Ghost: Q's about 3 day transfer

[Julie nurse]

Hi,

I am doing my 1st round of IVF this month. We were initially really excited because we had 17 eggs removed and 12 were fertilized. I was pretty shocked (and freaked out) when we got the call Wednesday morning that they felt they should do the transfer on day 3 not 5 (which I know gets better results). The embryologist told us that none had died off but she felt that there were only a few really viable embryos. Most of my 12 were 7 cell B grades (which we implanted the best 3) a few 6 cell B grades and a 10 cell C.

My question is are 7 cell transfers on day three really viable? Shouldn't they have 8 cells by now?

I'm just really scared and have no one personal to discuss this with.

Thank you for any information!

[Ghost]

Hi,

I am doing my 1st round of IVF this month. We were initially really excited because we had 17 eggs removed and 12 were fertilized. I was pretty shocked (and freaked out) when we got the call Wednesday morning that they felt they should do the transfer on day 3 not 5 (which I know gets better results). The embryologist told us that none had died off but she felt that there were only a few really viable embryos. Most of my 12 were 7 cell B grades (which we implanted the best 3) a few 6 cell B grades and a 10 cell C.

My question is are 7 cell transfers on day three really viable? Shouldn't they have 8 cells by now?

I'm just really scared and have no one personal to discuss this with.

Thank you for any information!

There is little difference between 7-cell and 8-cell viability.

Perhaps it means one of the cells arrested, or perhaps it means they looked 10 minutes too soon to see that 7th cell divide. In any case, 7 cell embryos implant almost, but not quite, as readily as 8-cell embryos. With three of them in there, you should have a decent chance (at least equal to your clinic's average). Keep in mind that most patients do not have ideal looking embryos. Minor deviations from the ideal are the norm.

[tiffywall86]

Hey sweetie. I totally feel you on this! Im 23 and currently in tww for my 1st ivf. I had 8 mature eggs and all 8 fertilized! I felt so good about that! Then they called and said 3dt…really upset me because I thought for sure we would do a 5dt. Well on day 3 I only had 3 viable embryos left . 1 6 cell grade B and 2 4 cell grade b. We put all three back… I am due for my beta on Monday but feel af coming on. Keep your head high. From what ive read they should be between 6-8 cells on day 3 so having that 7 and 6 cell in there is good .
Please keep me updated. I will be praying for you.

[Julie nurse]

Dear Ghost and Tiffy:

Thank you both for your replies which made me feel better immediately! I am just going to believe in the best case senario and hope those little cells keep dividing and stick with me!

Tiffy, It looks as if we are exactly 1 week apart on our tww. I test Monday the 10th!. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for your BFP and sending you both patience dust and sticky sticky thoughts. Go little embryos, go! Do you belong to any of the "cycle buddy" message boards? I hang out with the June/July girls (even though I'm on the cusp of August). If you need a friendly voice, please join us there. It is a great group of ladies who have beed so supportive!

Good luck! KMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ghost, thank you for your (always) knowledgeable and practical advice. I read your posts often and appreciate you taking the time to give support to me, a total stranger.

[Jaxx]

I had a very similar situation and thought I would share. I am 27 and had 28 eggs retrieved but only 5 fertilized. We did a 3dt with 3 embryos..2-6 cell fair and 1 5-cell fair minus. I was so upset! I am happy to report that one stuck and I am 8 weeks pregnant! I have already had ultrasound and heard the heart beat and everything looks great! Have faith in your little embies!!

[Julie nurse]

Jaxx,

That is so wonderful to hear! Congratulations!!!!!!! I hope the rest of your pregnancy is happy and healthy! Thank you so much for sharing your story with me!