What is the reason for a frozen pregnancy? What are the signs of a frozen pregnancy? Diseases associated with hormonal imbalance

During pregnancy, it can occur in women of any age. This situation is a great stress for a woman expecting a child. She begins to look for the reasons for the death of the fetus in order to avoid such a loss in the future. In this article we will look at what a frozen pregnancy is and how it manifests itself and what danger it poses for a woman.

About pathology

Usually this condition occurs in the first half, most often in the initial stages. In many cases, this is how the female body gets rid of an embryo with pathologies. The death of the embryo also occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. Usually, the fetus begins to be rejected. This state usually ends.

Important! Women have no idea about many missed pregnancies and subsequent self-abortions. When this happens in the very early days of pregnancy, even before the start of the cycle, the woman does not even suspect that conception has occurred. Experts believe that almost every second pregnancy ends this way.

Severe intoxication with high fever and severe weakness should alert a woman; with such signs, she simply needs medical attention. If 6-7 weeks have passed after the fetus died, and it is still in the body, then DIC syndrome (disseminated intravascular coagulation) may occur, the blood stops clotting properly, and bleeding leads to death.

Sometimes the cause of the fading cannot be found. But the usual causes of this condition are as follows:

• genetic. The most common causes of frozen. It happens to any woman, even to absolutely healthy ones. It is usually detected at (from to eight weeks) when the main organs are formed, and genetic abnormalities during these processes cause the death of the embryo. But sometimes it can retain signs of vitality for up to
• or "empty sac". It happens when it happens, but for a number of reasons the embryo does not develop. Then it will show a fertilized egg without an empty one.
• hormonal disorders. In women with diabetes mellitus and problems with the thyroid gland, the likelihood of fetal failure is higher;
• autoimmune diseases. Women with systemic lupus erythematosus are more likely to have miscarriages;
• infectious diseases. The most dangerous are rubella, some types and. It is especially dangerous when these diseases go unnoticed, without obvious symptoms. Then the woman has absolutely no idea what caused the terminated pregnancy. A severe case of influenza can be a dangerous factor. Various sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, and others) can also pose a great danger;
• bad habits. In women who are addicted to alcohol, fetal death occurs more often than in healthy women. Excessive consumption can also cause this;

• lack of oxygen. If for any reason the fetus experiences “oxygen starvation,” this can cause its death or pathology;
• when the embryo does not receive enough substances necessary for its development.

Important! According to current legislation, a pregnant woman has the right to demand from her employer a transfer to light work without harmful conditions during pregnancy and while caring for infants and young children.

The risk of fetal failure is high in the following groups of women:

• Starting from this age, the likelihood of genetic abnormalities in the embryo begins to increase, and chronic diseases acquired by this age bring little joy;
• plural .

How to recognize a deviation: the first symptoms

In the early stages, it is difficult to determine a frozen pregnancy, since nothing suspicious happens to the woman for weeks. Of course, during the examination, the gynecologist will see that they do not meet the deadlines, but it is still worth knowing what you need to pay attention to.

The following signs may indicate fetal freezing in the early stages:

• unexpected cessation of toxicosis;
• disappearance of painful sensations in the mammary glands;
• scanty;
• body enhancement;
• reduction (if you kept records of it).

At later stages, fetal fading is determined by the absence of heartbeat and

Did you know? The expectant mother can hear the baby's heartbeat around the sixth or seventh week of pregnancy.

Disappearance of nausea

During the period, many women, especially in the morning, experience nausea (starting with -). One of the alarming signs of a frozen pregnancy is a sudden loss of nausea. If after a few weeks the nausea returns, then this is an alarming symptom of poisoning of the body due to the disintegration of a dead fetus, especially if this condition is accompanied by an increase in temperature.

However, since not all pregnant women have toxicosis, you should pay attention to its appearance not from the beginning of pregnancy, accompanied by other signs.

Changing selections

Sometimes fetal fading is accompanied by miscarriage, and then observed. If there is any questionable spotting while carrying a child, a woman should contact a gynecologist.

If the body sheds the baby in the very first weeks after conception, it may go on time or with a slight delay. But their course will not be the same as always, they will be longer and longer.

Painless breasts

When the pain and feeling of fullness in the chest disappears in the first trimester, this should also alert you, especially in combination with other signs. Not all pregnant women feel discomfort or nausea in the mammary glands; all this is individual. Then you should look at other signs.

Decrease in basal temperature

Doctors' observations suggest that during pregnancy the basal temperature rises and does not fall after conception, but during freezing it decreases by about a degree. But this is not always the case, and the measuring instruments may fail. And not all women keep a basal temperature chart.

It is believed that if the basal temperature is below 37 o C, then this indirectly indicates the death of the fetus.

HCG change

Among the symptoms of frozen pregnancy in the early stages, the most accurate is cessation of growth and subsequent decrease in human chorionic gonadotropin (). Its increase indicates the onset of pregnancy, and its decrease indicates its end. A certain level of gestation corresponds to a certain stage of gestation. When pregnancy is fading, the amount of this hormone is less, repeated blood tests record its decrease or lack of increase dynamics.

What to do?

At the moment the doctor confirms the diagnosis of fetal death, it is very important for the woman not to fall into despair. The loss of an unborn child is a great stress, and at this moment support from loved ones is very necessary.

Important! If a woman cannot psychologically cope with the loss of a child, she must consult a psychologist.

If the frozen fetus could not naturally leave the uterine cavity, then the doctor must perform the appropriate operation to remove it.

