Can embryonic arrest be prevented in advance?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 24, 2025
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There are no absolute methods in medicine to prevent embryonic arrest in advance, but we can intervene to some extent, such as by conducting pre-pregnancy check-ups. Both spouses should undergo comprehensive examinations at a hospital to see if there are any physical abnormalities that could affect pregnancy.

It is also important to avoid exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, such as working with hazardous materials, exposure to radiation, and consuming contaminated food. Additionally, pregnant individuals should quit smoking, abstain from alcohol, relax, maintain an optimistic attitude, and actively exercise to enhance their immune system.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Do you need to be hospitalized for uterine evacuation after a missed miscarriage?

The criteria for diagnosing embryo arrest generally involve the appearance of the embryonic bud and heart tube between six to eight weeks. If these are not visible beyond eight weeks, the situation is referred to as embryonic arrest. Embryonic arrest requires abortion, which for safety reasons typically involves hospitalization and a combination of medication and uterine evacuation. However, if the gestational sac is relatively small, an outpatient abortion procedure might be sufficient. Whether hospitalization is necessary should be assessed by a doctor, who will consider factors such as previous scar pregnancies, the condition of a scarred uterus, and the size of the current gestational sac, to make a comprehensive decision.

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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 Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Is embryonic arrest related to emotions?

Embryonic arrest refers to a condition during early pregnancy, around 9-10 weeks, where no fetal heartbeat is detected. In clinical practice, there are many causes of embryonic arrest, including chromosomal abnormalities, uterine malformations, infections, immune factors, and coagulation factors. However, many women do not investigate these reasons after experiencing embryonic arrest. Instead, they look for causes in their daily lives, such as dietary factors or emotional factors. In reality, embryonic arrest is generally not closely related to everyday life factors. Even if emotions fluctuate, such as becoming irritable or easily provoked, which might affect the gestational sac, such impacts usually manifest as symptoms of threatened miscarriage, but generally do not lead to embryonic arrest. Therefore, there is generally no correlation between embryonic arrest and emotional states.

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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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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.