What are the symptoms of embryonic developmental arrest?

Jul 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I'm three months pregnant, and I've been especially careful during my pregnancy, fearing that the baby might have any problems. However, I would still like to ask: what are the symptoms of embryonic arrest?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
When embryonic development stops, pregnant women may experience various symptoms. The main ones include: 1. **Disappearance of pregnancy symptoms:** Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness may suddenly diminish or stop altogether. This may occur because hormone levels in the body gradually return to normal after embryonic development ceases. 2. **Vaginal bleeding:** Following embryonic arrest, some women may experience light vaginal bleeding. The blood may appear dark red or bright red, and some women may notice brownish discharge. 3. **Abdominal pain:** Embryonic arrest can lead to uterine contractions, causing abdominal pain or discomfort. Pain in the lower abdomen, in particular, may be a sign of impending miscarriage. 4. **Breast changes:** During pregnancy, the breasts typically become larger and firmer. If embryonic development stops, the breasts may gradually return to their pre-pregnancy state, and the feeling of breast fullness may decrease. 5. **Fetal heartbeat stops:** An ultrasound examination may reveal the absence of a fetal heartbeat, which is direct evidence of embryonic developmental arrest. Once these symptoms appear, pregnant women should seek medical attention promptly to confirm the embryonic condition through further examinations and take appropriate measures under a doctor's guidance.