Is Surrogacy Your New Year’s Resolution? 5 First Steps to Take

The new year often inspires meaningful change, the kind rooted in purpose, connection, and lasting impact. For many individuals and couples, growing a family through surrogacy is one of the most profound and life-changing decisions they can make.

Are you thinking about surrogacy this year? Surrogacy is a gift like no other, but it’s also an emotional, medical, financial, and legal journey that requires a certain level of readiness. Taking thoughtful early steps can make the process more empowering and far less overwhelming.

At Great Beginnings Surrogacy Services in San Diego, California, Dr. Samuel Wood and our team of experts have been matching surrogates with their ideal intended parents (IP) for years. 

We understand the excitement and nerves you may feel when starting the process, and we share some initial steps you can take to help you begin your journey better prepared and more confident.  

1. Understand the process

Whether you’re hoping to become a surrogate or you’re an IP exploring options, your first step is understanding how surrogacy works.  

Surrogacy is when a woman carries and delivers a baby for another person or couple. At our clinic, we only work with gestational surrogates who have no biological ties to the baby. This type of pregnancy happens through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the IPs’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. 

Gestational surrogacy limits the legal complexities tied to traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate uses her own eggs for the pregnancy, making her the biological mother.

It’s also important to recognize that surrogacy is both a medical and legal process. Before any medical treatments begin, both parties must complete screenings, sign legal contracts, and prepare for the physical and emotional journey ahead. 

Moving from “we’re ready for surrogacy” to pregnancy takes time, and understanding the steps helps keep expectations realistic.

2. Know your “why”

Every surrogate has their own personal motivation. Most choose this journey because they feel a strong, heartfelt desire to help others grow their family. That sense of purpose often makes the journey for surrogates emotionally meaningful and fulfilling. 

As a surrogate, having a clear understanding of your why can help you stay grounded during the more challenging moments of the journey. You must also talk with your family about your desire to be a surrogate first. Surrogacy affects your entire household, and having their support is crucial.

IPs should also have a good sense of why they’re choosing surrogacy to grow their family. Understanding your why helps bring about emotional clarity so you can prepare for the road ahead.

3. Get your health in order

Having a uterus doesn’t automatically qualify you for being a surrogate. At Great Beginnings,  we have strict guidelines to ensure safety for our surrogates and get the best outcomes for the baby and IPs.

Each surrogacy agency has its own requirements, but the American Society of Reproductive Medicine sets most guidelines. Surrogate requirements include:

• History of at least one healthy, full-term pregnancy
• No more than 5 vaginal deliveries or 3 Cesarean sections (C-section)
• Between the ages of 21 and 45
• Stable home environment

Health is also important for IPs. They may need to meet with a fertility specialist to discuss IVF and determine whether they can use their own eggs and sperm or need a donor. 

4. Build your team

Surrogacy isn’t something you should do alone. Even in situations where a surrogate and IPs already know each other, each party still needs its own professional support team, including:

• Surrogacy agency or service

• Family or reproductive attorney 
• OB/GYN
• Fertility specialist

Your team may also include a mental health counselor, a financial advisor, and supportive family members and friends. 

5. Start your journey

After researching the process, clarifying your why, and ensuring you’re medically and emotionally ready, you’re ready to start.

At Great Beginnings Surrogacy Services, we guide both IPs and surrogates through every stage of the journey. We offer comprehensive prescreening for women considering surrogacy and provide IPs with a complete understanding of the medical, emotional, financial, and legal aspects involved.

Surrogacy is a life-changing commitment and a lifelong resolution. If you’re thinking about pursuing surrogacy in 2026, we’re ready to help. 

Call our office today or send us a message to learn more about our services and how we can help you take the next steps.