US surrogacy journey logistics FAQs

When thinking about a surrogacy journey in the US, it is only natural to want to understand the logistics. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we get asked.

Will I need to visit the US before being matched with a surrogate?

Being able to visit the US organisations you are working with at an early stage is important to a lot of intended parents. Clinics will welcome you to go to them for FDA screening, egg/sperm retrieval and other associated testing and this is a good opportunity for you to get to know the key people and know where it is your surrogate (and egg donor if needed) will be going for their own treatment.

For other intended parents, getting to the US early in the process is not always possible. In this instance, there is the option to go through any screening, testing and retrieval here in the UK and then ship your gametes to your US clinic. [link to GHD new blog]

If you have already created embryos in the UK, you may also be shipping them to the US. Although this can sometimes be an easier option, it is not always the most cost-effective or quickest solution. We would advise speaking with your clinicians to see what your best option would be.

Once matched with a US surrogate, how many visits to the US will I need to make?

Your surrogate will know ahead of matching with you that you don’t live in the US, so will not expect you to be there in person for every key appointment (although may welcome you dialing in remotely).

Typically, intended parents will visit the US twice once matched with a surrogate. The first time at around the 20 week point of pregnancy – which is a good opportunity to meet your surrogate in person, attend the anatomy scan and get to know the area – and the next for the birth.

You may agree to visit more frequently (for example some intended parents travel to the US for the embryo transfer), but there is no expectation.

How soon should I arrive in the US before my child’s birth through surrogacy?

Most intended parents travel to the US at least two weeks before their baby’s due date (sometimes less if a c-section is scheduled). This will allow plenty of time to get settled ahead of the birth, but also to make sure that you don’t miss the birth. Very few babies arrive on their due date, so being there early minimizes this risk of not getting there in time.

How long will I be in the US before I can return home with my surrogate baby?

You will need to plan to be in the US for about 2-3 weeks after your baby is born. You will need to wait for your baby’s birth certificate to be issued and then once you have received this, you will need to apply for your baby’s US passport. You can travel home to the UK using your baby’s US passport and will just need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK, which we can guide you on (though the process is very quick and easy, via an app).

There are currently no difficulties with getting US passport for surrogate babies, notwithstanding Trump’s Executive Order on birthright citizenship – find out more about this here.

What extra items will I need to take to the US for my surrogate baby’s arrival?

It is sensible to take essential items for your baby for the time that you will be in the US. Your baby will need clothing, blankets, bottles, sterilizing equipment, formula (the brand names in the US may differ to those in the UK, so do research what is available) changing and washing equipment, sleep and travel systems and a dummy if you are planning to use one.

If you are planning to travel by car during your stay, you will need to make sure that you have a car seat that adheres to US guidelines. Car seats that are used in the UK do not meet the US legal requirements.

It may be possible to order a lot of the things needed and have them sent directly to your surrogate (if she agrees and has the space available to store things for you), so you don’t have to travel with too much equipment. There may also be the option of purchasing new or secondhand items or renting them while you are there.

If you decide to work with Brilliant Beginnings on our US Surrogacy Pathway, we will send you information ahead of time to help consider your options.

What type of accommodation will I need for my stay in the US?

When travelling to the US for the birth of your baby, we advise that you look for a serviced apartment or an Airbnb, somewhere that has a kitchen so that you can clean and sterilize bottles and will give you plenty of space. You will be staying for around 4-5 weeks in total, and a hotel or motel room may not be big enough or have all the amenities that you need.

Will my baby need travel insurance?

When it comes to thinking about travel insurance, some newborn insurance policies may cover your baby for travel as well, although this is not guaranteed. It is advisable to check the policy with your provider. You may also be able to cover your baby through your own travel insurance by adding them to the policy once they are born. Again, it is advisable to speak to your UK travel insurer to see if this is possible.

How we can support you

 This blog answers some of the practical questions we often get asked about how US surrogacy really works on the ground. If you choose to have your US surrogacy journey supported by Brilliant Beginnings, you will have a dedicated Client Manager to walk you through all these issues at each step, helping you plan ahead and manage the process as smoothly and comfortably as possible.