What is Blastocyst?

Blastocysts: What do you need to know?

This happens in the early stage of pregnancy. It is when the cluster of cellular mass begins to build by consisting of cells and forming trophectoderm. This fluid-filled structure is known as the blastocyst.

Basically, it happens between 5 to 14 days after fertilization and this process is called blastulation. This early stage of development starts when the zygote forms the form of cells containing fluid and mass of cells. You can also consider this as the stage when the embryos are ready to implant in the uterine lining. Basically, these are the layers of cells that divide and separate blastocyst to protect and nourish the developing fetus.

If the blastocyst is not formed, this indicates that your eggs are not fertilized enough to become zygotes and ensure the chances of pregnancy.

Its purpose:

This stage is essential for fetal development and for the implantation process, hormone trigger hatching procedure. This is when an embryo at the blastocyst stage breaks its protective layer allowing the zona pellucida to transplant in the uterine lining by shedding the outer shell of the membrane. The purpose of this shedding is to allow the blastocyst to expand. Next step, the outer cells of the blastocysts attach the endometrium outer layer which further releases the L-section (sticky protein). And then, finally, these outer cells become the fetus.

Furthermore, to carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, the inner layer cells of the blastocyst transfer more deeply into the endometrium. Now the question is to protect the developing fetus. Here, the amniotic sac works by containing protective fluid to its surroundings.

This advanced stage of fertilization has different structural features from embryos. It is composed of 3 organized areas including:

The outer area is called a trophectoderm, and this gives rise to the amniotic membrane, placenta, and extra-embryonic tissue.
The inner cavity is known as blastocele, which is formed in the early stages of mammalian development.
The group of cells that gives rise to a fetus within blastocele is the inner wall cell.

Some people confuse between embryo and blastocyst, but they are totally different from each other. The eggs become blastocysts in the first five to seven days after fertilization. When the blastocysts are implanted in the uterine lining wall, they develop the embryo, and this happens in the fourth week of pregnancy.

Blastocyst implantation: Where does it happen?

During the second week of the embryonic development, the blastocyst started to happen at the top of the uterus. But in some cases, it occurs outside of the uterus (in a fallopian tube), which is known as ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized unable to move through the fallopian tube, but instead implanted on it. There are several reasons behind this including-

The fallopian tubes are blocked because of the inflammation, infection, ruptured appendix, and scar tissue from a previous pregnancy.
Hormonal imbalance leads to the development of abnormal fertilized eggs.
Defected sperm can lead to abnormal embryo development.
Women above 35 are at high risk of this because, with age, motility decreases and increases the chances of potential damage by hindering the transportation of fertilized eggs to the uterus.

Why it is important for IVF?

Blastocysts are a vital stage in the IVF process, as this helps the medical examiner to determine the embryos that most likely show higher chances.
Based on the grade of the blastocysts, the healthcare selects the embryos that show the highest chances of pregnancy. This analysis includes checking cell number, density, morphology, and maturity.
It shows better potential for implantation rather than earlier-stage embryos, as the fluid-filled cavity of this helps to implant the fertilized egg in the uterine lining more successfully.

Moreover, it is important to note that, if the blastocysts contain chromosomal abnormalities like the involvement of extra chromosomes, duplicate ones, and deleted chromosomes, the process won’t happen. It leads to miscarriages. As per the studies, this abnormality causes 75% of miscarriages.

But, if it contains any abnormality and is implanted in your endometrium, then it can lead to several issues, such as

Klinefelter syndrome
Down syndrome
Turner syndrome

Prevention from blastocyst abnormality:

PGT-A: this genetic testing helps healthcare experts to identify healthy blastocysts so that they reduce the chances of abnormalities.
Health: a healthy lifestyle is very important. Your daily schedule, diet, activity level, substance use, and other lifestyle factors influence the chances. These contribute to the development of healthy eggs as well as sperm.
Fertility specialists: if you are not sure what to do, fertility experts are always available for you. They carefully monitor everything to know the chances and possibilities.

How does the care reduce the chances of chromosomal abnormalities?

If you are over 35, it is time to consult with the experts like Aveya Fertility Center. They can help you to know the chances. Moreover, people don’t even know that how unhealthy diets and toxins are impacting our lives. As these are also become a part of our lives. Staying away from toxins and implementing healthy diet is the best option you got. Slowly, but these will improve your health, which will help you to extend your family.

A Note from Aveya:

The blastocyst is a vital part of embryo development. Whether you want to have a normal pregnancy or thinking about IVF, this increases your chances of pregnancy. For every couple, whether they both are working, or not, understanding is important, and taking care of your health is in your hands. Aveya IVF Center understands that the journey of parenthood is challenging, but they are here to support people with compassionate care.

For information or queries concerning other factors, contact the Aveya Fertility Center. Their experts can help you to solve your queries.