Embryo Arrest

Embryo arrest is when an embryo stops growing before becoming a blastocyst in the laboratory during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. A lack of growth means that the cells stop dividing during the cleavage or morula stage of development (before Day 5.)

The arrest of one or even a few embryos is normal during a procedure, but having a high rate of embryo arrest can even predict IVF failure, requiring further cycles.