Frozen pregnancy: causes and difficult consequences
Pregnancy news is one of the most exciting events in a woman's life. But sometimes the joy of waiting is overshadowed by a terrible diagnosis – a frozen pregnancy. This is a condition where an embryo or fetus stops developing and dies, but for some reason there is no spontaneous miscarriage. To hear such a verdict is an ordeal.
Pregnancy fading can occur at any time, but it most often occurs in the first trimester, up to 12 weeks. A woman may not even be aware of what has happened, as pregnancy symptoms (nausea, breast enlargement) may persist for some time. The diagnosis is usually made during ultrasound, when the doctor does not detect a fetal heartbeat or sees a discrepancy in the size of the fetal egg during pregnancy.
Why does development stop?
The causes of pregnancy fading are diverse, and it is not always possible to establish a specific one. However, doctors identify several main groups of risk factors:
- Genetic abnormalities of the fetus. This is the most common reason, especially in the early stages. Accidental chromosomal "breakages" at the time of conception or at the first stages of cell division render the embryo nonviable. This is a kind of natural selection that prevents the birth of a child with severe malformations.
- Hormonal disorders in the mother. A lack of progesterone (the main hormone of pregnancy), thyroid problems, and elevated levels of male hormones can all interfere with the normal development of pregnancy.
- Infectious diseases. Acute infections (influenza, rubella, cytomegalovirus) or latent chronic infections of the genital tract (chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, etc.) can negatively affect the fetus or the condition of the endometrium.
- Autoimmune diseases. For example, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), in which a woman's body produces antibodies that attack her own cells and tissues, including placental cells, leading to vascular thrombosis and fetal death.
- Abnormalities of the uterine structure. Congenital malformations of the uterus or acquired changes (fibroids, polyps, adhesions after surgery) may interfere with the implantation and development of the fetal egg.
- Lifestyle factors. Smoking, alcohol and drug use, severe stress, lack of vitamins (especially folic acid), and exposure to harmful environmental factors all increase the risk of an unfavorable pregnancy outcome.
- The age of the mother. The risk of genetic abnormalities and, consequently, pregnancy fading increases in women over 35-40 years of age.
There is often a combination of several factors.
Consequences for women: physical and psychological
The diagnosis of "frozen pregnancy" requires medical intervention to remove the dead fetal egg from the uterus. This may be a medical interruption (in the early stages) or surgical curettage (vacuum aspiration or curettage). Any of these procedures carries certain risks of complications, such as bleeding, inflammation, incomplete removal of the fetal egg.
However, the physical consequences are only one side of the coin. Psychological experiences can be much more difficult. The loss of a desired pregnancy is always grief, a sense of loss, guilt, disappointment. A woman may experience depression, anxiety, and fear of future pregnancies. The support of loved ones and, if necessary, the help of a psychologist is very important.
It is important to understand that the woman is not to blame for what happened. In most cases, pregnancy fades due to factors beyond her control.
Planning for the next pregnancy: examination and preparation
After a failed pregnancy, doctors usually recommend that a couple undergo an examination to identify possible causes and reduce the risk of a repeat situation in the future. The examination may include:
- Genetic examination of the material obtained after curettage (karyotyping of abortus). It helps to identify chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus.
- Examination for infections. Tests for latent genital infections.
- Hormonal examination. Tests for thyroid hormones, sex hormones.
- Research on autoimmune diseases. Tests for AFS and other markers.
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs. To assess the condition of the uterus and endometrium.
- Consultation of a geneticist. Especially if the pregnancy fades again or the spouses are over 35 years old.
It is recommended to plan the next pregnancy no earlier than 3-6 months after the termination of the previous one. This time is necessary for the recovery of a woman's body, both physically and psychologically. Preliminary preparation is important: taking folic acid, leading a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits, and treating detected diseases.
Surviving a frozen pregnancy is hard, but it's not a verdict. Most women successfully carry and give birth to healthy children after one case of fading. The main thing is not to despair, to undergo the necessary examination and carefully prepare for the next attempt, enlisting the support of doctors and loved ones. Sharing a great platform with friends pays off literally. Once you have registered using a 1xbet register promo code you can generate your own unique referral link or code. Send it to friends who are new to betting. When they sign up, make a deposit, and meet minimum wagering requirements, you receive a referral bonus. Typical amounts range from 50€ to 200€ per referred friend. Some programs offer a percentage of your friend’s first deposit (e.g., 10%). There is no limit to how many people you can refer. Referral bonuses are withdrawable without wagering in many cases. It is one of the to earn passive bonus funds.