After 5 to 6 days of fertilization, the embryo is known as a blastocyst.
What are stages of embryo development?
Day 0- is the day of egg pickup and sperm are either placed around the eggs (IVF) or are injected into the eggs (ICSI).
Day 1- The egg is fertilized by the sperm.
Day 3- The embryo has about 6 to 8 cells.
Day 5 or 6- It is now in a stage called blastocyst which comprises of a fluid-filled cavity (blastocoel), an outer layer of cells (trophectoderm which later forms placenta) and inner cell mass (ICM) which later develops into a fetus.
What are stages of embryo development?
A.
It is better for PGT (Pre-implantation genetic testing)- Blastocyst stage embryo provides enough biopsy material from trophectoderm as compared to Day 3 embryos.
B.
Fewer embryos need to be transferred- Due to better implantation potential couples can be offered single embryo transfer (SET), reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies.
C.
Improves embryo selection- All day 3 embryos will not reach day 5 stage. Embryos or blastocysts stage have their own genomic control and have already paved the maternal to zygotic transition.
Limitations and considerations-
Increased chance of cycle cancellation especially in poor ovarian reserve patients due to lack of availability of an embryo in blastocyst stage.
Indications of blastocyst transfer-
A.
Patients with multiple good quality cleavage (Day 2/3) stage.