What is “hatching”?
Assisted Hatching is a laboratory technique which is carried out just before the embryo transfer. It consists of making a small hole in the wall of the embryo/s with a computer guided laser, in order to ensure the safety of the embryo and its cells. Before attaching to the uterine lining the embryo must ‘hatch’ from its shell or wall. In some cases this shell is more tough or thickened than normal and may impede hatching, and thus implantation. If there is an indication for assisted hatching, your physician and the embryology team can discuss this technique with you.
