Embryologists monitor the progress of embryos until the point that the embryo is ready to be transferred to the mother’s womb. This is usually three or five days after fertilisation. The embryologist is present in the theatre for the procedure.
It’s a big milestone following weeks or even months of treatment. In seconds, the embryo passes through a catheter into the uterus, and a tiny flash of light is seen on a screen, signalling the start of new life.
A pregnancy test is taken two weeks later to confirm if the process has worked. The pregnancy rate from a fresh embryo transfer stood at 29% in 2021.
The harsh reality is that not everyone gets to take home a baby. Alexandra and Luke describe themselves as the lucky ones: “We were one of those couples that didn’t know if we’d ever have a happy ending. It’s the miracle of science that has given us our daughter. Without the embryologists and the andrologists, dreams don’t come true.
“We’re so thankful for what they do, for their training, and the time they have put in. They’re incredible. They’re bringing hope to people who need it. Without their skills, it wouldn’t happen, and we want to thank them for helping people to have a family.”