On the eve of the operation, in order to completely eliminate negative factors and identify contraindications, the doctor directs the woman to undergo tests (blood tests, smear, hCG, infection test, urine test, bacterial culture) and an ultrasound scan, and may also, if necessary, refer her to additional consultation with an appropriate specialist (for example, a cardiologist).

The method of fetal extraction depends on the stage of pregnancy at which fetal fading occurs:

• - done over a short period of time (no later than eight weeks) using the necessary medications;
• vacuum aspiration- the most gentle way to remove the fetus. It is performed in the early stages of pregnancy under anesthesia using a special vacuum apparatus that creates negative pressure, which facilitates the suction of the fetus from the walls of the uterus. There is no risk of damage to the female organs as with simple cleaning with a curette. This procedure takes about fifteen minutes, and the woman’s body recovers very quickly after it. Discharge is carried out literally in the evening or the next day;
• scraping- occurs under anesthesia using a special surgical instrument;
• artificial birth- prescribed at a later date. To do this, premature birth is artificially provoked, and then the uterus is cleaned.

The extracted fetus is sent for histological analysis to identify the circumstances that contributed to the fetal death. The doctor may also take a pinch of the uterus or fallopian tube for analysis.

After receiving the histology results, the doctor prescribes the woman the necessary treatment, which very often affects her sexual partner.

Are there any chances of a second conception?

A couple has an excellent chance of conceiving a second time if they visit specialized doctors and undergo the prescribed course of treatment. But it is not recommended to become pregnant within six months after the fetus has died and cleansed. After suffering stress, a woman’s body should rest and also prepare for the next conception and bearing a child. It is necessary to undergo a detailed examination to completely eliminate factors that may have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy and cause fetal fading.

Did you know? Every three seconds a child is born on Earth. Every day on our planet, 910 eggs are fertilized.

The next time you conceive, you must definitely give up smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee and other bad habits. You need to carefully monitor your health: take those recommended by your doctor for planning conception, include more fruits and vegetables in your diet, take walks in the fresh air, do swimming, yoga, belly dancing, etc. If you feel unwell, you should take medications recommended for women "pregnant".

An important factor in preparing for a second attempt to bear a child is the woman’s mental state. It is advisable to try to treat this event as a difficulty that needs to be overcome, and not as something inevitable. To escape from heavy thoughts at this time, it is better to switch to work, change the environment and go somewhere on vacation, sign up for fitness.

When a desired second pregnancy occurs, it is very important not to succumb to panic associated with the fear of losing a child, and try to experience only positive emotions.

During such a period, the support of loved ones is very important, for whom the loss of a baby is also a great loss. In this case, there is no need to despair - you need to think about future children who will definitely be born.

The death of a fetus is a great nervous shock for a woman, but not a death sentence. This is a life-threatening condition for the mother, it is difficult to notice in the early stages, so you need to know the signs of a frozen pregnancy and undergo routine examinations by a gynecologist. When this condition occurs, medical attention and mandatory examination are needed to identify the causes in order to prevent its recurrence in the future.

Any woman expecting a child fears a frozen pregnancy. Ultrasound and regular monitoring by a doctor help monitor the development of the fetus. But a woman’s personal feelings also matter - signs that not everything is okay with the child are noticeable to her first.

The fetus can become frozen already in the first weeks of term, immediately after the egg enters the uterus. Therefore, the first trimester up to the 12th week is considered the most dangerous. It is possible that the child’s development stops in the second and third trimesters.

How to recognize a frozen pregnancy and move on with life after it? When you can plan your next pregnancy and what tests need to be taken - read this article.

Causes of frozen pregnancy

Many expectant mothers want to know for sure at what stage a frozen pregnancy can occur in order to save the child and protect themselves from its consequences.

The eighth week of pregnancy is considered the most dangerous. During this period, the embryo is most susceptible to teratogenic effects, which can lead to fetal death. The first trimester carries more risks for the embryo, in particular at 3-4 and 8-11 weeks. In the second trimester, care should be taken at 16-18 weeks.

How to recognize a frozen pregnancy? It may not show itself at all for several weeks. Symptoms are also not an indicator - they vary from woman to woman.

General features of the pathology include:

• abrupt cessation of toxicosis;
• presence of bloody discharge;
• decrease in basal temperature;
• increase in general body temperature;
• stopping breast enlargement;
• cramping painful sensations.

If any such manifestations occur, you should immediately contact a gynecologist. In the second and third trimesters, a frozen pregnancy is determined by the cessation of fetal movement.

Frozen pregnancy has its reasons:

• medications;
• alcohol and nicotine;
• infectious diseases;
• hormonal disbalance;
• diabetes;
• negative reaction of maternal immunity;
• frequent stress and harmful work;
• sexual diseases;
• antiphospholipid syndrome.

The following categories of women are at risk of fetal development failure:

• over 35 years of age;
• having abnormalities of the uterus;
• with a previously diagnosed intrauterine pregnancy;
• have had several abortions.

Causes of frozen pregnancy in the first trimester (in the early stages)

Medicine knows the following reasons for frozen pregnancy in the first trimester:

• genetic in nature - they account for 70% of cases, these are genetic anomalies of the embryo;
• hormonal levels - imbalance of estrogen and progesterone, increased amount of androgen;
• autoimmune disorders - antiphospholipid syndrome, which blocks the access of oxygen to the fetus;
• intrauterine infections - sexually transmitted diseases and viral diseases, rubella is especially dangerous;
• bad habits - alcohol, drugs, smoking;
• nervous tension - regular stress, taking antidepressants.

