A frozen pregnancy is a pathological condition of the fetus when the embryo stops developing in the womb. Most often, this phenomenon is observed at 5–6 weeks, when the placenta has not yet taken root in the uterus.

There are many reasons for the anomaly. Fetal growth is influenced by both external and internal factors. The disease occurs without pronounced symptoms. Only symptoms of normal pregnancy are observed: toxicosis, breast enlargement and halo, no periods. It would seem that healthy bearing of a baby should not provoke any problems, but sometimes the fetus freezes, which entails serious consequences.

What is a frozen pregnancy

Frozen pregnancy (FPM) is an abnormal development of the embryo. When the pathology begins to progress, the child stops growing and freezes inside the mother, resulting in the death of the baby. The pathological condition is also called failed miscarriage, since the death of the fetus occurs arbitrarily without clinical signs.

The abnormal condition occurs in any trimester of pregnancy. Most often, the diagnosis occurs in women over 40 years of age. The pathological condition is observed in the first trimester at 7–8 weeks of development. If the problem is not immediately identified, this will lead to inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs and provoke serious consequences.

Symptoms of the disease cannot always be determined in time, since in the initial stages of fertilization they are similar to the usual signs of a normal pregnancy.

With each trimester, the signs change and become more pronounced. Most often, the pathology can be identified after the 9th week of development, as the woman’s well-being begins to quickly deteriorate.

Why can a fetus freeze?

There are many causes and triggers for ST. At the initial stages, the disease is asymptomatic, which is detected through a clinical examination. If the process develops, then at 15–20 weeks of progression the girl will develop severe symptoms. In this case, the pregnant woman is hospitalized and given emergency medical care.

To avoid the occurrence of abnormal fetal development, you should know the main causes of the disease. By eliminating negative factors in a timely manner, there is a chance of avoiding the pathological process.

Pathogenic factors that provoke the disease include:

1. Genetic abnormalities during fetal development.
2. Infectious diseases.
3. Improper management of IVF or complications after the procedure.
4. Damage to the placenta during pregnancy by sexually transmitted infections.
5. Consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs.
6. Late conception of a child.
7. Placental abruption due to weak attachment to the walls of the uterus.
8. Endometriosis.
9. Endometritis.
10. Antiphospholipid syndrome.
11. Constant stress, worries, nervous breakdowns.
12. Chronic diseases.
13. Heredity.
14. Physical fatigue.
15. Chromosomal and genetic abnormalities

According to doctors, the death of a baby in the womb occurs for a variety of reasons. However, there are the most significant factors that can cause the disease. These include:

Infections

Infectious lesions of the body are the most dangerous for the unborn child. For the most part, it is viral infections that can destroy the embryo in the early stages, especially if the girl has not previously suffered from such types of illness.

The most popular viral diseases include:

• herpes;
• rubella;
• toxoplasmosis;
• cytomegalovirus;
• thrush;
• gardnerella;
• urealiticum.

Particles of viruses such as herpes and cytomegalovirus remain in a state of remission in the human body throughout life. The chronic form of the disease is less dangerous for the unborn child, since the woman’s immune system already knows how to resist it. But sometimes an exacerbation of the disease leads to disastrous consequences.

Infections that are directly sexually transmitted significantly increase the likelihood of embryonic death. Viruses such as HPV, chlamydia, mycoplasma and ureaplasma cause severe inflammation of the genital and reproductive organs. In addition, flu and colds can have a negative impact on the development of the fetus and the health of the expectant mother. Such diseases are especially dangerous from the 3rd to the 5th week of gestation, when the egg has not yet strengthened.

Embryo death due to infection occurs for several reasons:

1. Harmful bacteria, once inside, have a direct effect on the egg, damaging its membrane.
2. When the body is infected by microbacteria, it produces additional biological components that help fight the virus. This process disrupts the blood flow to the egg, oxygen starvation occurs and the embryo dies.
3. With chronic inflammation, the walls of the uterus weaken, and the placenta fails to fully consolidate. Because of this, the required amount of nutrients does not reach it.

Due to the high risk of losing a baby in the early stages of fertilization, a woman after re-fertilization should be more attentive to her health. You should not overcool, walk in wet and damp weather, visit places where there is a high probability of contracting the flu, and use contraceptives during sex.

Hormonal disorders

When a girl is pregnant, her body undergoes dramatic changes. In the 1st trimester, hormonal levels change, so surges and disruptions may occur. Because of this, there is a lack of progesterone and estrogen. These components transport nutrients to the fetus. With their deficiency, the outflow of oxygen and microelements decreases.

Sometimes the pathological condition of the egg occurs due to malfunctions of the ovaries or thyroid gland. Malfunctions of organs worsen the condition of the uterus, and the fetus does not take root in the womb.

Autoimmune pathology

Autoimmune disorders are observed due to a large amount of antibodies in the blood plasma. The disease is the cause of the disease in almost 6% of cases. If fertilization is observed a second time, the disease is observed in 35% of women.

Due to autoimmune pathology, thrombophilia forms in the body, and the diagnosis of genetic predisposition of the fetus is most often made. Complications with this diagnosis arise if the woman is over 30 years old. The older the woman, the higher the likelihood that the embryo will not develop normally inside. Therefore, before becoming pregnant, it is worth undergoing a full medical examination and identifying whether there are any health problems that could be a threat to the life of the mother and the unborn child.

