What is Assisted Hatching?
In the early stages of development, an embryo is surrounded by a protective outer layer known as the zona pellucida. For implantation to occur, the embryo must naturally break out or “hatch” from this shell in order to attach to the uterine lining.
Assisted Hatching is a highly specialized procedure in which our embryologists create a small opening in this outer layer, helping the embryo hatch more easily and potentially improving implantation outcomes.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Using advanced microscopic technology, our experienced embryology team carefully stabilizes the embryo and creates a precise opening in the zona pellucida. This is performed using either a controlled chemical method or a highly accurate laser technique.
The embryo is then carefully prepared for transfer into the uterus. Assisted Hatching is most commonly performed at the blastocyst stage (day 5–6 of development), which is considered optimal for implantation.