It is very important for a pregnant woman to know how to identify a frozen pregnancy in the early stages. The main clue will be her personal feelings and changes in her general health. But only a doctor can accurately diagnose fading pregnancy.

Like any disease, cessation of fetal development has its own symptoms, so it is important to know how exactly a frozen pregnancy manifests itself in the early stages.

It can be installed according to the following criteria:

• sudden disappearance of signs of immediate pregnancy - toxicosis stops and pain in the mammary glands disappears;
• deterioration of general health - chills, elevated body temperature, nagging pain in the lower abdomen, sanguineous and bloody discharge from the uterus.

Can there be toxicosis during a frozen pregnancy?

A woman cannot know for sure when the fetus stops developing in the womb. She may suspect this if the main signs of pregnancy cease, which were directly related to hormonal changes in her body.

A frequent question - does toxicosis occur during a frozen pregnancy has a very clear answer - no. If there was toxicosis and it was accompanied by general weakness and vomiting, a negative reaction to various odors, all these manifestations quickly disappear and the general condition improves within a couple of days. For this reason, toxicosis when fetal development stops is impossible.

Can there be toxicosis during a frozen pregnancy? , if vomiting progresses and the temperature rises? The answer is also no. These are signs of an infection entering the body, which spreads rapidly and can lead to the death of the embryo. In this case, immediate treatment is required.

Signs of intoxication during frozen pregnancy

If toxicosis suddenly stops and your health improves, a consultation with a supervising gynecologist is necessary. A frozen pregnancy that does not turn into a miscarriage is dangerous due to intoxication of the body.

Signs of intoxication during a frozen pregnancy will be the same as the main symptoms of toxicosis. These will add the risk of infection, sepsis and suppuration. The main cause of intoxication will be the death of the fetus and its further stay in the maternal body.

What tests should be taken after a frozen pregnancy?

Frozen pregnancy- not a reason to give up trying to get pregnant and have children again. Many women are interested in what tests should be taken after a frozen pregnancy. . They will help determine the likelihood of a successful pregnancy again and identify inconsistencies in the body, if any.

The main analyzes include:

• ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs;
• histological examination of uterine tissue;
• blood test for hormones - the level of progesterone and estrogen in the body;
• examination of a vaginal smear for sexually transmitted diseases;
• genetic testing for partner compatibility.

Cytogenetic analysis of the fetus after a frozen pregnancy

Cytogenetic analysis of the fetus after a frozen pregnancy is necessary to identify the reasons for the cessation of its development and miscarriage. It is carried out for up to 15 weeks. This analysis allows us to identify chromosomal abnormalities that could cause embryo development to stop.

A cytogenetic study determines the presence of abnormalities in chromosomes. The genetic material of the embryo is taken for it. In some cases, the blood of the parents themselves may be required.

The analysis process lasts several days, it allows you to accurately determine whether chromosomal defects were the cause of the missed abortion or whether there were no abnormalities in the chromosomes at all.

HCG analysis for frozen pregnancy

HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin- a special hormone that is present only in the body of pregnant women. Thanks to it, pregnancy is determined using a well-known test. The reaction to its presence appears in the form of two stripes. This is the most reliable and sure sign of a child’s development in the womb.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is present only during developing pregnancy, which is due to the growth of the child. The shell in which it is located and produces this hormone. Its amount in the body increases every two days. HCG can be detected in the blood from the second week of pregnancy, when it is excreted through the urine.

How does hCG fall during a frozen pregnancy? If the embryo develops slowly, the hormone level will be so low that the test may show a negative result for pregnancy. The drop in hCG can be sudden or gradual in each individual case. But if, during the analysis, the doctor determines that the growth of this hormone is impaired, the pregnancy is considered pathological and fetal death is likely.

Urine analysis for frozen pregnancy

Analysis of urine during a frozen pregnancy, it is of a general nature. By analogy with a blood test, it is necessary to ensure the general condition of the pregnant woman.

A urine test can also show the level of gonadotropin in the body.

With the help of this study, it is possible to reveal a detailed clinical picture of a frozen pregnancy and show probable diseases of various organs.

Urine analysis during a frozen pregnancy reveals:

• the presence of inflammatory processes in the body;
• a drop in hCG levels, the general state of hormonal levels;
• infectious diseases and the likelihood of intoxication of the female body.

When and how can you get pregnant after a frozen pregnancy?

The question of when can you get pregnant after a frozen pregnancy? , is always decided on an individual basis for each specific case. It is influenced by the results of examinations and the general health of the woman. Psychological readiness to become a mother also plays an important role here.

The recommendations of specialists boil down to the minimum period that must be waited, which is half a year. During this period of time, the consequences of the pathology decrease. But it should be borne in mind that one, and even more so two or more missed pregnancies have a strong negative impact on a woman’s body. Therefore, a number of preventive measures are required to eliminate the likelihood of fetal death in the future.

Preparing for pregnancy after a frozen pregnancy

Preparation for pregnancy after a frozen pregnancy begins immediately after the diagnosis of frozen pregnancy is made. The first step is to conduct research on the subject of genetic abnormalities in the unborn child. Usually this is a histological examination of tissue under a microscope. But there may not be a mutation in the embryo. Histology results can show a number of other causes - infection, hormonal disorders, chronic diseases. Then other tests are prescribed to confirm the causes of the missed abortion.