Teratozoospermia

Teratozoospermia is an abnormal condition of sperm. As the disease progresses, the sperm becomes deformed and its structure changes. The pathology is characterized by thickening or strong bending of the tail. And also the sperm sometimes lacks a chromosome.

Problems with the baby's growth in the womb often arise due to poor sperm count. The development of teratozoosperia subsequently leads to male infertility. But sometimes not all sperm die in the ovaries, and a woman can become pregnant. Such fertilization will ultimately lead to miscarriage or premature birth. The progression of the disease due to the presence of teratozoosperia in men is observed in 55–60% of cases of development of the anomaly.

Wrong lifestyle

When planning and carrying a baby, do not forget about such an important factor as the lifestyle of the expectant mother. Bad habits, poor nutrition, non-compliance with the daily routine - all this can adversely affect the health of the mother and the unborn baby.

The presence of toxic substances or some active components of the drug in the body can negatively affect the placenta and destroy it. Therefore, before taking pills, you need to consult a gynecologist and find out whether it will harm the baby. You also need to adjust your meager diet and completely give up bad habits, stress, and hard work.

Other factors

The growth of the embryo is negatively affected by: climate, stress, nervous breakdown. Any negative emotions release enzymes into the body that retard the baby's growth.

Don't forget about previous abortions. If the girl has already had several abortions and mechanical cleaning after miscarriages. There is a possibility that the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes have been damaged. Flabbiness of the uterus can also be the reason why the fetus did not take root and died. In cases where a girl has undergone IVF, subsequent natural pregnancy is usually difficult and the fetus risks dying even in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Who is at risk

Girls at risk of embryo freezing during gestation are:

1. Age over 30 years.
2. Those who had abortions at an early age.
3. If there were multiple abortions and spontaneous miscarriages.
4. Who have previously had an ectopic pregnancy.
5. With the presence of pathological diseases of the reproductive organs.

It is impossible to determine that an anomaly is developing on your own at home. During this period, nausea and vomiting often occur, as during normal pregnancy.

Treatment methods

Only a gynecologist can make a final diagnosis after examining the girl and conducting laboratory tests. The doctor examines and feels the woman's stomach. When deviating from the norm, a slight expansion of the uterus is observed. A diagnostic method such as ultrasound helps to make an accurate diagnosis.

Sometimes anembryony (absence of an embryo in the fertilized egg) is diagnosed. With this diagnosis, pregnancy also does not develop. It is also worth noting that a sign of a frozen pregnancy in the later stages of gestation is the absence of the baby’s heartbeat. Low levels of hCG and increased prolactin in the blood also indicate problems.

If such a diagnosis has been established, then treatment is carried out within the walls of the hospital. In the hospital, doctors carry out different therapeutic measures depending on the stage of pregnancy.

Treatment proceeds as follows:

• In the 1st trimester, a medical abortion is performed.
• In the 2nd trimester, oxytocin is used to dilate the uterus and allow the baby to come out naturally (in rare cases, a caesarean section is performed).
• In the third trimester - natural birth or caesarean section.

If the antennal death of the embryo has been established, then spontaneous miscarriage is observed. If the loss of a child occurs at 10–16 weeks of gestation, then the girl is prescribed medication.

In cases where the fetus has partially exited the body or has severely damaged the uterus, surgery may be performed to cleanse the body of the remaining placenta. After the operation, the woman is prescribed a medicinal course of rehabilitation in the hospital; if necessary, psychological help may be needed.

How to avoid a frozen pregnancy

If a girl has problems carrying a baby and the pregnancy is terminated, then there is no need to despair. There is always a chance of getting pregnant again. But you need to know how to avoid the negative consequences of ST and next time give birth to a healthy baby. Women need to undergo a full examination at the clinic. It is important that both parents undergo the test, since the reason for the interruption of pregnancy may lie precisely in the man.

A woman needs to reconsider her lifestyle. Eliminate alcohol and nicotine. Nutrition should be balanced and healthy. It is best to avoid fatty, salty and junk foods. Play sports and move more.

It is important to regularly visit a gynecologist. This minimizes the risk of contracting infections and prevents the development of serious diseases in the body. A girl's life should have positive emotions and a warm atmosphere. Only then will the risk of two frozen pregnancies occurring in a row be minimal.

You can find out in more detail about the reasons for the appearance of abnormal development of the embryo in the womb by watching an educational video for expectant mothers:

Conclusion

Retarded fetal development in the womb can occur at any period of gestation. This serious pathological condition leads to the death of the embryo; the causes of the disease vary. Therefore, it is important to plan for the future of the baby, approach the new position responsibly and regularly visit the gynecologist to prevent problems from arising during the gestation period.

Frozen pregnancy is a pathology, the causes of which have not yet been fully studied. In medicine, a frozen pregnancy is called a failed abortion. The likelihood of developing the problem does not depend on the woman’s age, her social status or the number of previous pregnancies. The causes of the pathology are still not fully understood. According to statistics, frozen pregnancy occurs in every 176th woman planning to become a mother.

What is pathology?

Non-developing pregnancy is intrauterine death of the fetus associated with irreversible processes occurring in its tissues. The pathology does not have pronounced signs, such as, for example, a miscarriage. For this reason, it is important to know about the first signs of pathology in order to promptly seek help from a doctor.

