Aim and objective: The overview of early embryo development was used to introduce the concept of embryo powers, representing the ability of an embryo to exert an action. Materials and methods: A theory-building approach was applied based on the sequence of events during early embryo development. Results: At the beginning of the development as a fertilized zygote, the embryo potential is at its maximum; however, the embryo itself is completely powerless relying on the proteins and structures provided by the maternal genome. The embryo powers originate from its newly activated genome and gradually increase. Their utilization results in the establishing of the infrastructure necessary to create a body plan. Conclusion: The understanding of embryo powers determines the possibilities for medical intervention in the case of “embryo as a patient”. Moreover, these powers are at the core of controversial technologies converting embryos into “embryo as a cure” for regenerative medicine.