Hi Trish
Yes, I know they're not just discarded. That was a word I chose rather than saying they didn't make it. Typing laziness. I have done a lot of research on this and ivf over the past 15 years.
No I didn't think Dr Smith from an American website would be at Westmead as well!!!
I think my point has been missed. That is - that if an embryo doesn't make it to blast in the dish doesn't definitely mean it wouldn't survive in utero. That's why I keep referring to all those bubs born pre 1997.
I also have experienced the pain of a BFP, appropriately on Remembrance Day this year, that didn't follow through. After 15 years of waiting and then finding out 3 days later that I had a beta of <5 - yes, I know full well all about that pain. Knowing that my journey now has to end and I will never hold my own child in my arms - yep I know that pain too.
I am sure all will be fine for you and I couldn't agree more with your last line
So the perfect looking embryo is not always the answer to our dreams.