Important! In gynecology, the concept of an empty fertilized egg is often encountered. The condition occurs when the egg is fertilized and attaches to the endometrium. However, the cell itself does not contain an embryo.

Causes of non-developing pregnancy

The most common cause of miscarriage is gene mutations. They are the cause of embryo death in 70% of cases up to 8 weeks. Numerous factors can lead to genetic malfunctions in the body: chronic or hereditary diseases, drug use, alcohol consumption by future parents.

Important! During pregnancy, you should definitely undergo screenings prescribed by a gynecologist and geneticist. This study will detect gene abnormalities in a child in the early stages.

The likelihood of a failed abortion increases if the expectant mother cannot give up bad habits: smoking, poor nutrition, drinking alcohol. Medications that a pregnant woman takes without the consent of a doctor can provoke various abnormalities in the fetus.

Therefore, in the first trimester, potent drugs are prescribed only in extreme cases, for example, in severe infectious diseases. After 10 weeks of pregnancy, a strong placenta is formed, which protects the fetus from external negative influences. In this case, taking medications will not be so dangerous for him.

Other causes of missed abortion include:

1. Rhesus conflict between mother and fetus. The problem is especially acute for women who have had multiple abortions. Gradually, antibodies to the embryo accumulate in the woman’s body, which reduce the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
2. Severe infectious and viral diseases. Expectant mothers are vulnerable to pathogenic flora, so they quickly become infected during epidemics. Some diseases (rubella, chickenpox, measles) can not only provoke the death of the embryo, but also cause physical and mental abnormalities in the child in the future. In such cases, the mother may agree to an abortion or decide to give birth and raise a special baby.
3. Hormonal imbalances. The cause of miscarriage can be a lack of prolactin or excess testosterone. If a woman experienced irregular menstruation before conception, her gynecologist must be informed about this.

Risk factors for the development of frozen pregnancy:

• old-time women over 35 years of age;
• numerous abortions in the past;
• the presence of defects in the structure of the uterus;
• previously diagnosed ectopic pregnancies.

If there is at least one risk factor, the woman is put under special control by a gynecologist. The risk group for abnormal pregnancy also includes women who refuse to be observed by specialists.

Important! Every pregnant woman should register with a gynecologist at 7-8 weeks of pregnancy.

Timing of frozen pregnancy

The problem occurs at any stage of pregnancy (even a few days before delivery). Studying statistical data, doctors noted several periods that are the most dangerous for the formation of the fetus:

• 3rd and 4th weeks from the moment of conception;
• 7-11th week;
• 16-18th week.

After the 20th week, cases of child development arrest are few. In the vast majority of cases, the problem occurs before 14 gestational weeks. The cause of the anomaly in the first trimester is genetic abnormalities and hormonal imbalances, in the second and third trimesters - infectious diseases.

Symptoms of pathology in the early stages

A woman may not immediately notice a frozen pregnancy, especially if it does not manifest clinical signs. However, the condition poses a threat to a woman’s life, since the decaying fetus poisons the body and harms the reproductive system. However, upon careful examination of her condition, a woman may note the following signs characteristic of a non-developing pregnancy:

1. Abnormal discharge. The woman’s body tries to independently get rid of the fetus after its death. Within 48 hours she may have a whitish discharge of normal consistency. After this, bloody streaks appear in the mucus. Gradually the bleeding becomes more and more profuse.
2. Change in the intensity of toxicosis. After implantation of the fertilized egg, many women feel the urge to vomit. They are associated with increased production of hCG. If the fetus dies, the production of the hormone stops. After a day, the woman may feel relief. 4-6 days after the death of the fetus, signs of toxicosis disappear completely. This symptom does not always indicate pathological processes in the body. The intensity of toxicosis may decrease as a result of the woman’s physiological adaptation to the fetus.
3. Deterioration in general health. An embryo that decomposes for a long time in a woman’s body provokes intoxication of the body. At first, the condition resembles a cold and is accompanied by fatigue and loss of strength. After two weeks, more pronounced signs of pathology appear: dizziness, anxiety, abdominal cramps, temperature.
4. Sudden changes in basal temperature. In pregnant women, the indicator is at a level exceeding 37 degrees. After the fetus dies, the mark on the thermometer drops to 36.7 degrees, and at the time of decomposition of the embryo it rises to 37.5 degrees.

Symptoms of pathology in late pregnancy

From the second trimester, other manifestations join the listed symptoms of frozen pregnancy. The clear clinical picture of the problem is due to the fact that the fetus is large.

The main manifestations of a non-developing pregnancy in the second and third trimesters include:

• absence of fetal movements for more than 24 hours;
• nagging pain in the abdomen;
• leakage of water with an unpleasant putrid odor.

The absence of movements in the fetus may also indicate an insufficient supply of oxygen to it. The situation occurs when the umbilical cord is entwined around the baby’s neck or torso. If a woman consults a doctor in a timely manner, the baby can be saved from suffocation.

One of the characteristic signs of fading pregnancy in later stages is a change in breast size. If breastfeeding occurred before the 25th week, then the breasts return to their previous size within a few days. At later stages after the death of the fetus, colostrum may be released from the glands.

After the death of the fetus, not only the breasts, but also the abdomen decreases in size. This is due to the fact that after the tragedy the amount of amniotic fluid decreases. The listed signs will be observed in a woman one to two days after the death of the fetus. In the later stages of pregnancy, the body tries to get rid of the dead child already on the 4-5th day.

