How long does it take for a miscarried embryo to be expelled from the body?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 07, 2025
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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 Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Do you need to have an abortion if the embryo stops developing?

During prenatal check-ups, if it is indicated that the embryo has ceased to develop, it is necessary to treat the condition promptly. Normally, after the embryo has stopped developing, a detailed examination of the body is required to determine the current health status and to exclude potential complications such as coagulation dysfunction caused by the failed pregnancy. If everything is within the normal range, it is still recommended to promptly proceed with an abortion surgery to completely remove the embryo from the body to prevent long-term retention of embryonic tissue in the uterine cavity, which could lead to infections. After the abortion, it is also necessary to closely monitor the recovery of the uterine appendages and, if necessary, provide anti-inflammatory treatment as appropriate.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
46sec home-news-image

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 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 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 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.