Blighted Ovum

What is a Blighted Ovum?

A blighted ovum (also known as “anembryonic pregnancy”) happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo does not develop. Cells develop to form the pregnancy sac, but not the embryo itself. A blighted ovum occurs within the first trimester, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. A high level of chromosome abnormalities usually causes a woman’s body to naturally miscarry.

One of the first things you need to know if you have been diagnosed with a blighted ovum is that this is a loss.  Give yourself time and permission to grieve.  This is a type of miscarriage, and you can help yourself in the grieving process by learning more about surviving a miscarriage.

Blighted Ovum Symptoms

A blighted ovum can occur very early in pregnancy before most women even know that they are pregnant. You may experience signs of pregnancy such as a missed or late menstrual period and even a positive pregnancy test. Many women assume their pregnancies are on track because their hCG levels are increasing.

The placenta can continue to grow and support itself without a baby for a short time, and pregnancy hormones can continue to rise, which would lead a woman to believe she is still pregnant. A diagnosis is usually not made until an ultrasound test shows either an empty womb or an empty gestational sac.  It is possible that you may have minor abdominal cramps and minor vaginal spotting or bleeding.

What Causes a Blighted Ovum?

A blighted ovum is the cause of about 50% of first trimester miscarriages and is usually the result of chromosomal problems. A woman’s body recognizes abnormal chromosomes in a fetus and naturally does not try to continue the pregnancy because the fetus will not develop into a healthy baby. This can be caused by abnormal cell division, or poor quality sperm or egg.

Is a D&C Necessary?

This is a decision only you can make for yourself. Most doctors do not recommend a D&C for an early pregnancy loss. It is believed that a woman’s body is capable of passing tissue on its own and there is no need for an invasive surgical procedure with a risk of complications.

A D&C would, however, be beneficial if you were planning on having a pathologist examine the tissues to determine a reason for the miscarriage. Some women feel a D&C procedure helps with closure, mentally and physically. Others feel like a D&C is an invasive procedure that can make the loss more traumatic.

How You Prevent a Blighted Ovum?

Unfortunately, in most cases, a blighted ovum cannot be prevented. Some couples will seek out genetic testing if multiple early pregnancy losses occur. A blighted ovum is often a one-time occurrence, and rarely will a woman experience more than one. Most doctors recommend couples wait at least 1-3 regular menstrual cycles before trying to conceive again after any type of miscarriage.

Want to Know More?

Compiled using information from the following sources:
Current Obstetric & Gynecologic Diagnosis & Treatment-Ninth Ed. DeCherney, Alan H., et al, Ch. 14.
March of Dimes