Does embryonic arrest definitely require a uterine curettage?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on November 15, 2024
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After embryo arrest, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy in a timely manner, but it is not always necessary to undergo a uterine curettage; medication can also be taken orally to help expel the pregnancy sac. Oral medication can stimulate the uterus and soften the cervix to cause uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy sac outside the uterus. However, if the embryo arrest occurs later in the pregnancy, then an artificial abortion is required, which can be done by direct curettage or uterine clearing to help expel the pregnancy tissue. Therefore, it is recommended to go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination after embryo arrest, and then decide whether to choose medical abortion or uterine clearing based on the timing of the examination. (The specific medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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.

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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What will happen if a miscarried embryo is not removed from the uterus?

After embryonic arrest occurs, it is necessary to handle it promptly, which involves expelling the embryo from the body. If the embryo remains for an extended period without timely intervention, it can easily lead to an infection in the uterine cavity, or even sepsis. The fetus may adhere to the uterine wall, making it difficult to clean later and can easily cause severe bleeding, seriously endangering the patient's life. Therefore, once we identify that an embryonic arrest has definitely occurred, it is crucial to undergo prompt uterine cleaning treatment. It is advisable to communicate with the hospital doctors and take appropriate measures.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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How to preserve a pregnancy after embryonic arrest

Embryonic arrest, also known as missed miscarriage, refers to a condition during early pregnancy where if no fetal heartbeat is detected by ultrasound during weeks 8 to 9 of pregnancy, it should be diagnosed as embryonic arrest. Embryonic arrest indicates that the gestational sac has ceased to live, and in such cases, efforts to preserve the pregnancy are pointless as they are meaningless. However, it is important to analyze the reasons behind embryonic arrest to guide future pregnancies. Common causes of embryonic arrest include abnormalities in chromosomes, infections, immunity, and rheumatological markers. When embryonic arrest occurs, tests should be conducted targeting these indicators to clearly identify the abnormal factors, thereby guiding and potentially increasing the success rate of subsequent pregnancies.