A hatching blastocyst is one that is in the process of breaking through its outer shell, the zona pellucida, which is a normal step that generally needs to happen before an embryo can implant in the uterine lining. Embryology reports sometimes note whether a blastocyst is hatching or has already hatched at the time it is frozen or transferred. Whether a blastocyst is hatching at a given moment reflects its stage of development rather than a separate quality measure, and it is one of several observations considered alongside overall grading.
Also known as: hatched blastocyst, assisted hatching stage
Sources
- ICMR Standard Treatment Workflows (icmr.gov.in/standard-treatment-workflows-stws)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.