Blastocyst Transfer, Development and Implantation

How Do I Prepare for Blastocyst Transfer?

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Consume a balanced diet
• Reduce or avoid caffeine
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques
• Avoid processed foods and refined carbs

For a personalized routine, get in touch with fertility experts at Pristyn Care. Book an appointment now. 

Blastocyst Culture Procedure

The following are the four blastocyst implantation stages:-

• Fertilization using IVF or ICSI

In the IVF process, sperm and eggs are combined in a petri dish. The IVF process involves combining sperm and eggs in a petri dish. Fertilization may also require ICSI, which is a more accurate ART technique. ICSI directly injects a healthy sperm into the egg. Usually, this stage is completed on the same day as the egg retrieval process. 

• Incubation 

The placement of fertilised eggs or embryos in a culture medium that offers all the nutrients needed for the embryo’s growth. In order to assist their growth, the embryos are subsequently put in an incubator that replicates the conditions seen in the human body.

• Observation & monitoring

During this stage, embryologists keep an eye on the development of the blastocyst embryo. He examines the growth regularly under a microscope and ensures that they are developing at the anticipated pace. Some of the embryos might have grown into blastocysts by days five or six.

• Selection of the healthiest embryo

The highest quality blastocysts are transferred into the uterus. In order to do this, the blastocysts must be carefully taken out and put into a thin catheter. Anaesthesia is not necessary, and the procedure is usually carried out under ultrasound supervision.

Is Blastocyst Transfer Ideal for Everyone?

Indeed, not everyone is a suitable candidate for blastocyst transfer.

• Women with low ovarian reserve may have insufficient embryo production for day 5 culture
• For patients with a questionable embryo quality, the early-stage transfer may prevent embryo loss 
• It is crucial to carefully select cases because not all embryos make it to the blastocyst stage.

The best course of action for every individual situation is determined by carefully assessing these criteria and consulting a specialist.

What to Do Before the Blastocyst Transfer?

The wait for pregnancy begins immediately after the embryo transfer procedure. Determining whether or if the blastocyst transfer procedure was effective takes nearly two weeks. During this wait time, it is essential to take some necessary precautions. The following are a few of the major actions that need to be undertaken. 

• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet
• Getting adequate sleep and rest
• Strictly adhere to the medication routine as advised by the doctor, particularly folic acid supplements
• Avoid heat and potentially harmful substances
• Watch out for toxins that affect the hormones and endocrine system negatively

What Not to Do After Blastocyst Transfer?

• Strenuous physical activities

High-intensity exercises or work-outs like strength training or aerobics should be avoided during and after the treatment. You should consult your doctor for personalized advice on what kind of exercises can be done and for how much duration. 

• Avoid processed foods and drinks 

Fried food items, snacks like chips, namkeen, processed meats, bakery eateries like cakes and pastries, and other edible food products high in fat must be avoided in the post-transfer period. You should also avoid sugary & frizzy drinks and excessive caffeine intake.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

Alcohol is strictly prohibited as it can affect the embryo’s ability to implant in the uterus. It also affects the fetus’s growth. Several studies have also stated that smoking thins the endometrium on the day of the transfer, which decreases the chance of pregnancy and increases the risk of implantation failure. 

• Steer clear of too much stress

During IVF treatment, stress is common. To minimize stress levels, pursue hobbies like reading motivational books, watching movies, painting, etc. 

• Symptoms ignorance

If you experience fever, dizziness, cramps, or bleeding, consult your doctor right away without any delay. 

Risk Associated With Blastocyte Culture

• Embryo arrest before day 5 – Not every embryo makes it to the blastocyst stage during the IVF procedure. It could be due to several factors, including mitochondrial defects and genetic abnormalities. Sometimes it leads to zero or no eggs left for transfer or freezing.

• Emotional and financial stress- If there is no embryo reaching the blastocyst stage, the entire IVF cycle is cancelled due to no transfer and needs to be repeated. It is emotionally and financially draining.

• Low ovarian reserve – Women with 35 years of age or above with low ovarian reserve and reduced embryo quality are at high risk of losing all embryos.

• Increased waiting time –If no embryos reach the blastocyst stage, the entire IVF cycle needs to be repeated, eventually leading to a delayed pregnancy.