Assisted Embryo Hatching or Laser-Assisted Hatching
An embryo must naturally hatch in order to attach itself to the lining of the uterus in order to become pregnant.
The Zona Pellucida is the outer protective coat that an embryo forms during development. It resembles an eggshell. The embryo must rupture its outer layer and grab onto the mother’s womb once it reaches there.
Pregnancy is only achieved when the embryo hatches and attaches itself to the mother’s womb; this is a natural process.
Occasionally, an embryo’s outer layer is so thick that it prevents the embryo from breaking and attaching itself to the womb.
This is the point at which assisted hatching becomes relevant. During this procedure, a laser is used to create a crack in the embryo’s outer layer. Later, during an IVF procedure, it is put in the mother’s womb.
This procedure facilitates the successful implantation of an embryo into a mother’s womb at the time of hatching.
The fertility experts at our Laser-Assisted Hatching Clinic in Delhi recommend these procedures before pursuing full-blown IVF because the success rates of laser-assisted hatching are higher in terms of resulting in a healthy pregnancy.
Is this laser-assisted hatching procedure necessary for every IVF patient?
No, not everyone needs this assisted hatching procedure. It is beneficial for:
- Mothers older than 37 years old
- Implantation of frozen embryos (as the process of freezing may have thickened the Zona Pellucida, the outer layer of the embryo)
- Patients with multiple failed attempts at IVF despite a healthy embryo and uterus
- Thickened lining of the uterus (endometriosis)
- Women having high levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and other hormonal imbalances
- Women whose embryos have high thickness—Zona Pellucida
- Poor quality or few embryos
Does assisted embryo hatching cause any negative reactions?
No, precise laser-assisted hatching has no adverse effects on the embryo or the mother. You have to just look out for the best embryologists and fertility specialists who can help you with a smooth process.
