First trimester
After pregnancy is confirmed via bloodwork, you'll have an early ultrasound around 6–7 weeks to confirm a heartbeat. Care typically remains with the fertility clinic through about week 10–12, after which you transition to a regular OB for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Second trimester
This is usually the most comfortable stretch. Standard prenatal screening (anatomy scan around 18–20 weeks) and regular checkups continue. Many surrogates find this the easiest time to balance pregnancy with daily life and any existing family responsibilities.
Third trimester
Appointments become more frequent, and a detailed birth plan is finalized with your OB and the intended parents — covering who's present at delivery, hospital logistics, and how the moment of birth will be handled.
Delivery
Delivery happens at a hospital, just like any birth. The intended parents are typically present (per your agreed birth plan), and legal parentage transfers per the pre-arranged court order. You then begin your own postpartum recovery, supported medically and emotionally.
"Medically, this is a normal pregnancy with normal care. The differences are entirely about who's involved and what happens legally at the end — not how your body experiences it."
Intended parent involvement throughout
This varies entirely by what you've agreed on together — from attending most appointments to receiving regular updates from a distance, especially for international or out-of-state intended parents. There's no single "right" amount of involvement; what matters is that it's something you've both agreed feels comfortable.