Why is there no fetal heartbeat or fetal bud?

The fetus will not necessarily develop smoothly after pregnancy. After the fertilized egg implants, the fetal heart and fetal bud will form in the first two weeks, and then the various organs of the fetus will begin to form. It is necessary to undergo various physical examinations right after pregnancy. The purpose of this examination is to find out the condition of the fetal heart rate and fetal bud. Some pregnant women do not have a fetal heart rate and fetal bud. So, why is there no fetal heartbeat or fetal bud? Let’s take a look below.

Reasons for no fetal heartbeat

The absence of fetal heartbeat means embryonic arrest. There are many reasons for embryonic arrest, including genetic factors, infection, exposure to radioactive substances, toxic chemicals, taking drugs that are contraindicated during pregnancy, high temperature, excessive stimulation, etc. In most cases, early embryonic development arrest or miscarriage may be due to problems with the chromosomes themselves.

Reasons for pregnancy without embryo

Generally, the embryo bud can be seen around 40 days of pregnancy, and the fetal heartbeat can be seen around 50 days of pregnancy. If there is no embryo bud during pregnancy, it is a developmental malformation, and the main causes are as follows.

1. Chromosome abnormality. Whether it is sperm or egg, as long as the chromosomes carrying genetic material are abnormal, even if a fertilized egg is formed, the embryo will not develop normally.

2. Contact with toxic substances. Hazardous substances include toxic chemicals, inferior decoration materials, etc. If pregnant women come into contact with it, it will affect the growth and development of the embryo.

3. Exposure to radiation or large amounts of electromagnetic radiation. If an expectant mother is exposed to X-rays without knowing it and receives a large amount of radiation, the development of the fetus will also be affected.

4. Taking drugs that affect the development of the embryo. Some of expectant mothers’ early pregnancy reactions are very similar to cold symptoms, and their menstrual cycles are not very regular. Therefore, many people mistakenly take cold medicine without knowing they are pregnant. In addition, some patients with chronic diseases accidentally become pregnant while taking medication for a long time and are not fully prepared for pregnancy. This is also a major factor affecting the poor development of the fetal bud.

5. Smoking or drinking. Smoking and excessive drinking not only harm women's reproductive ability, but also affect the quality of sperm, causing poor development of the embryo bud and ultimately leading to the risk of fetal malformations.

6. The expectant mother is infected with the virus. If an expectant mother is infected with rubella, cytomegalovirus, etc., the pathogens will be indirectly transmitted to the fetus, which may cause fetal malformations. High fever or viral infection may also cause uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage.

7. The expectant mother suffers from a chronic disease. For example, severe diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, viral hepatitis, etc.

8. Abnormal maternal immune system. After the mother becomes pregnant, the immune system of both mother and child is not compatible, which causes the mother to reject the fetus and lead to miscarriage.