Can an ultrasound detect an embryonic arrest?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Embryonic arrest refers to a condition in early pregnancy where no fetal heartbeat appears in the gestational sac. The diagnostic criteria mainly include the lack of observable primitive heart tube pulsation via ultrasound after two months of pregnancy, at which point embryonic arrest can be confirmed. The definitive diagnosis of embryonic arrest is primarily through ultrasound. The following situations observed during an ultrasound can lead to a diagnosis of embryonic arrest: 1. If the diameter of the gestational sac exceeds three centimeters without a clear fetal heartbeat or embryo visible inside, it can be diagnosed as embryonic arrest. 2. If an embryo is already present and approximately 10 days after the appearance of the embryo, an ultrasound still does not show a fetal heartbeat, this situation can also be determined as embryonic arrest.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Why are there still pregnancy reactions when the embryo has ceased to develop?

Women experience various pregnancy reactions to different degrees after conceiving, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. These are primarily caused by hormonal changes in the body following pregnancy. When there is a case of embryonic arrest, the hormones in the body will gradually decrease, and the pregnancy reactions will also gradually weaken. Some may also experience abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Therefore, after embryonic arrest occurs, some pregnant women may exhibit early signs, such as the disappearance of breast tenderness and vaginal bleeding, along with a reduction in pregnancy reactions. These signs indicate that timely treatment is necessary.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can traditional Chinese medicine be used to regulate embryonic arrest?

After experiencing a case of embryonic arrest, it is crucial to actively investigate the cause, and it is not feasible to rely solely on drinking herbal medicine for treatment. The causes of embryonic arrest can include genetic factors, endocrine factors, immunological factors, infectious factors, and abnormal uterine conditions in women that may also impact embryonic development. However, if the cause is not identified, there is still a possibility of another embryonic arrest in the next pregnancy. Therefore, consuming herbal medicine is insufficient for treatment, and it is necessary to go to the hospital for a detailed examination. After determining the cause, treatment can then proceed.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Will the pregnancy test strip become lighter if the embryo stops developing?

After embryonic arrest, early pregnancy tests will show a fading phenomenon. This is because the embryo has stopped developing, and the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the body no longer rises but instead significantly declines. Early pregnancy tests work by detecting the amount of HCG in the urine. When embryonic arrest causes HCG levels to decrease, the result on pregnancy tests will gradually become fainter, even turning negative. It is advised that in cases of embryonic arrest, prompt miscarriage management or uterine evacuation should be conducted to prevent potential inflammatory gynecological conditions and impacts on the woman's clotting function.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Is it necessary to send an embryo for examination if embryonic arrest occurs?

After fetal growth restriction occurs, it is still necessary to send the fetus for examination after dealing with any abnormalities that arise. There are many factors that can cause embryonic arrest, such as maternal factors, abnormal immune function, and the environment of the pregnant woman. More importantly, factors related to the embryo, such as chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, are the main cause of embryonic arrest. Therefore, after embryonic arrest occurs, it is recommended to go to the hospital for a fetal chromosomal examination to lay a good foundation for the next conception.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Why is there no bleeding or abdominal pain when an embryo stops developing?

After the occurrence of embryonic arrest, some pregnant women may not experience any uncomfortable symptoms, nor do they have vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain. Embryonic arrest is detected through ultrasound examination, by observing the shape of the gestational sac and whether there is an embryo and fetal heartbeat present. If there is still no fetal heartbeat after eight weeks of pregnancy, it is determined that fetal development has ceased, or if the size of the embryo does not grow progressively with the gestational weeks, it is also judged as embryonic arrest. At this time, timely treatment should be performed, and one can choose either surgical abortion or medical abortion, rather than waiting and observing.