How long does it take for a third generation IVF baby?
Since human beings have realized the technology of IVF, many couples have realized their fertility wishes in this way. However, how long will it take for three generations of IVF babies to be born? The following will elaborate on this issue from different perspectives.
Fertilization and embryo culture
The first step of three generations of IVF babies is artificial fertilization in vitro, which usually uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. This process involves combining sperm with egg to form a fertilized egg. The process itself usually takes several hours. The fertilized egg is then placed in a petri dish to simulate the embryonic development environment in the mother's body under natural conditions. The embryo culture process is usually carried out in the laboratory of the IVF clinic, and the duration depends on the embryo quality and the selected culture scheme.
The standard of embryo culture is to select the best embryo for transfer at a specific stage of embryo development. Usually, embryos will be cultured in the laboratory for 2-6 days. During this process, the embryo will go through different stages of development, for example, the first day is a fertilized egg, the second day is a 2-4 cell embryo, the third day is a multicellular embryo, and the fifth day is a blastocyst. In the process of culture, the embryo will also undergo a series of evaluations to determine the quality and development status of the embryo.
It is worth noting that if gene detection and other technologies are used to screen embryos, the time of embryo culture may be slightly longer for relevant genetic tests.
Embryo transfer and implantation
Once the best embryo is selected, it will be transferred to the patient's uterus. This process is called embryo transfer. Embryo transfer is generally carried out from the second day to the sixth day of embryo culture, depending on the situation of embryo development and the regulations of the clinic.
Embryo transfer is a simple process that usually takes place in a clinic and lasts for several minutes. The doctor will use a thin tube (catheter) to carefully place the embryo into the uterus, which does not require anesthesia. In most cases, only one embryo will be implanted in the transfer to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Once the embryo transfer is completed, the next key step is embryo implantation. The embryo will adhere to the endometrium through the released embryo vesicles. Normally, the embryo will be implanted and begin to grow within a few days after transplantation. The process of implantation may take 3-5 days, and the hormones released to the endometrium help to promote embryo implantation.
Pregnancy and childbirth
If the embryo develops successfully after implantation, pregnancy begins. Generally, the pregnancy period of three generations of IVF babies is as long as that of natural pregnancy. The normal pregnancy period is about 40 weeks, but this may vary depending on the personal conditions of the pregnant woman.
During pregnancy, pregnant women usually need regular prenatal examination to ensure the health of the embryo and the progress of pregnancy. These prenatal examinations include ultrasonic examination, observation of the development and activity of the fetus in utero, and assessment of the physical condition and health of pregnant women.
Finally, if the pregnancy goes smoothly, the child will be born in about 40 weeks. Their birth time and method are the same as other children, which can be natural childbirth or caesarean section.
summary
Three generations of IVF babies born by IVF need to go through a series of processes, including fertilization and embryo culture, embryo transfer and implantation, as well as pregnancy and childbirth. The whole process takes weeks to months. Although the specific time depends on individual conditions and hospital regulations, many couples have realized their reproductive dreams through scientific assisted reproductive technology.