The second stage is the process of physical and psychological recovery. A woman needs a certain amount of time to rest after a tragedy has occurred.

• Repeated pregnancy planning should be no earlier than after 6 months.
• It is imperative to protect yourself after a frozen pregnancy, especially in the first 3 months.
• You should not plan a pregnancy under pressure from others, psychological unpreparedness or depression.
• You should not become pregnant until the clear causes of the missed abortion have been identified.

How to get pregnant after a frozen pregnancy? The main thing here is not to rush, but to create a favorable situation, both psychologically and physically. Pregnancy planning should take place in a calm atmosphere and with the exclusion of all unfavorable factors and causes that led to fetal death for the first time.

How to avoid a frozen pregnancy

It is quite possible to become pregnant after the first frozen pregnancy, as well as after the second. To do this, you need to undergo appropriate treatment, get the necessary vaccinations against infectious diseases and start planning.

But, To How to avoid a frozen pregnancy, so as not to face its consequences later? The best way is to lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid potential health risks. It is necessary to exclude sexual diseases, take a general strengthening vitamin course, and stimulate the immune system.

The first trimester is at greatest risk of miscarriage. During this period, the internal organs and immunity of the unborn child are formed.

How to avoid frozen pregnancy at such an early stage?

• Timely undergo an ultrasound procedure and attend gynecologist appointments.
• Eliminate physical activity and the likelihood of stress, hard work.
• Give up bad habits and unhealthy foods.
• Avoid taking medications containing chemical active ingredients.
• Eliminate the possibility of infectious and sexual diseases.

To avoid the risk of a frozen pregnancy, it is not enough to follow medical instructions alone. It is necessary to create all conditions for the comfort and tranquility of the pregnant woman, which would contribute to the full development of the child in the womb.

Abroad, people are starting to be examined for recurrent miscarriage syndrome after the 3rd miscarriage. At the same time, the probability of carrying a fourth pregnancy after 3 miscarriages in a healthy woman is 75%. In Russia, the diagnosis of “habitual miscarriage” is made after 2 unsuccessful outcomes. What are the reasons for the fading of pregnancies? At what time is pregnancy miscarriage most likely? What to do if trouble does happen?

What is a frozen pregnancy

When the fetus for some reason stops developing and dies. Most often this happens in the first trimester of pregnancy, but it also happens in the second and even third.

Frozen pregnancy is one of the types of miscarriage. The beginning of such a pregnancy proceeds the same as in a normal one: the fertilized egg reaches the uterus and is implanted in it. In this case, the woman has all the characteristic signs of pregnancy: menstruation stops, breast engorgement occurs, and the uterus increases in size. The moment of cessation of fetal development often goes unnoticed by the pregnant woman, especially in the early stages.

As a variant of a frozen pregnancy, a case can be presented in which after fertilization and implantation there is no development of the embryo at all, only extra-embryonic organs (fetal membranes) are formed. This condition is called “empty sac”.

The timing at which fetal development most often stops

Doctors calculated the periods at which the embryo is most vulnerable: 3-4 weeks, 8-11 weeks and 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. The 8th week of pregnancy is especially critical. It is at this time that the likelihood of miscarriage and frozen pregnancy is high. This is the time of laying the vital organs of the future baby and changes in the mother’s body.

Causes of frozen pregnancy

Genetic disorders- the most common cause of frozen pregnancy. Up to 70% of non-developing pregnancies before the 8th week of pregnancy are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. Genetic abnormalities of the fetus manifest themselves quite early, many of them are incompatible with life. Genetic “breakdowns” are inherited by the embryo from both the mother and the father, or arise from an unsuccessful combination of parental genes. It is believed that if the second, third or more pregnancies in a row fail, genetics is to blame. However, doctors find it difficult to say with accuracy.

Hormonal disorders- common. One of the hormonal causes of missed abortion and spontaneous abortion is a lack of progesterone, without which the embryo cannot “settle” firmly in the uterus. The second is hyperandrogenism. In approximately 20% of women during pregnancy, the level of male sex hormones - androgens - increases - this is the second possible reason for the fading of pregnancy.

These disorders can be predicted by analyzing hormonal status even before pregnancy and treatment can be started in advance. At the very least, it is recommended to take a hormone test at your first visit to the gynecologist about pregnancy.

Up to 30% of missed pregnancies are due to infections. Pregnancy is a state of immunosuppression. Otherwise, how could the mother’s body come to terms with the appearance of a “stranger” on its territory, half of whose genetic information is completely different? The child is reliably protected from the attack of antibodies by the placenta and fetal membranes, but the mother turns out to be vulnerable to various infections. Everything gets worse in pregnant women infectious diseases. The “local” harmless flora, having gained freedom, multiplies beyond measure, causing a lot of problems. The vaginal flora is activated, and there is a danger of intrauterine infection of the fetus.

Irreversible changes and multiple malformations are caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) and rubella virus. However, infection with them is dangerous only during pregnancy; an “old” infection, on the contrary, creates a stimulus for the production of IgG antibodies and prevents the exacerbation of the disease. Another danger is the flu epidemic. In pregnant women, a common ARVI is difficult because the immune system is working at half capacity. Moreover, the danger comes not so much from the pathogen itself, but from general symptoms: intoxication, increased temperature, which leads to disturbances in blood flow in the “mother-placenta-fetus” system. The embryo lacks oxygen and nutrients and may die.

