Gestational Carriers (Surrogacy)

Grow your family with the help of a gestational carrier, using IVF to transfer embryos and make parenthood possible.

Gestational Carriers (Surrogacy)

Grow your family with the help of a gestational carrier, using IVF to transfer embryos and make parenthood possible.

Gestational Carriers (Surrogacy)

When a woman is unable to carry a pregnancy herself, she may choose to work with a gestational carrier — a woman who carries a pregnancy on behalf of the intended parent or parents. The gestational carrier has no genetic relationship to the baby. Instead, embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm are transferred into the carrier’s uterus.

The term surrogacy is often used interchangeably with gestational carrier, but there are important differences. In traditional surrogacy, the carrier also provides her own egg, meaning she is genetically related to the child. This approach carries greater legal and emotional complexities, and California IVF does not participate in traditional surrogacy arrangements.

In contrast, gestational surrogacy allows the carrier to carry a pregnancy without a genetic link to the baby. Through carefully managed medical, legal, and psychological screening, we ensure a safe and transparent process for all parties involved.

While California IVF does not operate its own surrogacy agency, we collaborate with trusted gestational carrier agencies and also work directly with carriers chosen by intended parents. Our experienced team guides patients and carriers through every step — from screening and matching to embryo transfer — ensuring a smooth, supportive, and successful journey toward parenthood.

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Initial Consultation

An initial consultation with a fertility specialist is the best way to determine whether using a gestational carrier is necessary or appropriate for your situation.

Many patients assume they are unable to carry a pregnancy, but in some cases, the challenge may be related to egg, sperm, or other treatable factors that do not require the use of a carrier. During your consultation, our physicians will:

Our care team will also provide resources, guidance, and referrals to help you make informed decisions about your next steps with confidence.

Finding a Gestational Carrier

A gestational carrier may be a friend, family member, or someone matched through an agency. Choosing the right carrier is one of the most important steps in the process. Intended parents should feel comfortable, confident, and supported, knowing they can communicate openly and work well together throughout the journey.

Many intended parents choose to work with a gestational carrier agency, which assists with screening, matching, and coordination. These agencies charge fees for their services, but they help ensure all legal and medical requirements are met.

Once a gestational carrier has been identified, she will:

Complete registration and health questionnaires for the clinic
Undergo a review of medical history by a physician
Have a specialized saline contrast ultrasound and physical examination to assess uterine health
Complete laboratory testing as part of the medical evaluation

After all screening and testing are completed, and the carrier is medically cleared, both the gestational carrier and intended parents will move forward with the legal contracting phase before treatment begins.

The Gestational Carrier Cycle: Step-by-Step

Once the decision to use a gestational carrier has been made, both the egg provider and the carrier follow a carefully coordinated treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The process is similar to in vitro fertilization (IVF), with one key difference — the embryos are transferred into the gestational carrier’s uterus instead of the egg provider’s.

Below is a simplified outline of the typical cycle. Your physician will create a customized treatment schedule based on your unique needs.

Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)

Birth control pills are used to help synchronize menstrual cycles between the egg provider and the gestational carrier.

Vitamins and Medications

Prenatal vitamins, supplements, and prescription medications are started to promote a healthy environment for pregnancy.

Pituitary Suppression (Lupron)

Leuprolide (Lupron) is used to temporarily suppress the natural hormonal cycle, ensuring precise control of ovulation timing.

Uterine Lining Development

The gestational carrier begins estradiol therapy (using Vivelle® patches and/or vaginal estradiol) to thicken the uterine lining in preparation for embryo transfer.

Progesterone Support

Progesterone is added to stabilize the uterine lining and support early pregnancy development.

Embryo Transfer

The embryo(s) are carefully placed into the gestational carrier’s uterus using a gentle ultrasound-guided transfer procedure.

Pregnancy Test

A blood test is performed approximately 10–12 days after transfer to determine if pregnancy has been achieved.