Diagnosis of frozen pregnancy

Examination for a frozen pregnancy includes the following types of procedures:

• visual examination by a gynecologist;
• blood sampling for hCG;
• basal temperature measurement

The first two methods are considered the main ones in identifying signs of a frozen pregnancy, the rest are auxiliary.

Important! If there is a suspicion of a frozen pregnancy before the 7th week, then the abortion is postponed until a repeat ultrasound examination. It may happen that the device did not detect the vital functions of the embryo or the doctor made a mistake when calculating the timing of conception.

• early term - incorrect location of the fertilized egg or its damage;
• late term - the absence of a heartbeat in the fetus and the discrepancy between its size and the term.

Ultrasound data are not enough to make a final diagnosis of BD. Due to hormonal imbalances and psychological stress in women, fetal development can be delayed for up to four weeks. In this case, a repeat ultrasound is performed after two weeks. If the fetus has not increased in size, this means that it is dead.

Treatment of pathology

A popular way to free the uterine cavity from a dead fetus is medical abortion. In Russia, it is performed up to 9 weeks of pregnancy, in European countries - up to 12. The drugs used for therapy are mifepristone and misoprostol. This method gives an effective result, but has a list of contraindications:

• blood clotting disorder;
• severe anemia;
• renal and liver failure;
• ectopic pregnancy.

If a frozen pregnancy is diagnosed at 13-22 weeks, then artificial induction of labor is resorted to using one of the methods:

1. Intramial. A 20% sodium chloride solution is injected into the amniotic sac using a thin needle.
2. Isolated. Insertion of mifepristone or misoprostol into the vagina followed by oral administration of one of the drugs.

If the above methods for removing the fetus do not bring results or have contraindications for implementation, then doctors resort to placing a load on the presenting section of the amniotic sac.

In the third trimester, the dead fetus is disposed of through artificial birth. It is prohibited to perform a caesarean section in this case, as blood infection may occur. The woman will have to give birth to the deceased child without anesthesia as an emergency.

After treatment, the woman will need to adhere to the following rules:

1. Take hormonal medications to speed up the restoration of the endometrium.
2. Take antibiotics to prevent endometrial infection. Drugs from the macrolide or cephalosporin group are prescribed.
3. Undergo physiotherapeutic procedures aimed at regenerating damaged uterine tissue.
4. Take medications to strengthen your immune system.

Another way to remove the fertilized egg is curettage. For periods up to 12 weeks, vacuum aspiration of the uterus is acceptable. The standard curettage procedure is performed only in extreme cases, as it can lead to irreversible damage to the epithelium.

Indications for traditional curettage:

• ineffectiveness of drug therapy;
• cleansing the uterus from fetal remains after an incomplete miscarriage.

Curettage is prescribed to women after an ultrasound, blood test and electrocardiogram. A preliminary consultation with the doctor who will perform the anesthesia is required.

Progress of the curettage procedure:

1. The woman is given intravenous anesthesia, which begins to take effect within a few seconds.
2. The genitals are treated with antiseptic agents.
3. Using a mirror, the doctor fixes the cervix with forceps and expands the cervical canal.
4. The cleansing procedure is performed with a curette equipped with a loop at the end. With its help, all the mucous membranes of the cervical canal and uterus are scraped out.
5. After curettage, drugs are introduced into the uterine cavity to stimulate contractions. The treated area is disinfected with iodine solution.

After the operation is completed, all fixing gynecological instruments are removed. Cold is placed on the woman’s stomach, which helps to constrict small blood vessels and tone the uterus. A woman's menstrual cycle should resume 6-7 weeks after curettage. The operation is allowed to be performed until the second trimester (less often in later stages).

Consequences of a frozen pregnancy

Termination of pregnancy is stressful for the female body, regardless of the chosen method of treatment subsequently. It will be possible to fully recover after the operation only after 6 months. During this time, the woman will need to take hormonal medications.

Complications after a frozen pregnancy:

1. Psychological trauma associated with the fear of unsuccessful subsequent pregnancies or the inability to conceive a child.
2. Infertility. To prevent the development of complications, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations and be regularly examined by a gynecologist. Symptoms for an urgent visit to the gynecologist are fever, severe vaginal bleeding.
3. Inflammatory diseases of the uterine cavity. The complication often develops after traditional curettage. During the operation, the mucous membranes of the reproductive organ are removed, which makes it more vulnerable to pathogenic flora.
4. Adhesive processes. Inflammation of the uterus leads to the fact that its individual parts stick together. Deformation of the organ cavity subsequently becomes a cause of infertility.

Prevention of undeveloped pregnancy

Each couple planning a child must first undergo a set of studies, which includes a blood test for infections, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, and genetic tests. It is recommended to refrain from conceiving if less than 6 months ago one of the partners had rubella, chickenpox or a severe form of influenza.

Other measures aimed at preventing frozen pregnancy include:

• performing preventive vaccinations;
• visit to a geneticist;
• normalization of hormonal levels;
• maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
• refraining from flying in the first months from the moment of conception.

With proper planning, the probability of a successful pregnancy is about 90%. This also applies to cases where a woman has had unsuccessful attempts to bear a child in the past. It is important not to ignore visits to multidisciplinary specialists who will draw up a competent treatment plan after a frozen pregnancy.