At IVF pregnancy freezes more often. Unfortunately, according to statistics, a pregnancy that occurs after IVF is more likely to end in a frozen pregnancy or spontaneously terminate than a pregnancy after natural conception.

Wrong lifestyle can also cause a missed abortion. A frozen pregnancy often comes from stress and overexertion. The baby is unlikely to like it if the mother spends a full working day in a stuffy room, staring at the computer, and gets up from her chair only to drink a couple of cups of coffee and brew Doshirak for lunch. Such conditions can contribute to various complications, for example, early placental abruption, and lead the uterus to a state of increased tone. Both interfere with blood flow, and the unborn child receives little oxygen and nutrients.

In the vast majority of cases, a frozen pregnancy is the result of an unfortunate combination of circumstances, a poor combination of random and completely correctable factors. The six-month interval required to restore the endometrium and hormonal status for the next pregnancy will allow all necessary medical measures to be carried out and give the body a break.

Signs of a frozen (non-developing) pregnancy

Most often, it is not possible to suspect a frozen pregnancy on your own. The initial symptoms may be the cessation of pre-existing pregnancy symptoms (nausea, vomiting in the morning, tension in the mammary glands). But these are far from accurate criteria for diagnosis. More alarming is the appearance of bloody discharge, which also does not allow a diagnosis. A doctor's examination and additional examination (ultrasound, blood test for hCG) are necessary.

Most often, a non-developing pregnancy ends in spontaneous miscarriage - the uterus contracts, bleeding begins (the fertilized egg exfoliates) and the trophoblast or placenta is expelled from the uterine cavity. For several days, spotting and spotting from the uterus continues, then stops completely. However, in some cases, a miscarriage does not occur, then the tactics for further action are developed individually in consultation with a gynecologist.

Basal temperature during frozen pregnancy

During a frozen pregnancy in the first trimester, the basal temperature most often decreases, but not always. The temperature can remain above 37 degrees even when pregnancy is fading! If you suspect a frozen pregnancy, it is advisable to perform an ultrasound.

Diagnosis of non-developing, frozen pregnancy

During a gynecological examination:

• discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the gestational age (the uterus is smaller than the expected gestational age);

During ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the pelvis:

• lack of fetal heartbeat;
• anembryony (empty fertilized egg, without embryo);

For hormonal blood tests:

• stopping the progressive increase in the numbers of the pregnancy hormone, hCG (choriogonic gonadotropin), characteristic of normal pregnancy.

Management tactics when a non-developing pregnancy is detected can be different and depend on each specific case:

1. Expectant. After some time, due to the death of the fertilized egg, the level of placental hormones decreases and spontaneous miscarriage occurs.

2. Medication interruption: If the pregnancy is less than 8 weeks, it is possible to use a progesterone antagonist drug (mifepristone), which is taken in tablet form, in combination with a prostaglandin E1 analogue (misoprostol), which is administered vaginally; after some time, under the influence of the drugs, a miscarriage occurs.

3. Surgical treatment: Curettage (curettage) of the uterine cavity.

The duration of the procedure depends on the individual characteristics of each woman. The need for further hospital stay depends on the course of the postoperative period, the presence of any infection and many other reasons. But, as a rule, treatment after such an operation continues in a hospital setting. In terms of technique, this operation is similar to an abortion and is performed under anesthesia. After the uterus has emptied, depending on the situation, uterine contractions and antibacterial therapy may be prescribed. After 1-2 weeks, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound examination of the uterus to assess the condition of the uterine cavity (whether there are any remnants of the fertilized egg) and how well the uterus has contracted.

Pregnancy after a “frozen pregnancy”

The prognosis after a non-developing pregnancy is generally favorable. Most women do not have problems with the onset and carrying of subsequent pregnancies. Approximately 80-90% of patients who have had a single frozen pregnancy in the past successfully carry and give birth to healthy children. If pregnancy losses have occurred repeatedly (2 or more times) and we are talking about recurrent miscarriage, the prognosis is worse, and the couple requires a more in-depth examination.

• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the pelvic organs
• Examination for urogenital infections (cervical smears using PCR diagnostics)
• Determination of homocysteine ​​level in blood
• Determination of the level of autoantibodies in the blood
• Determination of the titer of antibodies to rubella in the blood

Study of the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. However, an individual examination plan is developed only after consultation with a gynecologist and can be expanded, taking into account individual characteristics.

Who is at risk for repeated non-developmental pregnancy?

The risk group for repeated non-developing pregnancies primarily includes women who have had abortions. Moreover, the greater the number of abortions, the greater the likelihood of encountering a similar problem.

In addition, it includes women who have had an ectopic pregnancy, as well as those whose pregnancy “froze” at the very last moment, and a non-viable child was born. This group includes all those suffering from infectious and viral diseases of the reproductive system.

Often, a woman's age is also a risk factor for miscarriage. This is why it is advisable to have your first child before the age of 30. Also, some anatomical features of the female reproductive system can become an obstacle to pregnancy. These include the bicornuate and saddle uterus. These are congenital developmental disorders of this organ, in which its shape is so altered that it interferes with the normal development of pregnancy and pregnancy falters. Such disorders include adhesions inside the uterine cavity, formed after inflammation, and a congenital septum, which seems to separate it from the inside.

Uterine fibroids can also interfere with the normal development of pregnancy. It deforms the uterine cavity and prevents the proper attachment of the fertilized egg.

Risk factors for the recurrence of a non-developing pregnancy include endocrine disorders: diabetes mellitus, diseases of the thyroid gland, especially a decrease in its function, menstrual irregularities, failure of the production of progesterone, the hormone responsible for the normal development of pregnancy.

