When it comes to embryos, many people have questions about how we determine which ones are suitable for transfer. The process of embryonic development is intricate, and it’s essential to grasp the basics of embryo incubation during the first week, how we grade embryos, and what those grades mean for your chances of success.
What Is Embryo Grading?
In the IVF process, embryologists assess the embryos created in the lab to figure out which ones look the best under a microscope. Grading embryos helps experts identify which ones are likely to lead to a healthy pregnancy. If you’re undergoing IVF, you might receive an embryo report detailing the grades of your embryo(s), which can be a bit confusing. This guide aims to clarify how embryologists assign these grades and what they mean for your success rate.
Embryo grading is a tool used by fertility specialists to decide:
- Which embryos to transfer
- How many to transfer
- The optimal day for transfer based on embryonic development
After the egg retrieval, you’ll find out how many embryos have been fertilized. Over the next week, these embryos will be monitored as they develop. For those choosing to have preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), biopsies will also be performed during this time.
The Embryo Grading Process
Different IVF labs and embryologists may have slight variations in their grading systems. At our lab, we evaluate embryos using a high-powered microscope and grade them based on specific visual criteria.
Embryos grow in an incubator from the moment they’re created. A healthy embryo must reach certain growth stages, starting with two cells the day after fertilization. By day five, these embryos typically develop into a “blastocyst,” which is a mass of cells.
We categorize blastocysts into three grades:
- Early Blastocyst
- Full Blastocyst
- Expanded Blastocyst
Success rates tend to increase based on two key factors:
- The use of genetically normal embryos
- The morphological grading assigned to each embryo
Our laboratory cultures embryos until day seven. Data shows that embryos transferred on day five or day six have similar success rates. However, many other factors can influence these rates, such as the age of the egg donor. For women under 30, success rates can reach 70-75%.
Bringing Your Family to Life
At our clinic, we strive to maximize your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. Learning more about Preimplantation Genetic Testing and Single Embryo Transfers can be beneficial. If you’re interested in discussing your options, feel free to reach out for a consultation.
This is one of our other blog posts that may provide additional insights, and you can also check out this link for valuable information on this subject. Lastly, this resource is an excellent source for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, understanding embryo grading can empower you during your IVF journey. The grading process is crucial in helping your fertility team make informed decisions that could enhance your chances of success.