A frozen pregnancy is a condition in which the fetus inside the mother dies and the pregnancy stops developing. Most often, this occurs asymptomatically and the woman learns about her diagnosis only during a routine ultrasound.

Why does pregnancy stop?

The life of the fetus, especially in the first 12 weeks, is very fragile and can be cut short by any, even minor factors: air travel, prolonged exposure to the sun, stress, poor ecology, etc. Doctors name several of the most likely reasons for the fading of pregnancy in the early stages:

• congenital pathologies and malformations in the fetus— doctors consider this the most common reason and call it “natural selection”: nature interrupts the development of a “low-quality” fertilized egg and thus prevents the birth of a child with genetic abnormalities;
• the woman has infectious diseases(flu, herpes, rubella, chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, etc.) - this is the second most common cause;
• consequences of Rh conflict between mother and child or hormonal disorders.

In addition, the risk of fetal death in the early stages is significantly increased by the bad habits of the expectant mother: smoking, alcohol and, especially, drugs.

The fetus died, the pregnancy no longer develops, and the woman may not suspect anything. In the early stages, it is difficult to recognize the signs of a frozen pregnancy at home. But women, especially those who have already experienced a terrible diagnosis, carefully monitor the course of their new pregnancy. There are only indirect symptoms by which a pregnant woman may suspect something is wrong.

Unreasonable reduction or complete disappearance of toxicosis can be noticed, and even then not always. If a pregnant woman suffered from severe toxicosis, then its disappearance, of course, will not go unnoticed. And if the signs of toxicosis were weak, then little attention is paid to this factor.

Breast softening may indicate intrauterine fetal death. In almost all pregnant women, immediately after conception, the mammary glands swell and become painful. When the fetus dies, the chest relaxes. But you shouldn’t panic right away when this symptom appears. During 9 months of pregnancy, according to many women, the breasts can relax and tighten several times. This is most likely due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Decrease in basal temperature can be caused by a frozen pregnancy. This happens due to a decrease in the level of progesterone, the hormone that supports pregnancy. Basal temperature should be measured in the morning in the rectum as soon as you wake up. Prepare the thermometer in the evening, since it is important to remain motionless for at least 6 hours before and during measurements. But this method is also an unreliable indicator of fading pregnancy, as other factors can affect the value of basal temperature: taking hormonal drugs, sex, illness with elevated temperature, etc.

Bloody discharge and nagging pain in the lower abdomen do not always occur during frozen pregnancy. This is its difference from a miscarriage. But in any case, this is a very alarming sign during pregnancy, requiring immediate consultation with a doctor.

Discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the gestational age may be noticed by a gynecologist during a vaginal examination, but this fact does not always indicate that pregnancy is fading. In this case, the dynamics of pregnancy development are monitored. And if in 2-3 weeks the uterus has not grown, but, on the contrary, has become smaller and softer, then the doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis of “frozen pregnancy” and, to confirm it, send the patient for an hCG hormone test and an ultrasound.

Decreased hCG hormone H - a regular pregnancy test may respond to this indicator (show a negative result). But it is better to take a special analysis.

Ultrasound indications- this is the most reliable and reliable indicator confirming the presence of a frozen pregnancy. Errors occur only in the early stages of pregnancy, when the doctor may mistake it for an empty fertilized egg that is developing normally. In this case, if the patient’s condition does not cause concern, you can wait up to 6-7 weeks and repeat the ultrasound. At this stage, an experienced doctor, using modern equipment, can already clearly see the embryo and hear its heartbeat.

What's next?

If the terrible diagnosis is nevertheless confirmed, then two scenarios are possible.

First. Doctors wait for spontaneous miscarriage, while monitoring the woman’s health. They can help stimulate a miscarriage by administering special medications. This wait-and-see approach is most often followed by foreign doctors.

Second. After the diagnosis is confirmed, the woman is immediately sent to clean the uterus, without waiting for a miscarriage and possible negative consequences from it. Staying a dead fetus in the uterus for a long time can cause an inflammatory process. This option for terminating a frozen pregnancy is used by Russian doctors.

Doctors recommend planning your next pregnancy after a frozen one no earlier than six months later, or better yet, a year later. During this time, it is advisable for both parents to take tests and undergo an examination to identify the cause of fetal freezing.

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It is almost impossible to predict the period at which pregnancy may fail. Dry statistics show that the most dangerous period is the first 13 weeks from the moment of conception. There are critical periods during the gestation period during which the likelihood of pregnancy fading and miscarriage becomes maximum.

A woman cannot always understand that something is wrong with the development of the fetus. Especially if the pregnancy stopped developing in the early stages. How to understand that pregnancy is not developing, what gestation periods are critical, what symptoms do a frozen pregnancy manifest at various stages? We answer these most frequently asked questions in more detail.

During the period of observation of pregnant women, quite a lot of data was collected. According to statistics, frozen pregnancy occurs in approximately 15-25% of all cases of pregnancy pathologies. WHO (World Health Organization) states that there are 300 cases of undeveloped pregnancies out of 1000.

Statistically, the risk of developing a frozen pregnancy increases according to the woman’s age:

• 19-34 years old - no more than 10%
• 35 -44 - about 25%
• 45 years and above - 50%

Approximately 65-75% of cases of non-developing pregnancy occur in the first 10-13 weeks from the moment of conception. Most often, the death of the embryo occurs within 2 to 4 weeks from the moment of fertilization, and in these cases the woman may not be aware of her “interesting” situation.

