So last year, we had 14 fertilized embryos on day 1, 11 of which survived to day 3.
Today, I got an update that all of our embryos are at the appropriate 6-8 cell stage, with one embryo having 10 cells already. Normal for day three is anywhere from 4-10 cells, ideally 8 cells by the end of the day, so we’re good there.
Now, of the entire batch of embryos:
6 are grade 2 (good quality, minimal fragmentation)
5 are grade 3 (average quality, moderate fragmentation)
2 are grade 3-4 (poor quality, a lot of fragmentation)
Judging by the total count of embryos here (13), I’m guessing that the single slow grower from yesterday caught up to the group.
The grading made me a bit nervous though, as I wonder why I don’t have any perfect grade 1 embryos. Is the grade 1 embryo just super rare? Is my egg quality not great, or is the grade 1 embryo a mythical creature like the unicorn?
Everything that I have read says that both the grade 2 and 3 embryos have good implantation potential. And a greater indicator of making it to the blastocyst stage is the embryo making the expected number of cells for its developmental day.
OHSS Watch:
Weight: down 1 pound
Umbilicus circumference: down 1 cm
I got out of bed today, and had minimal problems dressing myself (yesterday, DW had to help me put on my pants and socks- which was actually quite enjoyable). Peeing and pooping still hurt, but changing positions is accompanied by only mild pain now. My ovaries are still sore on palpation, but more like a sore muscle than active inflammation. The bloating is still there, much worse at night, but sleeping and peeing lots overnight seems to bring me back to a less bloated baseline.
DW and I started watching this show called “Transparent”, which has been really fantastic. It’s about a Jewish Patriarch who comes out as transgender to her family of quirky adult children. It’s got this really interesting tone to it. A humorous backdrop, with really deeply somber and tender moments. I’m loving it, and have to try hard to savour each episode rather than binge watch it.
Tonight though, is the Bachelor, and while I object to the whole premise of the show, I can’t seem to look away. Why is there always so much crying?
PS- embryo transfer is happening in T-minus 48 hours!!
YAY! Wishing you all the best with your transfer and TWW.
Thank you!
I’ve heard the grading is subjective after a certain point. Grade 2 is good! I hope the transfer goes perfectly.
Thank you for the reassurance. I agree, and think that’s probably why most embryologists don’t tell people grading at all sometimes.
Wow, 48 hours!! So excited for you and wishing you the best!
Thank you! The ten days afterwards are going to be killer though.
You are so right, your 10 day wait is going to be miserable! Maybe find some good TV shows and books so you can help pass the time.
Oh the pain upon peeing! I remember that oh too well. Fortunately, I was super constipated for a few days so I didn’t have to experience a bowel movement right away. Things are looking good. At my clinic they grade on a 20 point scale. They say they basically don’t give 19-20 ratings. A perfect embryo is just unheard of. Each is unique.
I’m so surprised by how much better I feel today. This time last IVF was when things started to get bad. I guess I should thank the Dostinex for that? Yes, the pain with peeing… I’ve been combating the constipation with Metamucil. I know the grading is so subjective and really anything can happen, but I’m such a worry wart. I think the fact that none of last year’s 7 blastocysts working out is still haunting me. I’m so scared it’s going to happen again. PS- I can’t wait for your update today!!! I’m so sure it will be good news!
That’s awesome. Ours were grade 2 as well. 48 hrs…. So close yet so far!
Yes! I hope they work for us!
Yay those eggs are doing great! the grading process is super subjective and varies from clinic to clinic. Can’t wait to hear how the transfer goes!
Thank you! You’re so right. I shouldn’t focus on the grading so much.
Love reading your updates. I’m so excited for you!!
Thanks Rose. How are you doing?
Yeah, impatiently waiting for my next cycle and trying not to drive myself crazy in the interim š
Yes 48hrs and OHSS seems to be at bay for you this time! I’m crossing everything that this transfer and tww are totally different too.
Thanks so much Alicia! Me too. I really hope to join you preggos soon!
Things are looking really good. I am so happy for you. How many are you planning on transfering, by the way?
Thanks Fried. I am planning to transfer two.
I think it sounds awesome! I am sending lots and lots of positive vibes your way for transfer and TWW! HUGS!
Thank you so much Rachael!
Great news on the embie and ohss fronts. Looking forward to a smooth transfer.
Thank you! I’m trying to stay calm and invite peace into my mind.
Good plan. That’s always such a challenge for me. You have my support!
Your little eggs/embryos are doing amazingly! Is it weird that I’m proud of them? Yeah, that’s weird.
Not weird at all! Actually I love it! Thank you š
Fingers crossed! Looking forward to the update! (And hopefully another one just a week or so after that!)
Thank you š
Transfer Just around the corner!! We are so excited for you…after following your journey, the struggles and the heartache, we just want this for you ladies so badly! Glad you’re feelin a bit better…and super excited to hear about your transfer. Our hearts and prayers continue With you!
Thanks friends. Things kind of got derailed a bit today, but fingers crossed it all goes well tomorrow.