Resources For Parents

Stay Connected With Your Surrogate During Pregnancy

Living thousands of miles away doesn’t mean you have to feel disconnected from the pregnancy.

At GRACE, intended parents and surrogates can communicate directly once the surrogacy agreement is signed. Your agency can also help coordinate updates and answer questions throughout the process.

The most useful thing you can do early on is agree on a communication routine that feels comfortable for everyone.

Decide How Often You’ll Communicate

Some intended parents enjoy exchanging messages frequently, while others prefer scheduled video calls and updates around medical appointments.

Talk with your surrogate about what works best for her, including her preferred communication method and how she’d like to share pregnancy news. You can also discuss whether you’d like to receive ultrasound photos, appointment updates, or occasional video calls when possible.

Account for Time Zone Differences

A routine appointment in California might take place late at night where you live. Use a shared calendar or scheduling tool to keep track of important dates, and clarify which communication channel should be used for urgent updates.

It can also help to identify a primary contact at your agency who can assist when you’re unavailable because of the time difference.

Make a Birth and Travel Plan With Your Surrogacy Team

As the due date approaches, your attention will shift toward traveling to the United States. You’ll want to arrive with enough time to prepare for delivery, but the ideal travel date depends on the pregnancy and your surrogate’s medical circumstances.

Ask your agency and the medical team when they recommend arriving, and consider flexible tickets in case your plans change.

Coordinate Hospital Expectations Before Delivery

Hospitals have different policies regarding intended parents, so confirm the arrangements well before your surrogate goes into labor.

Discuss questions such as:

• Who will contact you when labor begins?
• Will you be able to attend the delivery, depending on medical circumstances?
• What identification or legal documents will the hospital need?
• How will your baby’s care and discharge be coordinated?

Your surrogate’s preferences and the medical team’s recommendations will also shape the birth plan. Having these conversations ahead of time helps everyone understand what to expect without making assumptions about how delivery will unfold.

Choose Accommodations Suitable for a Newborn

If you’re staying in the United States after birth, choose accommodations that will work for both you and your baby. Look for a location with convenient access to the hospital, a safe place for your baby to sleep, and practical amenities such as laundry facilities.

You’ll also need basic newborn supplies, including diapers, clothing, feeding equipment, and an appropriate car seat if you’ll be traveling by car. Try to book accommodations with flexible cancellation or extension policies in case your stay changes.

Arrange Your Baby’s Medical Care and Insurance

Before delivery, confirm how your newborn’s medical expenses will be covered.

The insurance arrangements for your surrogate’s pregnancy do not necessarily cover your baby’s care after birth. You’ll need to understand the newborn coverage available to your family, including any limitations involving hospital services or a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

International intended parents may need specialized coverage or other arrangements, depending on their circumstances. Ask your insurance professional about coverage dates, enrollment requirements, and how claims will be handled.

You’ll also want to understand who will provide your baby’s medical care immediately after discharge and whether a pediatric appointment is needed before traveling home.

Prepare for the Return Trip With Your Baby

After your baby arrives, you’ll need to complete the necessary medical, legal, and travel steps before leaving the United States.

Your legal team can explain how to obtain the appropriate birth records and parentage documentation. Your embassy or consulate can provide guidance on citizenship applications, passports, or other travel documents required by your home country.

Don’t assume these processes will be completed within a fixed number of days. Processing times and requirements can vary significantly.

Before booking your return flight, confirm that:

• Your baby’s required travel documents have been issued.
• Any applicable immigration or entry requirements have been addressed.
• Your baby’s healthcare provider has discussed whether travel is appropriate.
• Your airline’s newborn travel policies have been reviewed.

Once you’re home, you may still need to complete local registration, insurance enrollment, or other administrative steps. Ask your home-country attorney which responsibilities remain after your return so you can plan accordingly.

Prepare for Parenthood While You’re Still Abroad

There’s another part of international surrogacy preparation that can easily get lost among legal appointments and travel arrangements: getting ready for everyday life with your baby.

While you’re still at home, you can prepare your baby’s sleeping space, arrange parental leave, and choose a pediatrician who will provide care after you return. If family members or friends will help during the first few weeks, talk about what kind of support you’d appreciate.

You may also want to discuss how you’ll manage work responsibilities, visitors, and the adjustment to caring for a newborn after a long trip. The more you can arrange before leaving, the easier it may be to settle in once you’re back home together.

Start Planning Your International Surrogacy Experience With GRACE

Preparing for surrogacy from another country involves decisions you may never have encountered before. You don’t have to know every answer at the beginning, but understanding which professionals to involve and which arrangements need extra time can help you make informed choices as your plans take shape.

At Surrogacy GRACE, we work with international intended parents and understand the additional coordination involved in building a family across borders. Our multilingual team helps families stay connected and informed throughout the process, from early preparations to delivery planning. If you’re considering international surrogacy in the USA, contact the GRACE team to discuss your circumstances, ask questions, and learn how we can support your path to parenthood.