What are the reasons for two instances of embryonic arrest?

Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
Updated on September 07, 2024
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According to current medical viewpoints, there are various reasons for embryonic arrest, but in 50% of cases, the cause is unknown. Identified causes can generally be divided into several categories such as chromosomal issues, maternal metabolic issues including thyroid disorders, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, immune factors such as lupus erythematosus or Sjögren's syndrome, along with abnormal antibodies, are also reasons. Furthermore, abnormal maternal anatomical structures, like abnormal uterine development, can lead to embryonic arrest. Paternal factors, such as abnormal sperm, can also result in embryonic arrest. Upon encountering embryonic arrest, if it occurs once, it can be observed initially. However, if there are two or more instances, comprehensive examinations for both partners are necessary, including chromosomal tests.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Does an embryonic arrest require a dilation and curettage?

According to the different intervention methods, surgical abortion is needed during an abortion procedure, while medical abortion might not be necessary. Embryonic arrest, also known as missed abortion, occurs during pregnancy due to various factors which result in the absence of a fetal heartbeat in the gestational sac or fetus. Most cases of embryonic arrest occur during early pregnancy. If no fetal heartbeat is observed by the 9th week of pregnancy, it is diagnosed as embryonic arrest. Once embryonic growth ceases, it is crucial to intervene artificially as soon as possible to expel the gestational sac from the uterus. Common methods of artificial intervention include medical abortion and surgical abortion. If surgical abortion is chosen for an embryonic arrest, it involves direct curettage or evacuation of the uterus. Embryonic arrest can also be treated with medical abortion, which involves taking oral medication to stimulate uterine contractions, soften the cervix, and expel the gestational sac from the uterus. A follow-up is required about two weeks after the abortion. If there is no residual material in the uterine cavity, then curettage is not necessary; however, if substantive residuals or blood signals are present inside the uterine cavity, then curettage is needed.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What are the reasons for embryonic arrest with no fetal heartbeat?

Embryonic arrest without a fetal heartbeat can be caused by many factors. For example, taking medications prohibited during pregnancy, exposure to harmful substances, radiation, or infections with bacteria or viruses during pregnancy. Other factors include genetic issues and poor emotional state of the pregnant woman during pregnancy. All these factors can affect the normal development of the embryo. If an ultrasound examination reveals no fetal heartbeat, it can be determined that the embryo has ceased to develop, and prompt treatment should be carried out.

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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 Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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What are the causes of embryonic arrest?

If an embryonic arrest is discovered, there are many specific reasons for the arrest. Firstly, the main reason for embryonic arrest is due to congenital abnormalities in the formation and development of the fertilized egg, which is a relatively common situation. Moreover, embryonic arrest usually occurs early when there are developmental abnormalities. In some cases, it may be caused by maternal factors, such as abnormal diseases in the mother or abnormalities in chromosomes, which can lead to poor embryonic development and subsequently cause embryonic arrest. Occasionally, issues related to the viability of the male sperm, or the presence of abnormal sperm, may also lead to embryonic arrest. Because there are many reasons for embryonic arrest, it is generally not possible to systematically investigate the specific causes.

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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.