Why does embryonic arrest cause back pain?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on April 03, 2025
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After the embryo's development stops, the uterus will induce contractions, leading to pain in the lower back and abdomen, which is considered normal.

Following the cessation of the embryo's development, there will be episodic pain in the lower abdomen accompanied by back pain, primarily to facilitate the process of embryo cessation and to promote the expulsion of the gestational sac. In such cases, it is important to rest, observe the expulsion of embryonic tissue, and be mindful of vaginal bleeding. Rest should be prioritized, avoid overexertion, strengthen nutrition, maintain a regular routine, and, if necessary, undergo a uterine cleaning procedure.

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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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Can medication completely clear an arrested embryo?

After confirming that there is an embryonic arrest, timely treatment should be carried out, which can be either medical abortion or curettage. If the pregnancy is less than 50 days, medical abortion can be an option. Afterwards, an ultrasound should be conducted to check if everything has been completely expelled. If no residues are found, no further treatment is required. However, if any residues are discovered, another curettage must be performed. Therefore, whether a medical abortion can be completely effective in cases of embryonic arrest depends on the gestational age at the time of the occurrence.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How long does it take for a miscarried embryo to be expelled from the body?

After the embryo ceases to develop, some may naturally miscarry. Others may not be expelled naturally and require medical intervention for removal. After the embryo has stopped developing, the timing of expulsion varies from person to person due to different physical constitutions. Most women can naturally miscarry after the embryo stops developing, typically within about ten days when expulsion occurs. However, some embryonic tissue may be larger and adhere to the uterine cavity, preventing expulsion and causing continuous vaginal bleeding. In such cases, a visit to the hospital for an ultrasound is necessary, followed by medical abortion or a dilation and curettage procedure.

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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.