Embryonic arrest means

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Embryonic arrest, as the name implies, refers to the cessation of embryo development. In clinical practice, it is also called fibroid miscarriage. Embryonic arrest is a pathological condition. Normally, in the early stages of pregnancy, as activity increases, the gestational sac gradually begins to show a yolk sac, embryo bud, and fetal heartbeat. If the fetal heartbeat is still not visible after a certain period, it indicates that the gestational sac is in a state of decay and that the embryo has stopped developing. Generally, 9 weeks of pregnancy is considered the final deadline for diagnosis. If no fetal heartbeat is detected during an ultrasound at 9 weeks of pregnancy, it can be diagnosed as embryonic arrest. Once diagnosed, it is advisable to proceed with an abortion as soon as possible to minimize harm to the woman’s body. If embryonic arrest occurs consecutively more than twice, a thorough examination of both partners should be conducted to determine the cause, to guide the next pregnancy.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Do you need to have an abortion if the embryo stops developing?

During prenatal check-ups, if it is indicated that the embryo has ceased to develop, it is necessary to treat the condition promptly. Normally, after the embryo has stopped developing, a detailed examination of the body is required to determine the current health status and to exclude potential complications such as coagulation dysfunction caused by the failed pregnancy. If everything is within the normal range, it is still recommended to promptly proceed with an abortion surgery to completely remove the embryo from the body to prevent long-term retention of embryonic tissue in the uterine cavity, which could lead to infections. After the abortion, it is also necessary to closely monitor the recovery of the uterine appendages and, if necessary, provide anti-inflammatory treatment as appropriate.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Can an arrested embryo be expelled naturally?

Embryonic arrest, also known as missed miscarriage, refers to the restriction of growth and development of the gestational sac in early pregnancy due to various factors, with no fetal heartbeat detected on an ultrasound at 9 weeks of pregnancy. When embryonic arrest occurs, a natural miscarriage may happen, but it's also possible that a natural miscarriage won't occur. Once embryonic arrest is confirmed, waiting for a natural miscarriage isn't advisable, as it is unpredictable and sometimes there might be no signs of miscarriage for a long time. Unrestricted waiting in such cases can harm a woman's body. Therefore, once embryonic arrest is diagnosed, hospitalization should be promptly sought, and artificial intervention methods such as surgical or medical abortion should be considered. While there is a possibility that the embryo could be expelled naturally, the likelihood is relatively low.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Is embryonic arrest common?

Embryonic Arrest, also known as missed abortion, refers to a condition in early pregnancy where the gestational sac does not develop normally. By the end of the ninth week of pregnancy, no definitive fetal heartbeat can be seen on an ultrasound. Recently, embryonic arrest has become relatively more common in clinical practice, primarily due to various life stresses and the impact of various chemicals. Additionally, the age at which women are having children is gradually increasing, with many women over 30, and even over 35, having their first child. These women, being older, tend to have poorer egg quality, thus increasing the likelihood of embryonic arrest. Women who have previously experienced embryonic arrest should make comprehensive pre-pregnancy preparations and undergo appropriate tests, as well as seek pre-pregnancy guidance to increase the chances of a successful future pregnancy.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can embryonic arrest be prevented in advance?

There are no absolute methods in medicine to prevent embryonic arrest in advance, but we can intervene to some extent, such as by conducting pre-pregnancy check-ups. Both spouses should undergo comprehensive examinations at a hospital to see if there are any physical abnormalities that could affect pregnancy. It is also important to avoid exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, such as working with hazardous materials, exposure to radiation, and consuming contaminated food. Additionally, pregnant individuals should quit smoking, abstain from alcohol, relax, maintain an optimistic attitude, and actively exercise to enhance their immune system.

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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.