What are the disadvantages?
Previously embryos were exposed to a weak acidic solution during the assisted hatching process. Theoretically some of the acidic solution could have had an influence on the growth of the embryo although there has been no evidence of any increase in the rate of abnormality to babies born following assisted hatching. Now that a directed laser beam is used to make the opening there is no possible risk related to exposure of the embryos to any chemical solution. It is possible that assisted hatching can increase the chance of identical twins developing but this is a rare occurrence. We must emphasise that only patients fitting the criteria will be considered for assisted hatching.
