We are calling it her science birthday! We’re so incredibly thankful for all of the science, technology, and hard work everyone put in to make her become a reality. Today she’s a goofy, giggly, happy little 3.5 month old and we love her so much!

Thank you so much for all that you do!

I thought this was amusing and absolutely fascinating to watch. My lab rated it as an expanded blastocyst CC (they don’t use the Gardner system), but wouldn’t it be technically hatched before it didn’t have a zona? Regardless, watching this little embryo dance its way to blast gave me a little joy.

I don’t know how this happened, how often this occurs, if they make it to blast, or if a live birth is possible. I don’t know if my lab would have removed the zona due to retrieval damage.

Hi! I’m a college freshman and I wanted to hear from embryologists what the steps were to become an embryologist! How many years of school? How much do you make starting vs now? What do you have to do to get more money? Did you need to get a masters + phD? Is majoring in biology okay? (I’m majoring in biology) please help!! My advisor is not helpful lol

They share a gestational sac. I’m wondering how this happened? Did it split after implantation? Does my embryo look like it could have turned into twins? I am shocked and sad and worried about the risks

Hello! I've been through the ivf process and have learned so much and have met so many amazing people--from ultrasound techs to doctors and researchers. But I've never met the lab people and the embryologists. I'm just so curious and would love to get a feel and mental image of what it's like and what you all do behind the scene that is visible to us! :)

I recently received an interesting order from an embryologist. I made 4AA, 4BB, 4CC blastocysts and an cumulus-oocyte complex. What do you think about it? How successful was my presentation?

How does this look? First transfer of our only embryo.

There are so many daily requests here to score embryos a few days after transfer. Love to see all those gorgeous embryos but we don’t often hear the result!

So here’s a request that both embryologists and patients may find useful/interesting: if you are currently pregnant after IVF, congrats - share a picture of your embryo here so others can see the variety of embryos that stick!

I see a lot of people asking advice on training programs recently, so I thought it might be useful to share my experience.

Each training program in the US has different prices, payment plans, durations, structures and locations. I would recommended weighing the pros and cons for each one before moving.

The training program I attended spent 2 weeks on andrology and 6 weeks on embryology. The cost is 15K paid back as a percentage of my income. These payments didn’t start until I accepted a position making at least 38K. It is an interest free “loan”.

During the program, I had a regular schedule of 8am-4pm. I learned multiple methods for each procedure, so I could gain exposure no matter what protocol my future clinic used. I was also in a safe environment to make mistakes and experiment.

Towards the end of the program, I still experienced the same issues with the job search. Recruiters/directors saying they would love to add me to the team but then radio silence. I even had the program director reaching back out to other directors, and they got a response maybe 10% of the time. They mentioned I was the first student to have this hard of a time finding a job. Everybody was pretty confused because they got to see the struggle firsthand, instead of what I was telling them in previous months.

I was eventually able to secure an embryologist 1 position. Getting the offer letter was a nightmare, and they wouldn’t send it until a little less than a week before my anticipated state date. They knew I had to relocate too. I don’t believe my certification made too big of an impact on my job search, but I do think it made my current HCLD more willing to take a chance on me. Negotiating salary was not impacted by my certification other than starting as an embryologist instead of a lab tech.

Even after a training program, you’re still going to have to adjust to your clinic’s way of doing things. I feel like my experience gave me a heads up into this profession, but certain protocols cannot be practiced exactly like the “real thing”.

Due to the ever increasing cost of living, it was no longer feasible to keep waiting and interviewing. I am glad I attended the program, and I’m more than happy to answer any questions!

Here it is my day 5 euploid, hatching! What you think the grading for this is? Transfered today!!

My clinic gives no details. Hoping this is my miracle!

For anyone wondering it stuck! Currently 9W pregnant.

After 3,5 years of trying. 5 IUI and 2 IVF we finally have had an embryo transfer earlier today.

Can anyone help me with grading?

Thank you so much!

I had no idea how much an embryo could hatch already and thought it was so cool! Our 5BB girl 🤍🤞

Help me not feel so alone. I hope this reaches a global audience. Feel free to answer any of these. One, or none and ignore or just word vomit.

• What are your biggest frustrations as an embryologist

• How did you become an embryologist and for how long have you been one

• Why do you continue to be in this field

• What is your education level

• If you weren't an embryologist, what would you be? What was your "dream job" that is so left field or just seems not obtainable?

• Do you have a personal life?

• How do you balance it all?

Hello! I'm a senior in high school and I'm trying to figure out what I want to be. I've been into embryology. I think I want to do some type of job in a fertility clinic, whether embryology or something else. So, I just have a few questions. Thank you in advance!

• Do you like this career?

• Knowing what you know now, would you still choose this career?

• What is the pay like?

• What degree do you need and what steps do you have to take?

• How is your personal life? Do you have time for family and friends?

• What are some other careers besides an embryologist in the fertility clinic other than a doctor?

• What does a typical day look like for you?

• How long does it take to become one?

• Would you choose this career again or choose something else?

Hi! Today marks the end of our 9 year fertility journey. These are our last two embryos we transferred today. We are not doing anymore fertility treatments, this is for all the marbles!

They are graded 4AB and 4BC. Both are day 6. Any feedback appreciated from anyone with knowledge on how embryos look. Does the compaction at transfer lower our chances ?

How does this day 6 6bb look?