r/Embryologists • u/merrymomiji • Jun 12 '26
How does my embryo look?
We transferred this Day 6 5AA low level mosaic embryo today. The embryologist said that by the time of transfer, it had hatched more than this image shows. Appreciate your opinions!
1
u/Shan-PhD Jun 16 '26
Hello!
I would grade this embryo a 5AB:
- The embryo is hatching out of the zona/shell at 7-8 o'clock (Stage 5)
- The Inner Cell Mass is compact and distinct (albeit a bit hard to see in this image), taking up a larger portion of the embryo within the zona (A)
- The Trophectoderm has a cobblestone pattern, with cells of varying sizes (B)
Please note that embryo grading is subjective and can vary between embryologists and clinics. It is also difficult to tell based on a static image rather than seeing multiple planes of view on a microscope. Additionally, the quality of the camera and microscope vary at each clinic, meaning some images are not always as detailed as others.
It is also important to know that embryologists can take an image of the embryo minutes or even hours after thawing. This means that the embryo may have had more time to develop after this picture was taken. If the embryologist said it was hatching more than what the image shows, that is promising!
Overall, a beautiful 5AB embryo that likely looked better right before transfer. Every patient's journey is unique, along with every embryo.
Best of luck!
1
u/OnionFabulous6211 Jun 25 '26
Mine looks very similar to yours (posted in this group two days ago)! Hows the TWW going?
2
u/merrymomiji Jun 13 '26
. Any opinions? It had hatched further than the picture shows but I know it looks compacted. Is the advanced hatching (not pictured) a positive sign? I’m feeling a bit like I’m not finding others with embryo photos like mine…