Is embryonic arrest common?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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What to do about abdominal pain caused by embryonic arrest?

After discovering an embryonic arrest accompanied by abdominal pain, it is important to observe whether there is vaginal bleeding or expulsion of embryonic tissue. If the embryo is not expelled in time, an immediate uterine evacuation surgery is necessary to avoid the risk of intrauterine infection and impact on health. After the surgery, it is important to rest, enhance nutrition, and eat foods rich in vitamins and proteins. Moreover, a week later, a visit to the hospital for an ultrasound should be conducted to check if the expulsion was complete and to understand the recovery status of the uterus.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Can an ultrasound detect an embryonic arrest?

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 Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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How to handle bleeding due to embryonic arrest?

If it has already been determined that the embryo has ceased to develop and significant vaginal bleeding has occurred, it is likely that the bleeding is caused by uterine contractions stimulated by the halted embryonic development. In this case, it is first necessary to seek medical attention promptly. After confirming the halted development of the embryo, it is important to perform a surgical abortion promptly to completely remove all tissues associated with the ceased embryonic development, reducing the occurrence of post-abortion bleeding. After the surgery, it is also necessary to promptly use antibiotics to prevent infections within the uterine cavity.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long to rest after a miscarriage and curettage?

After an embryo arrest, it is generally necessary to undergo a uterine cleaning procedure. At least half a month of rest is required after the cleaning because the procedure can cause considerable harm to a woman's body. The uterus needs time to recover, so it is best to rest at home for half a month after the uterine cleaning. During this period, it is important to rest, avoid overexertion, and not stay up late. Smoking and drinking are also discouraged. Intercourse should be avoided for a month, and it is crucial to keep the perineal area clean and observe any vaginal bleeding. Generally, bleeding may occur after the cleaning, but it usually does not last more than a week.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Do you need to be hospitalized for a miscarriage due to embryonic arrest?

In cases where there is an embryo arrest, an abortion generally does not require hospitalization. However, if the embryo arrest occurs after three months, then hospitalization is necessary for treatment. For pregnancies of shorter duration, within 50 days, it is usually possible to induce abortion with medication. But if it exceeds 50 days and is within 70 days, a painless surgical abortion can be performed to manage the condition. This scenario generally does not require hospitalization and can be handled in an outpatient gynecological clinic. However, for longer-term pregnancies, there may be complications during the abortion process, and it is advisable to be hospitalized for treatment.