Surrogate — From Transfer to Delivery

January 25, 2026 · 11 min read · On Fertility Ground Surrogacy

One of the most common reasons women hesitate to explore surrogacy is the medical unknowns. This post walks through the full medical process in plain language.

Step 1: Medical Screening

Your body is evaluated through OB record review, physical examination, blood work, uterine assessment, and hormonal testing.

Step 2: The Medication Protocol

A 2-6 week protocol including estrogen (patches, pills, or injections) to build uterine lining, and progesterone (intramuscular injections) before transfer.

Step 3: The Embryo Transfer

A non-surgical outpatient procedure similar to a pap smear — 15-30 minutes, minimal discomfort, no stitches or anesthesia.

Step 4: Early Pregnancy

First trimester monitored closely by the fertility clinic with frequent ultrasounds. Transition to your own OB around week 10-12.

Step 5: The Pregnancy

Standard prenatal care managed by your OB. OFG coordinator checks in every two weeks in the third trimester.

Step 6: Labor and Delivery

Same physical experience as delivering your own child. Your OFG coordinator is on call. You have final say over who is in the delivery room.

Step 7: After Delivery

Standard recovery — 2-6 weeks vaginal, 4-8 weeks C-section. OFG Wellness Program includes a postpartum support session. Mandatory check-ins at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Medical Risks

Same risks as any pregnancy. The difference: more monitoring, more support, and full medical coverage — meaning any complication is caught earlier.

From Our Founder

Bree — Founder & CEO, On Fertility Ground

I want to be honest about why I wrote this article the way I wrote it. I could have softened the medical parts. Most surrogacy content does exactly that.

I did not, because I believe you deserve the full picture before you make this decision. A decision made with incomplete information is not really a free decision.

As a Black woman, I am particularly aware of how the medical establishment has historically withheld information from women who look like me. Told us less. Assumed we needed less. The answer to that history is not more vague reassurances — it is more information, more clearly shared.

— Bree | info@onfertilityground.com

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you're considering surrogacy as a surrogate or an intended parent, we're here to answer every question personally.

Become a Surrogate Intended Parent Inquiry

Email us at info@onfertilityground.com — We answer every inquiry personally.