Early pregnancy
The fertility clinic determines the timing of pregnancy testing, early monitoring and transition to obstetric care. Intended parents may receive updates or attend appointments if the carrier agrees, but the carrier remains the decision-maker for her own medical care.
Prenatal care and testing
The obstetric team recommends visits, imaging and screening based on the pregnancy and medical history. There is no surrogacy-specific universal schedule for when a particular scan or test must occur.
Communication and involvement
Discuss in advance which appointments intended parents hope to attend, how updates will be shared, and what privacy boundaries matter to the carrier. These expectations can evolve during pregnancy.
Legal preparation before delivery
Ask counsel what parentage process applies in the delivery jurisdiction. Depending on the state and facts, legal steps may occur before birth, after birth, by operation of law, or through another procedure. Do not assume a pre-birth order is available or required everywhere.
Hospital planning
Before delivery, coordinate with the hospital about legal documents, newborn logistics, room arrangements and visitor policies. The carrier's preferences and medical team govern decisions about labor and delivery. Use the surrogacy hospital birth plan checklist to organize the practical questions for the hospital, attorneys and intended parents.
Birth
At delivery, the carrier remains the source of consent for her medical care. Newborn custody, legal parentage and vital-record procedures depend on applicable law and any court order or documentation in place.
Related guides
Medical process · Legal process · Hospital birth plan · After the birth