Did you know: We can take cells from the outside of an embryo and test them?

Formerly, "embryo biopsies" were done only if there was a risk of serious disease like cystic fibrosis. It wasn't routinely done because taking a cell or two from an embryo that is only 8 cells brought with it the possibility of damaging the embryo.

Nowadays, the cells are taken later and aren't part of the inner cell mass that becomes the actual fetus. These cells still have the information embryologists are looking for (does it have the correct number of chromosomes), but the procedure doesn't incur the same risk.

Why do it at all? This level of testing gives doctors and patients more information about the health of the embryo and its possibility of yielding a successful pregnancy.

Let's talk about "assisted hatching" — it may make Anne and Ruby think of Austin Powers, but come on, Jurassic Park, right? Remember the dino egg hatching during the tour?

These days, assisted hatching is done with a laser on Day 3 (it used to be done with acid and THE EMBRYOLOGIST'S MOUTH). Basically, the idea is to create a tiny hole in the "shell" so cells can ooze out during development and be collected for testing. Rest assured, hatching is a normal part of the process of implantation, laser-wielding Embryologist or no.

For more fascinating science (and movie references), you really need to listen to this episode. It's seriously jaw-dropping how far we've come in fertility treatment.

Get more information on Julia, Ruby, Anne, fertility, Embryology, and treatment at www.seattlefertility.com. And learn more of the amazing science of fertility at thewholepineapple.com.

Find more information in these previous episodes:

[Bonus] Snack 56.5: What is PGT?

Episode 29: My Embryos are Mosaic? Interpreting Your PGT Results