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First UK Fast Freeze Baby

A couple from South Wales has become the first to give birth to a baby after using a pioneering embryo-freezing technique.

The couple, who had tried for a baby for seven years say their success should offer hope to others.

Evie Bloomer was born on July 23rd after her parents, Ian and Rebecca, decided to freeze embryos, a process known as embryo "vitrification".

The method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze embryos quickly, reducing the risk of damage when they are thawed.

 

According to Lyndon Miles, head of embryology and andrology at IVF Wales, vitrification allows extra embryos created during an IVF cycle to be cooled to 196˚ C and stored until they are needed.

Conventional freezing methods achieve a post-thaw survival rate of between 50 and 80 per cent, whereas the new technique has achieved 98 per cent.

Vitrification differs from traditional cooling and storing techniques in that it allows instantaneous 'glass-like' solidification of eggs and embryos without the formation of ice crystals.

17 out of the 39 women who have so far been offered the treatment have fallen pregnant and the technique could be used by women with cancer who want to freeze embryos in case their treatment affects their fertility.

 

A study conducted on babies born from vitrification reportedly showed no adverse effects of the technique.

Right now, it seems there are no implications to little Evie's health as a result of the vitrification process.