Reasons that are not always completely understood by doctors stop the development of the embryo after fertilization has occurred, the embryo has been implanted in the uterus and strengthened in it. How sad this event is for a woman who was excitedly watching the new state of her body. Sometimes its development stops early, and sometimes after 13 weeks, when the child began to move.
The problem of this condition is not uncommon, about 15% of the total number of conceptions is a frozen pregnancy. The consequences of this event are always unpleasant, not so much from the physical as from a psychological point of view. Most women “over thirty” are at risk, but younger mothers may be among those who have encountered this problem.
Possible causes of undeveloped pregnancy
Sometimes there is the presence of anembryo (infertile egg) when the fetal development does not occur. In some cases, the embryo cannot develop, since the egg is fertilized, but only the fetal membranes are formed, giving the impression of a false pregnancy.
Among the possible causes, the most common are genetic or hereditary diseases , entailing such a phenomenon as a frozen pregnancy. The consequences of infectious diseases, both acute and chronic, which worsen during pregnancy, can also be the cause. The group of such diseases is quite wide: chlamydia, hepatitis, measles rubella, some others. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, kidney and liver damage, can also trigger a missed pregnancy.
Despite the fact that the exact reason for stopping the development of the fetus is difficult to name, the list is impressive for the phenomenon of missed pregnancy. The consequences of diseases such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, hormonal imbalance in the mother, autoimmune breakdowns, taking medications without a doctor’s prescription, poor nutrition, smoking and alcohol can all stop the baby’s development.
Signs and the possibility of "freezing" of the fetus in the early stages
Most cases of fading fetal development occur in the early stages of pregnancy. One of the early manifestations is toxicosis. If he disappeared, the appetite improved, and all signs of pregnancy began to disappear, then this is the first symptom that should alert the expectant mother.
The complexity of the situation is that toxicosis may not be initially, then spotting may become a possible sign. Well-being sometimes worsens, the temperature rises slightly, abdominal pains may appear. It is difficult to notice the signs and symptoms of such a phenomenon as a frozen pregnancy. The consequences are termination of pregnancy and spontaneous miscarriage. The most minor signs should be an occasion for immediate medical attention.
Consequences of a frozen pregnancy:
- Natural course of events: expectation of a miscarriage.
- For up to eight weeks, doctors can cause a miscarriage by prescribing special medications.
- Curettage can be performed, which is accompanied by antibiotic therapy.
- Mandatory control with ultrasound diagnostics.
When asked how long a woman can expect a spontaneous miscarriage, doctors cannot answer unambiguously. Dates are from a week to a month.
How to recover and prepare to become pregnant again
Many women who have undergone a frozen pregnancy subsequently become full-fledged mothers who bear and give birth to healthy children. After treatment and recovery, women can become pregnant again. The main thing is to correctly recover after a frozen pregnancy in order to be able to give birth to a healthy baby and prevent further fetal freezing.
Usually, the recommendations of doctors come down to giving the body to recover for at least six months. It is necessary to undergo an examination in the clinic to determine if there are any genetic or chronic diseases that cause the fetus to freeze. Standard recommendations contain the following points during the recovery period:
- Full examination and delivery of tests (the number and list will be made by the attending physician).
- Research on the composition and level of hormones by partners.
- Research and analysis of the thyroid gland.
- Verification of urogenital function.
- Comprehensive check for infections, both acute and chronic.
Attempts to become pregnant after spontaneous miscarriage and missed pregnancy should be positive.
Many women worry about becoming pregnant after a dead pregnancy, is it possible to give birth to healthy children after it? One frozen pregnancy can be an accident, but if this happens again and again, then there is undoubtedly a problem and we need to undergo a comprehensive examination and treatment.
It is usually recommended for complete recovery of the body to refrain from conception for six months, eat well, take vitamins, walk more, wait for the full recovery and normalization of the menstrual cycle. Exercise should be avoided, long walks should not be arranged, and excitement and stress should be avoided. The first discharge of the menstrual cycle is usually plentiful, do not be scared, this is normal.
It is very important to tune in to a positive result, not to be afraid of a new pregnancy. Believe that everything will be fine and tune your body to a positive wave so that the child (in the case of a new pregnancy) does not suffer from mom’s experiences. If you want to give birth to a healthy baby, then do not do this until you feel that you are ready to become a mother again and you can bear a healthy child without “burdening” it with your fears.