What are the causes of embryonic arrest?

Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
Updated on September 25, 2024
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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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What is the progesterone level for embryonic arrest?

When an embryo stops developing, the progesterone level will gradually decrease, but how much it can decrease is uncertain; it depends on the gestational age and individual differences. However, if an embryo stops developing, the progesterone level usually does not exceed 20. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is essential for pregnant women to maintain good living habits, avoid harmful factors, rest well, strengthen nutrition, abstain from sexual intercourse in early pregnancy, avoid misuse of medication, and be vigilant about symptoms like vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Why is there still morning sickness when the embryo has stopped developing?

After a missed miscarriage occurs, the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the body does not immediately drop to normal levels, so symptoms of morning sickness may still occur. As the hormone levels decrease gradually following the embryonic demise, these symptoms of morning sickness will also gradually ease and even disappear. Therefore, it is important to address a missed miscarriage promptly. This can be managed through surgical abortion or medication-induced abortion to avoid prolonged untreated cases, which could lead to gynecological inflammation or abnormalities in blood coagulation functions.

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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 traditional Chinese medicine be used to regulate embryonic arrest?

After experiencing a case of embryonic arrest, it is crucial to actively investigate the cause, and it is not feasible to rely solely on drinking herbal medicine for treatment. The causes of embryonic arrest can include genetic factors, endocrine factors, immunological factors, infectious factors, and abnormal uterine conditions in women that may also impact embryonic development. However, if the cause is not identified, there is still a possibility of another embryonic arrest in the next pregnancy. Therefore, consuming herbal medicine is insufficient for treatment, and it is necessary to go to the hospital for a detailed examination. After determining the cause, treatment can then proceed.

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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.