Last month we looked at how embryos develop (see https://fertilitymatters.ca/embryo-development-and-evaluation-part-1/) now we’re going to look at how grading works. We’ll start with cleavage stage embryos and then next month look at blastocyst stage embryos! Just a quick recap. On Day 0 the egg is fertilized and this fertilized egg then divides (or “cleaves”) over theRead more
Appointments at fertility clinics can be overwhelming. These appointments are fraught with emotions—infertility and pregnancy loss can be incredibly painful both physically and emotionally—and sometimes these emotions and the uncertainty of what we’re going through can make it difficult to advocate for ourselves in these stressful conversations. The doctors may be experts, but we canRead more
The worst kind of pain is when you’re smiling just to stop the tears from falling. Hiding behind a smile and a false sense of satisfaction can prevent those around you from being able to help… RESULT = falling deeper into a black pit of depression. It’s so common to hide our sadness, stress andRead more
An important part of being an embryologist is being able to evaluate what an embryo looks like. We do this because embryos that “look better” have a better chance of working compared to embryos that don’t look as good.This is the 1st part of a 3 part series where I’ll talk about the different factorsRead more
Here I am – 2 years post-fertility treatments, 3 unsuccessful IVF rounds under my belt, and nothing tangible to show. My battle with secondary infertility ended with me empty-handed, no sibling for my son (who was conceived after years of trying and multiple miscarriages). I have put my 7 years of trying to have babiesRead more
When I found out I couldn’t have children, it was one of the most terrible experiences of my life. Not JUST because of the content of the message, but the delivery as well. The doctor was rude, cold, and told me 3 things in 3 consecutive sentences. You can’t have kids.You’re fat, and need toRead more
Many have turned to yoga as a method of support for mind, body and spiritual wellness. As we know that the benefits of yoga can really be supportive to our whole self. We also know that the fertility journey with the baby announcements, strangers asking when we are going to have kids… like it isRead more
If you have done PGT-A/PGS you have probably heard the term “mosaic embryo”. What exactly are mosaic embryos?When we do PGS testing (PGT-A) we are analyzing a few cells of the embryo to see if they’re normal or abnormal. What makes a “normal” cell has to do with the number of chromosomes in the cell.ChromosomesRead more
My five year old son is one of those children that is always running around, climbing on things etc. I’ve heard every euphemism in the book – spirited, busy, active. One time at after school club (where he was particularly “busy”), one of the supervisors came over to me laughing. “Oh, he’s something.” she said.Read more
Hello Lovelies,Well, it’s finally here. Good bye 2020 and hello 2021! When 2020 began I was consumed with my ache and need to have another child, which was compounded by my New Years Day miscarriage. I was feeling defeated, derailed and pretty desperate. I am happy to say that as 2020 rolls out I haveRead more