How long into pregnancy can there be no detectable fetal heartbeat or embryo development?
Aug 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
Pregnancy refers to gestation. The absence of fetal heartbeat and fetal bud typically occurs before 5 weeks of gestation. The fetal bud is an early stage of embryonic development; during the initial phase of pregnancy, the fetal bud is still very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye. If the fetal heartbeat and fetal bud cannot be observed in early pregnancy, there is no need for excessive concern—further examination after a period of waiting may be required.
Pregnancy refers to gestation. The absence of detectable fetal heartbeat and fetal bud typically occurs before 5 weeks of gestation. Detailed analysis is as follows:
The fetal bud is an early stage of embryonic development. In early pregnancy, the fetal bud is still very small and cannot be seen with the naked eye. However, doctors can detect the presence and development of the fetal bud using ultrasound technology. Typically, around 5–6 weeks of gestation, the fetal bud begins to form and the fetal heartbeat starts. The fetal heartbeat, generated by the fetal heart's pacemaker, is one of the key indicators of normal fetal development. Through ultrasound examination, doctors can observe the heartbeat and measure the fetal heart rate. Normally, the fetal heart rate ranges from 100 to 120 beats per minute at 5–6 weeks of gestation. Prior to this stage, the formation of the fetal bud and heartbeat cannot be directly observed.
It should be noted that during early pregnancy, the fetal bud and heartbeat may be difficult to detect due to their small size and position. Therefore, if the fetal bud or heartbeat cannot be observed in early pregnancy, there is no need for excessive concern; it may simply require waiting a little longer before undergoing further evaluation.
