Blastocyst Transfer- A Step Towards Single Healthy Baby

Advancement in InVitro Fertilization, has fulfilled many couples desire to have their own child. In order to achieve this, multiple embryos had been transferred, into the woman’s womb, but it had greatly increased the chances of multiple pregnancies which poses a risk for both mother and the babies.

Normally, the embryos are allowed to grow for 2-3days, under controlled laboratory conditions. The best quality embryos are chosen and transferred into the womb on day 2 or day 3 after egg collection. The surplus embryos are frozen for future use. With the improvements in the IVF culture conditions, it is now possible to grow the embryo successfully to blastocyst stage.

Blastocyst culture refers to growing the embryos in the laboratory for 4-6 days after fertilization. Blastocyst embryos are considered to be robust. It allows single embryo transfer and thereby reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Though this approach offers an effective treatment, but still during the process of developing some embryos might stop growing, leaving no embryos to transfer. Hence the option of Blastocyst transfer should be based on the individual basis and circumstances.