Anembryonic pregnancy is more common than you think

Upon discovering that she is pregnant, the woman needs to undergo several tests, such as prenatal care, to check her health and that of the baby. During the follow-up process, anembryonic pregnancy can be detected, a common but unexpected situation. The gynecologist and obstetrician Naira Scartezzini Senna spoke about it and clarified doubts. Follow up!

What is anembryonic pregnancy

According to the doctor. Naira Scartezzini, “anembryonic pregnancy is a gestational process in which the embryo does not develop”. There is the meeting of gametes (egg and sperm), fertilization occurs, however, cell division to form the embryo does not happen. This creates an empty gestational sac.

Located in the central part of the uterus, the gestational sac is the first structure formed in early pregnancy. It appears around the 4th week of pregnancy and, at this stage, it is still not possible to see the baby. Therefore, doctors wait until approximately the 8th week to confirm an anembryonic pregnancy.

Popularly known as a blind egg, anembryonic pregnancy is common and can happen to any woman. The placenta develops, the body produces hormones and some symptoms appear, such as nausea, tiredness and sore breasts. The doctor commented on what causes the non-development of the embryo:

“In general, it occurs due to a failure of cell multiplication. It is not associated with a specific disease or syndrome, so much so that it can happen to any woman without any associated risk factors.” – Dr. Naira Scartezzini

When the body realizes that there is no embryo growing in the gestational sac, miscarriage occurs. The process is usually quick, takes a few weeks, but can take up to 3 months. During this period, it is important that the woman has a support network and takes care of her emotional health.

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How does anembryonic pregnancy happen?

In the first few weeks, an anembryonic pregnancy is very similar to a normal pregnancy. Through the quantitative Beta HCG test, the professional can suspect embryonic non-development. “The pregnancy hormone is detected at a slightly lower value, so the suspicion of anembryonic pregnancy arises, duly confirmed by an ultrasound in which the embryo is not visualized”, explained the specialist.

On ultrasound, “if a gestational sac smaller than two centimeters is found, the woman may be in a normal course of pregnancy and the embryo may still emerge”. However, “if the gestational sac is larger than two centimeters and the embryo is not visualized, the pregnancy is characterized as anembryonic.”

What are the symptoms of an anembryonic pregnancy?

Although there is no cell division, as there was fertilization, the woman has the same symptoms of normal pregnancy. Pregnancy lasts a few weeks and can progress to spontaneous bleeding. Among the signs that mark the end of this period are:

Spontaneous bleeding during and at the end of pregnancy;
Moderate to severe cramping;
End of common symptoms of early pregnancy, such as nausea and drowsiness.

According to Dr. Naira Scartezzini, symptoms do not always appear: “at the end of anembryonic pregnancy, the woman may or may not have bleeding”. Therefore, it is essential to visit the obstetrician and follow up since the discovery of the pregnancy.

Questions about anembryonic pregnancy

Anembryonic pregnancy is not related to infertility and usually does not indicate a serious problem. However, it is understandable that doubts arise on the matter. Below, the gynecologist answered some questions that will help you better understand this type of pregnancy:

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Women’s Tips – How long does an anembryonic pregnancy last?

Naira Scartezzini Senna – It is not possible to say how long an anembryonic pregnancy lasts, because there are several factors involved, including the moment of the pregnancy diagnosis. On average, it’s a few weeks.

Is anembryonic pregnancy common?

Yes, anembryonic pregnancy is common, so much so that it can happen to any woman. As mentioned earlier, it is discovered in the first ultrasounds.

Does the belly grow when the pregnancy is anembryonic?

No, because it is a very short pregnancy. With the absence of the embryo, cell multiplication does not last long. It will progress to spontaneous abortion or, if it is identified on ultrasound, some action will be taken as indicated by the gynecologist.

How long after an anembryonic pregnancy can you get pregnant again?

Each patient is an individual case. Whether she had a miscarriage or not, did she have a procedure or not, what is her obstetric history. This may influence whether she can get pregnant in the next cycle or whether she will have to wait a few menstrual cycles before trying again.

As seen, anembryonic pregnancy can happen to any woman. If you have any symptoms, it’s worth consulting a gynecologist / obstetrician. A specialist will know which pregnancy test is best for you.