Can a pregnancy test still detect pregnancy if the embryo has stopped developing?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on March 16, 2025

00:00

00:00

After embryonic arrest, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the body is still relatively high, and it does not immediately drop to normal. Therefore, if a pregnancy test is conducted at this time, it can still test positive. The diagnosis of embryonic arrest needs to be confirmed by an ultrasound examination, which checks the size of the fetus and whether there is a fetal heartbeat and fetal bud, and whether they correspond to the gestational age. If embryonic arrest is confirmed, it is necessary to actively proceed with an abortion, then identify and actively treat the causes of the embryonic arrest, in preparation for the next pregnancy attempt.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min 2sec

home-news-image

Embryonic arrest means

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.

home-news-image

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

57sec

home-news-image

Does an embryonic arrest require a uterine curettage?

After discovering that the embryo has ceased developing, it is necessary to undergo a uterine cleaning treatment. If an embryo arrest is not dealt with promptly, it can cause an infection in the uterine cavity and even lead to abnormalities in the woman's coagulation function, which is very detrimental to health. However, a uterine cleaning is not always necessary. If the gestational sac is relatively small, medications can be used to induce contractions of the uterus, facilitating the expulsion of the gestational sac from the body. It is advisable to handle the situation promptly after discovering an arrested embryo and to perform thorough prenatal screenings before attempting to conceive again, to prevent the recurrence of such adverse pregnancy conditions.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

58sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

42sec

home-news-image

Is a painless abortion painful for a missed miscarriage?

After an embryonic arrest occurs, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy promptly, and a painless abortion surgery can be chosen. During the abortion surgery, anesthetic drugs are administered, usually intravenous anesthesia. During the procedure, the patient is in a sleeping state, completely unconscious, and therefore does not feel any pain. Generally, a few minutes after the surgery, the effect of the anesthetic wears off quickly and the patient will wake up. Therefore, patients can rest assured, especially for women who are particularly sensitive to pain, using painless abortion can reduce their fear and alleviate some of the pain during the procedure.

home-news-image

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

1min

home-news-image

Will the embryo still grow if the embryo has stopped developing?

When embryonic arrest occurs, the embryo will no longer grow. There are many causes for embryonic arrest, such as congenital developmental defects of the gestational sac, abnormalities in the fertilized egg, congenital genetic diseases, and chromosomal abnormalities, all of which can easily lead to the cessation of embryonic development. At this time, regular observation of the embryonic tissue, which will no longer continue to grow and no fetal heartbeat is present, can confirm the condition of embryonic arrest. It is recommended to proceed with further treatment, such as medical abortion or surgical abortion. After the abortion, it is important to rest and enhance nutrition. It is also advised to have a thorough pregnancy check-up before the next pregnancy attempt to prevent recurrence of embryonic arrest.