A failed pregnancy leaves the uterine cavity with bloody discharge, which the woman considers to be a “slightly late” period (which, in fact, it is). 25-30% of cases of fetal growth failure are diagnosed in later stages of pregnancy, from approximately 12 to 25 weeks.

During the period of fetal formation (from 2 to 12 weeks), under the influence of a number of factors, the embryo may die. Also at the same time, various anomalies that are incompatible with life may develop. At 3-4 weeks, the placenta and chorion (the outer shell of the embryo) begin to form. Disturbances in the formation of these structures threaten pregnancy failure.

According to the statistics of frozen pregnancies by week, the most dangerous periods are considered to be:

• 2-4 week
• 8-12 week
• 16-20 week

At the same time, the 8th week of pregnancy from the moment of conception is the most dangerous!

In general, there are several critical periods in the development of pregnancy:

• From 0 to 10 days. The connection with the mother’s body has not yet appeared; during this period, the embryo either dies or develops.
• From 10 days to 12 weeks. At this time, the formation of organs and systems of the fetus occurs. Under the influence of unfavorable conditions, the fetus may die or develop numerous malformations.
• 3-4 weeks (within the second critical period). The placenta and chorion are formed. There is a high probability of developing placental insufficiency.
• From 12 to 16 weeks. Formation of the external genitalia.
• From 18 to 22 weeks. Completion of the formation of the nervous system.

Despite such frightening data, there is no need to be afraid of these periods. You should be more attentive to your body, and during pregnancy planning, undergo an examination and eliminate unfavorable factors (stress, illness, bad habits, etc.).

Symptoms

The symptoms of a non-developing pregnancy depend on the period in which the pathology occurred.

It is not always possible to establish a diagnosis of pregnancy in the early stages. Especially in cases where the menstrual cycle is not regular. A woman may not even suspect that she is pregnant and, accordingly, may not contact a gynecologist, considering another delay to be a normal situation.

The exception is situations in which a woman consciously plans a pregnancy, constantly monitoring ovulation, measuring basal temperature and conducting pregnancy tests.

2-5 weeks. A delay in menstruation can range from 8 to 15 days. A frozen pregnancy manifests itself as ordinary menstruation. 6-9 weeks. The delay in menstruation is long, the woman considers herself pregnant. When freezing, the following symptoms may occur:

• The appearance of bleeding from the vagina. The color of the discharge is brown, small clots may be present.
• At 6-7 weeks there are no painful or cramping sensations in the lower abdomen. However, after the 7th week, the discharge is accompanied by nagging or cramping pain in the lower abdomen, back, and lower back.
• All indirect signs of pregnancy disappear: nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, taste preferences (no longer craving “salty”).
• The fetal heartbeat, which can be detected from the 6th week using ultrasound, disappears.
• The breast becomes soft and painless
• Basal temperature indicators decrease to non-pregnant values ​​(36.5-36.8°C).

A single measurement of basal temperature is not an indicator. The last point should be taken into account only if the woman constantly kept a diary and took measurements.

10-13 weeks. At this stage, pregnancy stops developing due to chromosomal pathologies of the fetus. Typical symptoms are:

• Fatigue, weakness, lethargy.
• Abrupt disappearance of nausea, heartburn, taste preferences.
• The breasts lose pain and stop “swelling.”
• Swelling of the legs may occur.

A few days after the fetus has died, severe pain will appear in the lower abdomen and lower back. Heavy bleeding may begin. This is due to the fact that the uterus strives to get rid of an unsuccessful pregnancy. The risk of pathologies occurring in the first trimester of pregnancy increases if there were pathologies of non-gestation in the family.

13-16 weeks. The beginning of the second trimester with the fading of fetal development is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Weakness, lethargy, increasing fatigue.
• Pain: lower abdomen (cramping, like spasms), lower back, back.
• Poor appetite.
• The discharge is bloody and often profuse.
• When palpating (pressing) the abdomen, the pain intensifies.
• Increased body temperature.
• At week 16, multiparous women already feel fetal movement. At
• during freezing, movements do not appear or disappear as soon as they begin.

It is important to know that if the placenta is attached to the anterior wall of the uterus, then movement may not be felt until 21-22 weeks, even with 2-3 pregnancies. Therefore, if there is no movement, there is no need to panic, but you should contact a specialist. They will conduct an ultrasound or cardiac monitoring, which will determine the condition of the fetus.

17-18-19 weeks. Stopping fetal development is caused by insufficient levels of progesterone.

Source: beremennost-po-nedeliam.com

At this stage, multiparous women feel fetal movement. A sign of fading will be the cessation of tremors. In addition, painful and/or pulling sensations will appear in the lower back and abdomen. A brown bloody smear may appear.

20 weeks and above. The main sign will be the absence of fetal movement for 2 days and above. As a rule, there are no other signs. However, if you do not go to a medical facility, there is a high probability of developing intoxication of the body and severe bleeding.

The above symptoms do not always appear, especially in the early stages up to 13 weeks. A woman may not feel any signs of stopping fetal development at all. This condition is diagnosed using ultrasound monitoring or at the next examination by a gynecologist (the size of the uterus does not correspond to the period), and from the moment of death of the embryo can pass from 2 to 4 weeks.