Legal, Psychological, and Medical Requirements

Before beginning treatment, all parties involved in a gestational carrier cycle must complete a series of legal, psychological, and medical requirements designed to protect both the intended parents and the gestational carrier.

Legal Contracts

A legal agreement between the gestational carrier and intended parents is required before treatment begins. Each party should work with a family law attorney experienced in surrogacy to define:

Laws vary by state, and the state where the baby is delivered determines which legal framework applies. California has well-established, surrogacy-friendly laws that protect everyone involved. The clinic cannot provide legal advice, so a letter of legal clearance from both attorneys is required before moving forward.

Psychological Evaluation

Both the intended parents and gestational carrier must meet with a licensed mental health professional familiar with third-party reproduction.

This evaluation ensures that all parties are emotionally prepared, aligned in expectations, and comfortable with the process.

Topics covered may include:

This step ensures emotional readiness and a strong foundation for collaboration throughout the journey.Topics covered may include:

Infectious Disease Screening

To ensure the health and safety of all involved, the intended parents (or donors) and gestational carrier must undergo infectious disease testing and medical screening in accordance with California and FDA regulations.

This includes:

Even if recent labs exist, testing must be repeated to meet state and federal standards. These precautions help prevent disease transmission and ensure a safe embryo transfer process.

Insurance Coverage

Proper insurance coverage must be confirmed before treatment begins.

In most cases, the intended parents’ insurance will not cover a gestational carrier’s pregnancy, and the carrier’s policy may exclude surrogacy-related care.

Before proceeding, it’s essential to verify:

Specialized surrogacy insurance plans are available, and your attorney or agency can help determine which coverage best fits your situation.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While gestational carrier cycles are generally safe, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of. Our team will review these in detail before treatment and provide close monitoring throughout the process.

Medication Side Effects

Medications used during the cycle may cause temporary side effects such as:

High doses of hormones can, in rare cases, increase the risk of blood clots, liver or gallbladder issues, or stimulation of estrogen-sensitive conditions. These risks are uncommon, and patients are carefully evaluated before treatment begins.

Multiple Pregnancies

The chance of having twins or higher-order multiples increases with the number of embryos transferred. The physician, intended parents, and gestational carrier will jointly decide how many embryos to transfer, balancing success rates with safety for everyone involved.

Pregnancy and Procedure-Related Risks

All pregnancies carry some risk of complications that may affect either the gestational carrier or the baby. These can include:

There is also a background risk of birth defects or genetic abnormalities, as with any pregnancy. While long-term effects are considered rare, any concerns should be discussed directly with your physician.

Start Your Surrogacy Journey with California IVF

Whether you’re an intended parent exploring gestational surrogacy or a prospective carrier hoping to help a family grow, our team at California IVF Fertility Center is here to guide you through every step. From medical screening and legal coordination to embryo transfer and pregnancy care, we ensure a process that’s safe, transparent, and deeply supportive.

Schedule a consultation or contact us today to learn more about gestational carrier options and how we can help make your path to parenthood possible.

Why Choose California IVF?

High Success Rates – Over 75% clinical pregnancy rate in patients under 40 using a single embryo that passed genetic testing.

Comprehensive Fertility Care – From initial testing and surgery to IVF, ICSI, PGT genetic screening, and donor egg/sperm programs, all under one roof.

Cost-Effective Multi-Cycle Packages – Specially designed packages that save you money per cycle while providing flexibility and ongoing support throughout your journey.

Scientific Expertise & Compassionate Care – Board-certified reproductive endocrinologists, supported by experienced nurse practitioners and embryologists, provide care in a welcoming environment.

Support You Can Trust

Our clinic is a close-knit team of dedicated professionals, creating a warm and supportive environment for every patient. We value open communication and are here to guide you through every step of your journey. While we know not every path leads to pregnancy, our team is committed to making your experience as positive and caring as possible, supporting you every step of the way.