A frozen pregnancy or failed miscarriage is a condition when the fetus stops developing and dies before 28 weeks.

The concept of “frozen pregnancy” comes from the fact that the unborn child has already died, and his expulsion from the uterus did not occur. A frozen pregnancy is one of the options for miscarriage.

This condition occurs, sadly enough, quite often, in 10 to 20% of all (both those wishing to give birth and those wishing to terminate) pregnancies. Moreover, the risk of pregnancy “fading” increases with a woman’s age.

Threatened terms

Pregnancy can freeze at any stage. But this happens especially often in the first trimester, that is, up to 13 weeks. Experts identify the most dangerous periods of pregnancy for “fading” (however, they also coincide with the periods of the threat of miscarriage):

• 3-4 weeks,
• 8-11 weeks
• 16-18,
• 22-24,
• 28-30 weeks.

The period of 8 weeks of pregnancy is considered especially dangerous.

Attention! You can read about ways to terminate a frozen pregnancy in the early stages in our special article.

Causes of fading

The reasons that lead to the condition of “frozen pregnancy” are very numerous. These include:

Hormonal imbalance

A lack of the pregnancy hormone, progesterone, inhibits the progression of pregnancy, which ultimately leads to the death of the fetus.

Androgens, or rather their excess or hyperandrogenism, may also be to blame. Accordingly, diseases such as sclerocystic ovaries, diseases of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, and other endocrine pathologies can lead to intrauterine death of the embryo/fetus.

Genetic disorders

Chromosomal aberrations of the fetus or inheritance of an abnormal gene from one of the parents leads to the formation of a karyotype of the unborn child, with which life is impossible. That is, nature itself eliminates defective embryos.

Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, herpes and others), as well as common infectious diseases (rubella, influenza, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection) in the early stages lead to fetal death, and in the later stages to gross malformations. It is to identify infections and reduce the risk of miscarriage in women that smears are taken three times for flora.

Often, after IVF, pregnancy “freezes,” which is most likely due to the reasons that prompted the woman to turn to this method of becoming pregnant.

Age

The older the woman, the higher the likelihood of a frozen pregnancy. The risk of this condition is especially high in primiparous women over 35 years of age.

Autoimmune conditions

Antiphospholipid syndrome, in which the number of antibodies to blood phospholipids increases, leads to thrombosis, including in the uterus, as a result of which the fetus does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients and dies.

Immunological factor

The fetus inherits equal amounts of genetic material from the father and from the mother; due to some conditions, the mother’s body perceives the unborn child as a foreign agent and kills him.

Unfavorable environment

Symptoms of frozen pregnancy

Early terms (1st trimester)

In the early stages, the following signs may alert a woman to a missed abortion:

• Early toxicosis. The sudden disappearance of all signs of early toxicosis (nausea, odor intolerance, vomiting, drowsiness) within 10 weeks indicates a missed abortion
• Breast. My breasts have stopped hurting and there is no feeling of engorgement of the mammary glands.
• Basal temperature. A decrease in basal temperature to 37 degrees or lower indicates both the threat of abortion and the death of the embryo.
• Pregnancy test. The pregnancy test began to show a weakly positive or negative result (decrease in hCG).
• Pain. Aching or nagging constant pain in the lower abdomen and/or lower back.
• Minor bleeding from the genital tract, usually dark.

Late terms (II-III trimester)

• Lack of fetal movements (main symptom);
• Pulling pain in the lower abdomen;
• Slight to moderate bloody discharge.

Diagnostics

First of all, a gynecological examination plays a role in diagnosing a frozen pregnancy.

In the early stages, the doctor determines the discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the duration of pregnancy (it is for this purpose that a vaginal examination is performed in the first trimester at each appointment).

In later stages, the abdominal circumference and the height of the uterine fundus lag behind the normal values ​​corresponding to this period. In addition, the fetal heartbeat cannot be heard.

The second stage of diagnosing a frozen pregnancy is an ultrasound of the uterus and determination of hCG in the blood.

In the early stages, ultrasound does not detect the fetal heartbeat, the size of the embryo does not correspond to the norm, or anembryony is diagnosed (fetal membranes are present, but there is no embryo).

The level of hCG in the blood decreases or does not increase. In the later stages, in addition to ultrasound, cardiotocography is performed, which confirms the absence of a fetal heartbeat.

Consequences of a frozen pregnancy

Consequences after a frozen pregnancy are possible, but their likelihood is extremely low.

The risk of complications increases with the number of missed abortions in history.

Almost all women, after a miscarriage, give birth to normal and healthy children in the future.

Possible consequences:

Infection of a woman

If a frozen pregnancy remains undiagnosed for a long time or if the woman does not see a doctor, the fetus in the uterus begins to decompose and undergo aseptic inflammation. For the time being, this does not threaten the woman’s health and life, until an infection joins the aseptic inflammation. In this case, the infected dead fetus is a powerful source of bacteria and toxins, which, penetrating the woman’s blood, lead to her infection and the development of sepsis. In addition, the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome is possible, which is fraught with massive and intractable bleeding. Both sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation can be fatal.

Depression

Any termination of pregnancy, especially an unsuccessful miscarriage, leads to a breakdown of emotional and mental strength and can cause long-term depression.

Mummification of the fetus

A similar phenomenon occurs during multiple pregnancies, when one fetus develops normally, but the other dies, turning into a “mummy” or a paper fetus.

