EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN IVF

From Fertilization to Blastocyst

Understanding how embryos grow after fertilization is an important part of the IVF journey. Healthy embryo development helps your fertility team select the best embryos for transfer, improving pregnancy rates and reducing the risk of multiple births. At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (AFCT), all embryo culture and monitoring take place in Omni Med Laboratory, directed by Dr. Dmitri Dozortsev, a pioneer in ICSI and advanced embryo culture techniques.

EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT

The Stages of Embryo Development

Understanding each stage helps optimize your fertility journey

Stages of embryo development from fertilization to blastocyst

The Stages of Embryo Development

Day 1 – Zygote Stage – Fertilized eggs show two pronuclei containing genetic material from each parent.
Day 2–3 – Cleavage Stage – The embryo divides into multiple cells. By Day 3, a healthy embryo typically has 6–10 cells.
Day 4 – Morula Stage – Cells compact into a dense cluster, preparing for the blastocyst stage.
Day 5–6 – Blastocyst Stage – The embryo forms a fluid-filled cavity and differentiates into:
- Inner Cell Mass (ICM) – becomes the baby
- Trophectoderm – becomes the placenta

Why Embryo Development Matters

Helps select the healthiest embryos for transfer or freezing
Blastocyst-stage embryos often have the highest implantation potential
Improves pregnancy outcomes and reduces the risk of multiple births
Advanced lab culture conditions increase embryo quality

Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art technology, precise grading, and time-lapse monitoring to give every embryo the best possible chance to thrive.

Lorem Ipsum Dolor

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.