S3. Ep. 116: Jessica Manns | Understanding IVF: A Deep Dive into Embryology
- Jessica Lamb
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Inside the IVF Lab: A Deep Dive into Embryology with Jessica Manns
On this episode of The Mama Making Podcast, host Jessica Lamb welcomes Jessica Manns, an embryologist and infertility educator whose Instagram page, @explainingivf, has become a go-to resource for demystifying the science of IVF.
Jessica’s passion for embryology started in high school, and she’s built a career that spans over 15 fertility clinics across the U.S. Her hands-on experience in different labs and her mission to make IVF more transparent make her the perfect guide through the complex world of assisted reproduction.
What Does an Embryologist Do?
Jessica breaks down the process of IVF in simple, accessible terms. From egg retrieval and fertilization to culturing embryos and preparing them for transfer, embryologists are responsible for every step that happens in the lab.
She explains the two main fertilization techniques:
Conventional IVF (letting the sperm and egg meet in a dish)
ICSI (injecting a single sperm directly into an egg)
While clinics often default to ICSI for its higher success rate, Jessica emphasizes that patients always have a say — and should understand the pros and cons of each method.
Understanding Genetic Testing
Jessica provides a clear overview of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT):
PGT-A tests for aneuploidy (abnormal number of chromosomes)
PGT-M screens for known inherited conditions
PGT-SR identifies structural rearrangements in chromosomes
She explains terms like mosaicism and how labs determine whether an embryo is considered genetically normal, abnormal, or somewhere in between. “Even beautiful embryos can be genetically abnormal,” she says — a reminder of why testing, while not mandatory, is often worth considering.
What Happens During an Embryo Transfer?
Jessica walks listeners through the fresh and frozen embryo transfer processes, including:
Thawing embryos
Loading them into a transfer catheter
Watching the “shooting star” on the ultrasound screen
She emphasizes the strict protocols labs follow to verify embryo identity and quality at every step, helping families feel secure and connected to the process.
Timeline of an IVF Cycle
A typical IVF journey includes:
10–14 days of stimulation
Egg retrieval and insemination (Day 0)
Embryo development over 5–7 days
Genetic testing (optional), followed by freezing
Transfer a cycle or two later, if not done fresh
Jessica also explains what happens if a cycle is unsuccessful — from medication withdrawal to preparing for the next transfer — and highlights the emotional and logistical toll it can take.
A Surrogate’s Perspective
Jessica shares her deeply personal journey as a gestational surrogate. After completing her own family, she felt called to help someone else experience parenthood. She matched with a couple through an agency and carried their embryo — created before they met her — through a smooth IVF transfer and pregnancy.
“Sometimes knowledge is power. But sometimes ignorance is bliss,” she reflects, recalling how knowing too much made her second-guess early hormone levels. Her story brings a human and heartfelt lens to the scientific world she works in.
Creating Community Through Instagram
What started as an educational platform has become a space for connection. Through her Instagram @explainingivf, Jessica shares:
Educational videos and posts
Weekly “IVF Warrior” features
Monthly IVF Buddy Matches to connect people navigating infertility
Whether helping someone understand what a blastocyst looks like or pairing them with a support buddy across the globe, Jessica’s mission is clear: make IVF less overwhelming and more empowering.
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes in IVF — or just need to feel a little less alone on your path to parenthood — this episode is a must-listen. Jessica Manns brings clarity, compassion, and an infectious sense of purpose to every step of the journey.
TL;DR
Embryologist and IVF educator Jessica Manns shares the ins and outs of embryology, genetic testing, embryo transfers, and her own experience as a surrogate. This episode breaks down the science of IVF in a clear and empowering way, while highlighting the emotional and community support families need throughout the fertility journey.
How to connect with the guest:
IG: @explainingivf
Website: www.themamamakingpodcast.com
The Mama Making Podcast Mom podcast, Motherhood Podcast, Motherhood Journey, Postpartum Mental Health, Pregnancy, New Mom Support, IVF, embryology, infertility, genetic testing, embryo transfer, surrogacy, reproductive health, IVF success rates, emotional support, community support
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