Rock-A-Bye … Embryo?!

It’s been widely known that babies can hear inside the womb and even respond to a person’s voice. But, to think that a tiny, motionless embryo can feel–and even thrive–when rocked outside the mother’s womb…well, that’s just amazing!

While trying to improve the survival rates of embryos during the IVF process, researchers came across this astounding discovery.

Just like Mom used to do

According to MSNBC, “by gently rocking embryos while they grew during in vitro fertilization, scientists increased pregnancy rates in mice by more than 20 percent. The same rock-a-bye procedure could lead to more success for in vitro fertilization in humans, the researchers say.” Statistics show that only a small portion (about 35%) of fertilized eggs survive the implantation, so these efforts to increase their viability is encouraging news to waiting parents with infertility problems.

“One of our goals for years now has been to modify how we grow embryos in the lab to be more like how they grow in the human body, because we know that the human body grows them most efficiently,” said Gary Smith, associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

The hand that rocks the cradle…

It’s been said that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. But, what happens when it’s a scientist that does the rocking? In this case, it can make a world of difference. Mimicking the motion embryos experience in the body as they make their way down the woman’s Fallopian tube to the uterus, Smith’s device gently rocks them to their destination. “By making the cells feel more at home, we get better cells, which is key to having better infertility treatment,” said study researcher Shu Takayama. An added benefit–the device allows nutrient-rich fluids to flow in and waste to move out. The periodic “rocking” by the fluid flow fosters a more healthy environment.

Rock on, baby!

Amazing that such a simple thing can have such extraordinary results. If the swaying motion can affect a budding embryo like that, just think what it can do after the baby is born. With that in mind, it’s just another example of why rocking horses, cradles and swings make great baby gifts.

Get baby moving in the right direction with this cradle baby gift that has a full layette set, including hooded towel, Velcro bib and burp pad, receiving blanket, hat, undergarment and booties in a decorative metal cradle. This on’e available in pink, blue or yellow, so you know you can’t go wrong. But, just so you don’t think that rocking is just for babies (and embryos), this rocking chair makes an adorable toddler gift or sibling gift when the next new baby arrives. There’s even a place to insert your little princess’ photo for a personalized baby gift that’s sure to be a family keepsake.