Litopedion

Litopedion is a fossilized fruit, that is, the dead fruit undergoes calcification (deposition of calcium salts). This phenomenon is very rare, with only 300 cases known to date. Litopedion can exist in a woman’s body for years, although the “pregnant” woman herself does not suspect it.

Prevention

In order to prevent miscarriage, it is necessary to carefully prepare for pregnancy not only those women who have had this complication, but also everyone else:

• refusal of smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs for both sexual partners at least 3 months before the planned pregnancy;
• get the necessary vaccinations (rubella, hepatitis, influenza and others) no later than 3 months before the expected pregnancy;
• take smears for sexually transmitted infections and, if necessary, undergo appropriate treatment (plan pregnancy 3 months after recovery);
• treat and correct chronic extragenital diseases;
• examine and, if necessary, normalize hormonal levels;
• refusal of abortion;
• maintaining a balanced diet (with the obligatory consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits);
• genetic consultation (women over 35 years old and the presence of hereditary diseases);
• taking folic acid 12 weeks before planned pregnancy (prevention of neural tube defects of the fetus).

Some studies during pregnancy

Frozen pregnancy- This is an abnormal stop in the development of the fetus, ending in its death. An undeveloped pregnancy occurs with symptoms characteristic of a healthy pregnancy: the mammary glands become sensitive, menstruation stops, the uterus enlarges, and hormones are released. However, sometimes for unknown reasons, the fetus dies.

You should know that according to statistics, after a premature termination of pregnancy due to a frozen pregnancy, up to 90% of women safely give birth to a healthy child.

Cessation of fetal development can occur at any age and at any stage of prenatal development, but is most often diagnosed in the early stages - in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Currently, statistical data make it possible to determine the periods most at risk of developing pathology. Most cases frozen pregnancy was recorded at the 8th obstetric week, and less dangerous at weeks 3-4, 9-11, 16-18. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, the risk of developing pathology is significantly lower.

What is the danger of a frozen pregnancy?

In the early stages of pregnancy, due to subtle signs of an anomaly, the expectant mother may not immediately pay attention to the cessation of fetal development. Rejection of the fertilized egg usually occurs within 14-17 days, so a woman can walk with a dead embryo in the uterus for up to 2.5 weeks. And if it doesn’t happen spontaneously, it will take longer. In this case, contacting a gynecologist occurs already at the stage severe inflammation and poisoning of the body pregnant woman with membranes.

At any stage of prenatal development, fetal pathology can lead to changes in blood clotting and further bleeding, which poses a threat to a woman’s life.

Possible changes in a woman’s body can lead to reproductive dysfunction, therefore, you should pay attention to even the most minor deviations in well-being.

Why does pregnancy stop? Unfortunately, it is sometimes not possible to accurately determine the etiology of a frozen pregnancy. However, experts identify the most common causes of pathology:

Genetic disorders of the fetus

Experts call the most common reason influencing the appearance of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages (in the first trimester) chromosomal disorders the embryo itself. The pathology can be inherited from the father or mother. As a rule, the consequence of a genetic failure manifests itself in the early stages of pregnancy.

Obstetrician-gynecologists say that the probable cause second or third stop embryonic development is an unsuccessful combination of the genetic material of the parents.

Hormonal disorders

The entire period of bearing a child occurs under the influence of hormones produced by the woman’s body. Therefore, any disruption of the well-functioning production of biologically active substances can lead to the death of the fetus. The most common root cause of the pathological process is considered to be a lack of estrogen in the mother’s blood or an excess of the male hormone testosterone.

Rhesus conflict

Doctors call the difference between the positive Rh factor of the child and the negative Rh factor of the mother the Rh conflict. Rh conflict manifests itself in the production of antibodies by the mother’s body, which can result in fetal death. As a rule, specialists diagnose this condition in a timely manner and take preventive measures to prevent it.

Infections

During the prenatal period, due to a general weakening of the immune system, all chronic infectious processes in a woman become aggravated. Those “harmless” infections (ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis), which previously did not manifest themselves in any way and did not cause any problems, during this period can provoke the death of the embryo.

Serious sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea pose a threat not only to the fetus, but also to the mother’s body. Infection and rubella during pregnancy, in addition to the appearance of various defects, also leads to fetal death. The influenza virus is dangerous not so much by the pathogen itself as by the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease, especially an increase in body temperature.

Bleeding disorders

Sometimes, due to a genetic predisposition, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) occurs in the mother's body. The syndrome is manifested by the formation of blood clots in the vessels and capillaries of the placenta. Impaired blood flow prevents normal nutrition of the fetus, which subsequently leads to its death.

Medicines

Taking certain medications can lead to irreversible consequences for the embryo. Therefore, you should take medications only after consultation with your doctor.

Stress

Adverse emotional overload has a devastating effect on the health of the mother and fetus. A pregnant woman should try to eliminate any stress and overwork from her life.

Physical impact

Lifting weights, heavy physical activity at work, or abdominal injuries can cause uterine hypertonicity and lead to fetal growth arrest. Therefore, you must adhere to the doctor’s recommendations, do not overload yourself, and do not wear high heels to avoid falls.

Wrong lifestyle

Abuse of alcoholic beverages, drugs or smoking is harmful to anyone. However, the child in the womb is especially sensitive to these influences. For its further successful development, bad habits should be abandoned.

In most cases, miscarriage is the result of an unfavorable combination of various conditions and factors that are completely surmountable for any woman.