In very rare cases, fetal development may freeze at 30 weeks or more. Most often the cause is illness or injury of the mother. It is impossible not to notice such a pathology in the later stages, since premature birth occurs almost immediately.

Diagnostics

To establish a diagnosis of “frozen pregnancy,” it is necessary to conduct additional examination methods to exclude errors.

Gynecological examination. When examined in a gynecological chair, a specialist (especially in the early stages) will determine the discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the stage of pregnancy. In addition, the uterus may be dense and “stone-like.”

At later stages (over 14 weeks), when examined on the couch and taking measurements of the abdomen, the doctor will also notice signs of lack of growth and density or tension of the uterus. The next step of the specialist will be to refer the woman for an ultrasound examination and a blood test for hCG.

Ultrasound examination. It will show a discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the expected gestational age. There will also be no fetal heartbeat, which can be detected by ultrasound from 5-6 weeks. The movement detected on ultrasound from 7-9 weeks will disappear. In some cases, the fetus may be absent. This situation is called anembryony.

HCG analysis. A blood test for hCG must be taken several times. Monitoring will show a gradual drop in human chorionic gonadotropin levels, which is inappropriate for the period that has passed since conception.

The test shows two stripes, but the color of the second one has faded? This situation indicates a frozen pregnancy and a gradual decrease in the level of hCG in the urine. If you carry out a repeated test, you can track the gradual fading and disappearance of the second stripe. It is important to know that such a picture is not considered 100% accurate. It is necessary to undergo other research methods.

Are errors possible when making a diagnosis of BD? This situation is not excluded, so specialists conduct two or three ultrasound examinations, with a difference of 5-7 days between ultrasounds. Such monitoring will allow you to track the growth of the uterus, fertilized egg and the appearance of heartbeat and movement.

If these signs do not appear, then the diagnosis of ST is correct. It is important to know that the fetal heartbeat can be detected using ultrasound from 5-6 weeks from the moment of conception! Therefore, if specialists suspect ST, they carry out expectant management, trying to wait until the 6th week of pregnancy. Often, after 6-7 weeks and after an ultrasound, the diagnosis of ST is not confirmed. Exceptions are those cases when the symptoms leave no doubt.

It is important for the expectant mother to carefully study the signs of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages in order to seek medical help in time. Women of all ages face this pathology. The older the pregnant woman, the greater the risk of anembryonia. According to statistics, on average, in 15% of cases the death of the embryo occurs.

Why does the fetus freeze in the early stages of pregnancy?

This pathology does not occur without reason. It is provoked by certain factors. There are suggestions that frozen pregnancy in the early stages, the causes of which should be determined to prevent this in the future, may occur in the following cases:

1. Genetic mutations are the most common factor. This pathology appears before the 8th week of gestation. More often it is incompatible with later life.
2. Hormonal disorders. These include a lack of progesterone and an increase in the level of androgens - male hormones.
3. Infections. During the period of carrying a baby, the body of the expectant mother is highly susceptible to viruses. The amniotic sac and placenta protect the embryo. However, this “armor” does not help with exacerbation of infections. In addition, at high temperatures that accompany infectious diseases, oxygen delivery to the fetus deteriorates.
4. Problems with blood clotting. The fertilized egg is not able to attach to the inside of the uterus. In addition, this pathology provokes blockage of blood vessels; as a result, the embryo does not receive the required amount of valuable substances, and it stops developing.
5. Unbalanced diet and unhealthy lifestyle. These include a diet poor in vitamins, excessive stress, constant exposure to the computer or TV, irregular walks, and so on.

How to determine a frozen pregnancy in the early stages?

The death of the embryo at the initial stage may be asymptomatic. However, there are still a number of signs that eloquently indicate to a woman that a problem has arisen. It is important for her to know how a frozen pregnancy manifests itself in the early stages. This will help prevent serious consequences for the mother's health. Neglecting such symptoms is unwise and even dangerous.

The first signs of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages

There are a number of symptoms, the manifestation of which should make a woman wary. The body itself will tell you how to recognize a frozen pregnancy in the early stages. The expectant mother should pay special attention to the following symptoms:

1. Sudden disappearance of toxicosis. If early gestosis occurs suddenly and without cause, it’s time to sound the alarm.
2. Softening the breasts. After conception, women notice that the mammary glands have become enlarged and painful. During the entire period of gestation, baby breasts can relax and become fuller. There is nothing unnatural in such alternation, because it is associated with hormonal “jumps” in the body. However, if the mammary glands relax in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, this may be a sign of fetal fading. There are other “provocateurs” of breast softening. For this reason, you should not panic when this symptom appears.

Discharge from frozen pregnancy in the early stages

If the body does not immediately get rid of the dead fertilized egg, its rejection will occur gradually. A frozen pregnancy in the early stages will show symptoms in the form of vaginal discharge. The consistency of the secretion and its shade directly depend on how much time has passed since the death of the fetus. Signs of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages are:

1. The first 2 days after the death of the embryo, the consistency of the secretion is normal. They have a whitish color.
2. Starting from the 3rd to the 6th day, the fertilized egg gradually begins to peel off from the walls of the uterus. As a result, bloody streaks appear in the discharge.
3. 12-14 days after the death of the embryo, the secretion acquires a brownish-reddish tint.

