Embryo grading is essential in the assessment of the outcome of in vitro fertilization. It helps embryologists determine the developmental stages and the quality of embryos, and hence decisions about which of the embryos would most probably lead to a successful pregnancy. The proper understanding of the embryo grading process could be an encouraging and informative factor for the couples that are seeking fertility treatments.
What is Embryo Grading?
Embryo grading is the structured process that embryologists undertake to determine the health status and quality of embryos after fertilization. The grading of the embryos occurs based on appearance, rate of growth, and other essential parameters. Grading is usually carried out using the grading system from best to worst, which gives fertility specialists an important clue of which embryo to transfer into the uterus.
The grading process allows embryologists to predict the possibility of implantation and pregnancy. It serves as a fundamental aspect of IVF, wherein eggs from a woman are fertilized outside her body, then evaluated for quality prior to being returned to the uterus.
How Do Embryologists Grade Embryos?
Developmental Stage
The primary interest of the embryologist is the developmental stage of the embryo. Emotions normally evaluated at different stages, so these are
Cleavage stage (Day 2-3): The fertilized egg further divides into many cells.
Blastocyst Stage (Days 5-6): It is now an advanced structure which has a fluid-filled cavity.
Embryos are, at the blastocyst stage, more likely to have a successful implantation and, hence, are the most preferred candidates for transfer.
Cell Number and Symmetry
It is more favorable for the embryo to have an even number of cells at the cleavage stage. Embryologists check the number of cells, which is typically between 6 and 10 cells on Day 3, and their symmetry. A healthy embryo has evenly divided cells with no fragmentation.
Cell Size and Fragmentation
Embryologists also study the cells’ dimensions. Better developing embryos will have uniform cells that are smaller and similar in size. Conversely, larger cells with disuniform division indicate complications to an embryo’s development. Embryologists also check fragmentation—scattering of the tiny small droplets of cytoplasm that might be expelled as the cell divides during reproduction. Minimal fragmentation ensures the healthiness of an embryo.
Inner Cell Mass (ICM)
In blastocyst embryos, the inner cell mass consists of the cell group which develops into the fetus eventually. A clearly defined, rounded ICM is the ideal sign for a well-functioning embryo. Embryos showing an ICM that is too small or irregularly shaped, chances are not going to meet successful development.
Trophectoderm
Trophectoderm is the outer layer of the blastocyst, which is set to form the placenta. Embryologists analyze the trophectoderm based on its structure and morphology. A well-structured, compact trophectoderm suggests a good situation, while abnormalities might raise a red flag concerning implantation potential.
Conclusion
An embryologist needs to grade IVF treatment for it as the basis of which of the embryos is for implantation. Several factors will be developed to count cell symmetry, fragmentation, ICM, and trophectoderm that can make choices well-informed regarding an improvement in a patient’s chances at obtaining a successful pregnancy.
If you have any queries on grading of embryo or you need more information regarding your IVF treatment, you may contact your fertility expert or us at www.embryologist.co.in. We are here to assist you step by step.