Ernest Zeringue MD

Medical Director

Gary Gross

Linda Zeringue

FNP-BC

Ashley Cook

FNP-C

Lindsey DeBruler

DNP | FNP-BC

We are proud to announce our selection in the top 50 clinics selected by Newsweek for inclusion in the list of America’s Best Fertility Clinics. Modern medicine is what makes us great, but our staff is what really set us apart. We are currently ranked 36th in the nation!

California IVF and Insurance

California IVF provides fertility care for patients enrolled in the major insurance networks throughout Northern California. In addition to a collaborative arrangement with UC Davis, we are also contracted with Sutter Health, Dignity Health/Mercy, NorthBay Healthcare, Tricare, the VA, and most private insurance plans. Many Kaiser patients come to us when infertility and IVF services aren’t covered.

UC Davis Health System

Our collaboration with UC Davis began in July 2011. Our physicians hold university appointments, are actively involved in resident and medical student education, and have access to patient records within the UC Davis system, ensuring seamless, coordinated care.

Research and Development

We are actively involved in fertility research with several UC Davis projects focused on reproductive genetics. We are also advancing technologies that improve genetic testing of embryos and measure cellular products beyond current capabilities, helping to develop the next generation of fertility innovations.

Insurance Benefits

We partner with most major insurance networks to help patients maximize their fertility benefits. Our dedicated insurance coordinators guide patients every step of the way, ensuring they understand and make the most of their coverage.

What Our Happy Parents Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Couldn’t be more thankful for Cal IVF & Dr. Zeringue! The staff & nurses were really amazing & were always there to reassure me whenever I needed it. Got pregnant in our first IVF cycle! Will forever be so grateful for this team 🤍

Katie M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had an overall great experience with this clinic. Dr. Zeringue and his team were very professional and helpful. We had a very successful outcome.

Dana L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely incredible staff, the kindness and thoughtfulness of each and every individual person was so sincere. After trying for years, two miscarriages and one ectopic pregnancy, my dreams of having a child was gone. Dr. Zeringue is the best Doctor for the job. My first time doing IVF and I am pregnant. It's all thanks to the wonderful team at California IVF. The entire process was smooth and stress-free. I 100% recommend Dr. Zeringue and his team for your IVF experience.

Rosina S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

They help make dreams come true.. Thank you ALL!!

Denea S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I absolutely love the staff at California IVF!!! Over 3 years ago we started facing our battle with fertility and received help from California IVF. Dr. Z and his staff were so supportive and helpful. Our first transfer was not successful,but we tried again and we had our daughter. Now 3 years later we are back at it again with our 2 remaining embryos. The staff remembered us right away and have been most helpful is starting up this process again.

Krisha P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Had the best experience with dr. Zeringue and his staff. After a year of trying other options with other clinics, We were successful on our first ivf cycle here at California IVF, and couldn’t be happier we are now expecting twins.

Albert A.

Questions You Might Have

What is the difference between a gestational carrier and a surrogate?

A gestational carrier carries a pregnancy created through IVF using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm. She has no genetic link to the baby. A traditional surrogate, on the other hand, also provides her own egg, which creates a genetic connection. California IVF supports gestational surrogacy only, as it offers greater legal and emotional clarity for everyone involved.

Who can use a gestational carrier?

Gestational carriers are an option for individuals or couples who cannot safely carry a pregnancy, including those with uterine abnormalities, medical conditions, or a history of unsuccessful IVF cycles. Surrogacy also provides a family-building path for same-sex male couples and single intended fathers.

How are gestational carriers screened and selected?

All gestational carriers complete a comprehensive screening process, including a medical review, lab testing, a uterine evaluation, and a psychological assessment. Carriers may be matched through an agency or chosen directly by intended parents. California IVF collaborates with both options and guides all parties through every step of the screening and treatment process.

What legal and insurance steps are required?

Before treatment begins, a legal contract must be finalized between the intended parents and gestational carrier. Each party should work with a family law attorney experienced in surrogacy to define parental rights, compensation, and medical coverage. Insurance policies must also be reviewed to ensure proper coverage for the gestational carrier and the newborn.

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