How does a frozen pregnancy manifest: signs and symptoms

What are the first signs and symptoms of a frozen pregnancy in the early stages, how to determine it? In the first trimester of pregnancy, the stoppage of embryo development may not be noticeable to the woman.

Initially, a characteristic sign and symptom of a frozen pregnancy in the first trimester may be disappearance and sensitivity of the mammary glands.

After detachment of the fertilized egg from the uterus, cramping nagging pain, at the same time, blood or blood cells are secreted from the genital organs. Signs of intoxication by decay products of the membranes may appear: sharp pain, fever, chills, weakness.

Does the test show a frozen pregnancy? The concentration of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin and progesterone in the blood rapidly decreases. This allows you to use a regular pregnancy test for diagnosis if the embryo is frozen the test result is negative.

At all stages of gestation, a sign of fetal pathology is a decrease. It should be noted that low basal temperature does not occur in all women during frozen pregnancy.

The main symptom of frozen pregnancy in the late stages of prenatal development is lack of physical activity child. If any of the above signs or symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Fetal growth arrest can be diagnosed using a gynecological examination and ultrasound examination.

Blood or urine test for hCG used in the early stages of pregnancy or as an auxiliary marker in later stages to exclude frozen pregnancy. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin is produced by the chorion, which will later develop into the fetal placenta. During a frozen pregnancy, the hCG hormone stops being produced and within 5-7 days shows significantly reduced levels. In case of a frozen pregnancy, the test shows the absence of pregnancy. If an anomaly occurs during the second and third pregnancy, high gonadotropin levels may persist for a month.

During a gynecological examination Fetal pathology is diagnosed by the discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the gestational age. The doctor also pays attention to the opening of the cervical canal, the nature of the discharge and the absence of cyanosis (cyanosis) of the cervix.

The most reliable results in diagnosing fetal freezing are shown by ultrasonography. With the help of this, the doctor determines the presence or absence of a heartbeat in the embryo. However, this can only be done from the 5th obstetric week of development, it is at this time that the device will be able to record the baby’s heartbeat. Although, there are cases of errors in diagnosing a frozen pregnancy using ultrasound. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion of the doctor’s incompetence, we recommend that you consult with another specialist.

If a specialist doubts the diagnosis, as a rule, repeat tests are prescribed after a short period of time.

The tactics for treating fetal pathology will depend on the period of prenatal development and the state of health of the mother.

After making a diagnosis and taking tests after a frozen pregnancy, the doctor takes a wait-and-see approach, because in most cases it happens natural miscarriage– the most gentle way to remove a fetus for a woman’s health. If the natural process does not occur, special medications, causing artificial contraction of the uterus. It should be noted that drug treatment is possible up to 8 weeks of pregnancy.

Another method of removing the fertilized egg is called vacuum aspiration. Currently, this treatment method is the most popular among specialists. The advantages of a vacuum include: minimal damage to the mucous membrane of the uterus and cervix, rapid restoration of the uterine cavity after the procedure, minimal operation time.

At later stages, cleaning the uterus after a frozen pregnancy occurs when surgical intervention(scraping). After a gynecological procedure, manifestations of various inflammatory processes, adhesions (synechias) and even perforations of the uterus are likely.

If you do not treat a frozen pregnancy in time, health consequences women can have very serious problems: from pelvic inflammation and intoxication of the body to infertility.

Prevention of frozen pregnancy

Before planning your next pregnancy, you should undergo preventive treatment to prevent recurrence of the pathology. For this purpose, it is necessary to undergo tests to identify possible causes of fetal development arrest.

What examinations and tests are they taken after a frozen pregnancy?

• Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• analysis of hormone levels in the blood;
• blood test for the level of antibodies to viral diseases;
• smear test for STDs;
• genetic study of partner compatibility;
• results are also important

If all tests show no abnormalities, treatment will most likely not be required. If deviations in a woman’s health are detected, it is imperative to undergo a course of preventive treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Is it possible, how and when? Experts look at the question of pregnancy planning differently. Thus, in European countries pregnancy is already allowed 2-3 months after the pathology, while in the countries of the former USSR doctors recommend refraining from conceiving for 6 months.

For example, if the reason for the cessation of fetal development was a viral infection, experts advise waiting until the body develops an immune response against the infection.

Many people ask the question about planning!? After curettage, the gynecologist prescribes a mandatory three-month intake of contraceptives to restore the uterine lining. In the case of a chromosomal abnormality of the embryo, it is necessary to wait only until the pelvic organs are restored after removal of the frozen pregnancy. Then you can safely try again. As we wrote above, you have a 90% chance that your next pregnancy will be successful.

Prosperous prenatal development Following simple recommendations will help your child:

• take folic acid before conception;
• undergo restorative;
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• monitor the microflora of the genital organs;
• do not self-medicate;
• Follow your doctor's recommendations.

Statistics show that in most cases, repeated pregnancy ends in the birth of a healthy baby, so do not despair and blame yourself or your partner.

Video about frozen pregnancy

We invite you to watch a video about a frozen pregnancy, in which the doctor will talk about the possible reasons for this process. It will help you look at this circumstance from a different angle.

Frozen pregnancy is a difficult period in the life of every woman. It is especially difficult to survive this in the later stages of pregnancy, when the expectant mother has already heard the baby’s heartbeat or felt his movements. How did you cope with this period? How long did it take for your doctor to say that you can get pregnant after a frozen pregnancy? Share your experience, perhaps it will be useful for another woman.