More often, pregnant women turn to a gynecologist when they notice red discharge - signs of fetal fading. This process is irreversible, and it is no longer possible to correct anything. However, bloody discharge does not always indicate that the development of the embryo has stopped. They can also signal another pathology occurring in a woman’s body.

Feelings of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages

At the initial stage, the woman feels as before. However, as decomposition progresses, the signs of fetal failure in early pregnancy intensify. Along with the disappearance of toxicosis and softening of the mammary glands, severe headaches appear. In addition, the pregnant woman is overcome by weakness and lack of strength. A month after the death of the embryo, severe cramping pain appears in the lower abdomen.

BT for frozen pregnancy in the early stages

Some women continue to control even after fertilization. During normal gestation, the thermometer should show 37°C. However, the temperature during a frozen pregnancy in the early stages decreases. This symptom is the earliest sign of fetal death. It appears as follows:

• after 46-48 hours the temperature drops to 36.8°C and remains at this level for a couple of days;
• after 4 days BT is 36.7°C;
• when the fertilized egg begins to rapidly decompose, an inflammatory process occurs in the female body with a sharp “jump” in temperature.

Frozen pregnancy - diagnosis

Women go to the doctor with complaints of nagging pain or bleeding. The doctor conducts a thorough examination, allowing him to identify fetal freezing in the early stages. During it, the doctor compares the size of the pregnant woman’s uterus with what it should be at a given stage of gestation. In addition, the doctor prescribes additional tests: and testing for hCG. Based on the results obtained, he will either confirm the death of the fetus or refute it.

HCG for frozen pregnancy in the early stages

This hormone begins to be produced intensively after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine cavity. To determine its indicator, blood is donated in the morning on an empty stomach or in the afternoon (you can’t eat anything 4-5 hours before). With normal development of the embryo, the level of the hormone in the blood increases daily. However, hCG decreases during frozen pregnancy. If the fetus dies, this is reflected in the hormone levels as follows:

• the concentration of hCG in a woman’s blood is much lower than it should be at this stage of gestation;
• During the control test, a decrease in the hormone level is noted.

In some cases, hCG may even increase, but its level still remains below normal. Gynecologists believe that the “behavior” of this hormone does not yet confirm anembryonia. Signs of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages should be taken into account as a whole. For this reason, growth disturbance is only one of the symptoms. To obtain a reliable picture, the doctor will prescribe other diagnostic procedures.

Ultrasound of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages

This procedure gives reliable results in determining anembryonia. If a frozen pregnancy is suspected, an ultrasound will show the following results:

1. The size of the fertilized egg does not correspond to the norm (much smaller).
2. Not “visible” (after the 5th week of gestation it should be clearly visible).
3. The size of the embryo is smaller than it should be at this stage of pregnancy.
4. After the 4th week of gestation, a sign of anembryonia is deformation of the fertilized egg.

Frozen pregnancy - what to do?

If the doctor’s assumptions about the death of the embryo are confirmed, he develops a further plan of action. Removal of the fertilized egg from a woman’s body can be carried out as follows:

• prescribing medications that provoke miscarriage;
• scraping;
• wait-and-see position - after the death of the fetus, the amount of progesterone decreases, which can cause spontaneous miscarriage.

More often, a frozen ectopic pregnancy in the early stages is “interrupted” by curettage. This mini-operation is performed under anesthesia. Curettage allows you to completely remove the fertilized egg. However, this procedure has contraindications. Scraping is prohibited:

• for genital infections;
• in case of exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• for bacterial infections that attack the woman’s body.

Recovery after early miscarriage

The rehabilitation period after curettage can last several weeks. It is important for a woman to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations:

1. It is necessary to take antibacterial drugs.
2. After curettage, you need to remain in bed. Physical activity can cause bleeding.
3. Since there may be intense discharge in the first 2 weeks after a mini-surgery, you need to use pads. The use of tampons during this period is prohibited!
4. You need to abstain from sex for at least 2 weeks.
5. If a frozen pregnancy is “aborted” at an early stage, severe pain in the lower abdomen persists. You don’t need to endure them heroically; you can take a painkiller.
6. It is necessary to take care of reliable contraception. Plan your next pregnancy at least 6 months later, or even later. By that time, the woman’s body should recover.

Frozen early pregnancy - consequences

If the death of the embryo is detected in time, complications for the woman’s health can be avoided. Otherwise, sepsis is even possible. The risk that pregnancy after a frozen pregnancy will be associated with the same problems still remains:

1. If anembryonia occurs for the first time in a woman, the probability of its recurrence is up to 25%.
2. After the 2nd pathological pregnancy, the risk that the problem will recur is about 35%. For this reason, the expectant mother should carefully monitor the signs of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages.
3. If anembryonia occurs for the third time, the chance of embryo death increases to 40%.

How to avoid frozen pregnancy in the early stages?

It is possible to prevent anembryonia. First you need to figure out why pregnancy stalls in the early stages. Also, expectant parents need to undergo a full examination before conceiving. A woman needs to undergo a smear test for vaginal flora and be tested for TORCH infections. The threat of fetal death will be minimized if destructive habits are abandoned in advance. Folic acid will help you bear a healthy baby. Signs of a frozen pregnancy in late or early stages are inextricably linked with a woman’s diet (it must be healthy).