The Surrogacy Journey: Step-by-Step Guide for Intended Parents

The Surrogacy Journey: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a parent through surrogacy is one of the most meaningful journeys a person or couple can undertake. While the process involves multiple stages and careful coordination, understanding what to expect at each step can transform an overwhelming experience into an empowering one. This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of the surrogacy journey in Georgia and Armenia, from your first inquiry to bringing your baby home.

Step 1: Research and Initial Inquiry

The surrogacy journey begins long before any medical procedures. It starts with research — learning about surrogacy laws, understanding your options, and identifying the right fertility concierge to guide you through the process.

Choosing Your Destination

Both Georgia and Armenia offer legally secure surrogacy programs, but they serve different needs:

Nova Plus operates in both countries and can advise you on the best destination based on your personal circumstances.

Making Initial Contact

Contact Nova Plus through our website, email, or phone. Our multilingual team responds within 24 hours and can communicate in English, Georgian, Russian, and Chinese. During your initial inquiry, we gather basic information about your situation to prepare for a detailed consultation.

Step 2: Free Consultation

The consultation is a pivotal moment in your surrogacy journey. During this meeting — available in person at our Tbilisi office or online via video call — our team:

There is absolutely no obligation after the consultation. Our goal is to ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

Step 3: Medical Evaluation

Once you decide to proceed, a comprehensive medical evaluation is the next step. This evaluation determines your fertility status and helps the medical team design an optimal treatment protocol.

For Intended Mothers

For Intended Fathers

Where Can Testing Be Done?

Tests can be performed at Nova Plus partner clinics in Tbilisi or Yerevan, at our partner clinic in Brooklyn, USA, or at qualified laboratories in your home country. Nova Plus reviews all results and coordinates with the medical team to develop your treatment plan.

Step 4: Surrogate Matching

Finding the right surrogate is one of the most important aspects of the surrogacy journey. Nova Plus maintains one of the largest surrogate databases in the Caucasus region, and every surrogate in our database has undergone thorough screening:

Medical Screening

Psychological Evaluation

Background Verification

Nova Plus presents surrogate profiles to intended parents for selection. Our team guides you through the profiles, explaining relevant medical and personal details to help you make a confident choice.

Step 5: Legal Contracts

Before any medical procedures begin, comprehensive legal contracts are prepared and signed by all parties. These contracts are drafted by specialized reproductive law attorneys and cover:

All contracts comply with the laws of the relevant jurisdiction (Georgia or Armenia) and are enforceable in local courts.

Step 6: IVF and Embryo Transfer

With contracts signed and all parties prepared, the medical phase begins:

Egg Retrieval

If the intended mother is providing her own eggs, she undergoes ovarian stimulation (10–14 days) followed by egg retrieval. If a donor is used, the donor undergoes this process instead.

Fertilization

Eggs are fertilized with the intended father's sperm (or donor sperm) using IVF or ICSI. Resulting embryos are cultured for 3–5 days.

Genetic Testing (Optional)

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can be performed to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and, if desired, determine gender. Nova Plus coordinates PGT options where medically indicated and legally permitted; outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Embryo Transfer

The highest quality embryo is transferred to the surrogate mother's prepared uterus. This is a simple, painless procedure that takes only minutes. Additional embryos can be cryopreserved for future transfers if needed.

Step 7: Pregnancy Confirmation and Monitoring

Pregnancy Test

Approximately 10–14 days after embryo transfer, a blood test confirms whether pregnancy has been achieved. If the first transfer is unsuccessful, a second transfer can be arranged using frozen embryos.

Ongoing Monitoring

Once pregnancy is confirmed, Nova Plus coordinates all prenatal care:

Intended parents are welcome to attend ultrasound appointments and other prenatal visits. Nova Plus can arrange travel and accommodation for these visits.

Step 8: Preparing for Birth

As the due date approaches, Nova Plus helps intended parents prepare:

We recommend that intended parents arrive 2–4 weeks before the expected due date to allow time for final preparations and to be present for the birth.

Step 9: Birth and Immediate Post-Birth Period

The Delivery

Nova Plus coordinates with the hospital to ensure a smooth delivery experience. Intended parents can be present in the hospital during delivery (subject to hospital policies and the surrogate's comfort).

Meeting Your Baby

The moment you meet your baby for the first time is the culmination of your entire surrogacy journey. Nova Plus ensures this moment is as special as possible, coordinating with hospital staff to facilitate immediate skin-to-skin contact and bonding.

Post-Birth Medical Care

Both the baby and the surrogate mother receive comprehensive post-birth medical care. The baby undergoes standard newborn screenings, and the surrogate receives follow-up care to ensure her complete recovery.

Step 10: Documentation and Going Home

The final stage of the surrogacy journey involves crucial administrative and legal steps:

Birth Registration

In Georgia, the intended parents are listed directly on the birth certificate — no adoption or court order required. In Armenia, the process may involve additional administrative steps, but Nova Plus manages all documentation on your behalf.

Passport and Citizenship

For international intended parents, obtaining travel documents for the baby is essential. Nova Plus assists with:

Exit Procedures

Nova Plus coordinates all exit procedures, ensuring that intended parents and their baby can travel home smoothly. This includes:

Timeline: How Long Does the Surrogacy Journey Take?

The total timeline for a surrogacy program varies, but intended parents can generally expect:

Total: Approximately 12–15 months from initial consultation to going home with your baby.

Why Choose Nova Plus for Your Surrogacy Journey?

Nova Plus is Georgia's first independent international fertility concierge. We provide:

Your journey to parenthood is deeply personal, and at Nova Plus, we treat it that way. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward building your family.