An anembryonic pregnancy, also referred to as a blighted ovum, occurs when the fertilized egg implants into the uterus but does not develop into an embryo. The gestational sac, along with the placenta, forms but remains empty with no embryo contained within. This condition is often linked to chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg, although the exact cause is not fully understood.
Since this occurs very early in pregnancy, many women are unaware they are pregnant. A blighted ovum is one of the most common causes of early pregnancy loss and occurs in almost half of the miscarriages that take place during the first trimester. As the pregnancy is not viable, it ultimately results in miscarriage.
This blog delves into the details of a blighted ovum, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and possible preventive measures.
What is a blighted ovum?
Medically, a blighted ovum is referred to as an anembryonic pregnancy in the medical world. It refers to an early miscarriage case where a fertilized egg implants itself inside the uterus but fails to develop at all into an embryo. In this condition, the fertilized egg stops growing, but the gestational sac, where the embryo would typically develop, continues to grow.
Even in the absence of an embryo, an empty gestational sac may release pregnancy hormones, which can result in early pregnancy symptoms or a positive pregnancy test. It is most often the case that a blighted ovum occurs so early in pregnancy that you may not even know you were pregnant.
Origyn IVF believes in being empathetic while being an expert to guide and enlighten patients with such a condition as a blighted ovum.
What is the cause of a blighted ovum?
The exact cause of a blighted ovum is not fully understood. However, it is important to remember that it is a natural occurrence and not the result of anything you did or didn’t do. Blaming lifestyle choices or activities is unnecessary, as this condition is beyond anyone’s control.
A blighted ovum is a result of abnormalities in chromosomal or genetic defects that may happen during cell division when the sperm fertilizes the egg at conception. Such defects are often caused by low-quality eggs, sperm, and even genetic disorders that may hamper proper embryonic development.
In very few instances, the probability of a blighted ovum may be higher if the biological parents are closely related. However, they are likely to have normal pregnancies in the future with no issues, and most women having a blighted ovum go through good pregnancies and deliver healthy infants in the future.
We here at Origyn IVF are here to help support, care for, and give you information about this issue and many challenges, like a blighted ovum.
What are the signs or symptoms of a blighted ovum?
In the initial stage, a lady with a blighted ovum may experience a missed period or breast tenderness, morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms she may be expected to have had during pregnancy, because the placenta and the gestational sac continue producing hormones that characterize the pregnancy.
However, if the hormone levels only start to recede after some time, symptoms of pregnancy might start reducing gradually. At this point, manifestations of pregnancy loss may appear. The following are some of the symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Cervical cramps or discomfort
- Painful or overly heavy period
These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for a regular menstrual cycle or a chemical pregnancy. A blighted ovum, or confirmed miscarriage, may be established using an ultrasound to confirm that the embryo has failed to develop inside the gestational sac.
Here at Origyn IVF, we understand just how emotionally overwhelming a miscarriage and blighted ovum may be. We make sure you’re given every necessary care in diagnosing what may be happening within you, ensuring your comfort in finding the appropriate solution.
When do you see the doctor?
It is crucial for a pregnant woman to seek immediate medical care if she experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive or heavy vaginal bleeding
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- A persistent fever that does not subside
- Severe abdominal pain not helped by a pain medication
- Worsening symptoms over time
These symptoms may suggest a condition that needs to be assessed and treated on time. Here at Origyn IVF, our doctors ensure that the diagnosis is made as early as possible and the necessary medical care is given to each patient. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you notice some alarming signs while you are pregnant.
How is a blighted ovum corrected?
In most instances, the body will expel the pregnancy tissue through the vagina, and women do not need medical intervention. However, if the body does not miscarry on its own, a doctor may recommend one of the following treatment options:
Dilation and Curettage (D&C):
This is the removal of pregnancy tissue from the uterus using surgical procedures. In this process, a doctor dilates the cervix and gently removes the remaining tissues with special medical tools. This procedure is done under general anesthesia and is usually recommended for women who do not want to wait for the spontaneous abortion or in cases that require it due to complications.
Spontaneous abortion:
In some instances, the doctor may instruct waiting for the body to naturally expel the pregnancy tissue. This whole process takes about a few days or a few weeks before it starts happening. When the miscarriage happens, the woman can feel abdominal pain, heavy cramping, and vaginal bleeding. This option is usually recommended only if it is considered safe for the patient.
Medication-induced Miscarriage:
Doctors will administer misoprostol, a different medication that notifies the body to expel the tissue. This way, the waiting time for a natural miscarriage takes fewer hours. Most women experience cramping, abdominal pains, and bleeding within 30 minutes to 10 hours after taking the drugs.
Post-Miscarriage Care
The follow-up appointment is usually set for four to six weeks after the miscarriage or D&C procedure. During this visit, the doctor will check that the uterus is clear of any remaining tissue, monitor for signs of infection, and confirm there are no complications related to the miscarriage.
How Does a Blighted Ovum Miscarriage Start?
A blighted ovum miscarriage often begins with bleeding and lower abdominal cramps. These symptoms will likely be greater than what may occur during any typical menstrual period. To help address cramping, patients can find comfort in such over-the-counter medications as Tylenol-acetaminophen.
You are expected to avoid lifting heavy things and strenuous activities since these would precipitate bleeding. After a miscarriage, some women may notice light spotting or bleeding for some weeks as their body continues to expel pregnancy tissue.
Complications of a blighted ovum
Although the complications from a blighted ovum are relatively rare, the following can result:
Severe bleeding or hemorrhaging: In some cases, excessive bleeding may occur, which requires medical attention.
Signs of infection: Any infection in the uterus or surrounding areas can cause symptoms like fever, foul-smelling discharge, or abdominal pain.
Scarring from the D&C procedure: A dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure can sometimes lead to scarring in the uterus, which may affect future pregnancies.
Uterine tears during D&C: Although this is a rare complication, the uterine lining can tear during the D&C procedure, and this may need further medical intervention.
At Origyn IVF, we closely monitor all our patients and provide comprehensive care to minimize risks and ensure the best possible outcomes.
Can a Blighted Ovum Be Prevented?
While a blighted ovum often is a consequence of chromosomal abnormalities and generally cannot be prevented, couples with repeated pregnancy losses may opt to undergo genetic testing. This helps in identifying potential genetic causes behind recurrent pregnancy loss.
Conclusion
Although it can be agonizing, it is not the end of the game for a woman to get another woman pregnant. Most women continue with a normal pregnancy after undergoing a blighted ovum. On the other hand, if there are repeated losses during pregnancy, then it becomes pertinent for consultation in the earliest time possible and getting to know the causes. At Origyn IVF, we strive to provide full care and support to achieve a healthy pregnancy in the future.
Other Common Questions People Ask
Q1. How is a Blighted Ovum Diagnosed?
A blighted ovum is typically identified using transvaginal ultrasound. It is usually conducted between the seventh and ninth weeks of pregnancy, by which time the embryo should be visible. When there is an empty gestational sac due to a blighted ovum, the embryo won’t be in the sac.
Q2. What is the Recovery Time After a Miscarriage Due to a Blighted Ovum?
Recovery after miscarriage or D&C due to blighted ovum can vary between one to four weeks. In most cases, abdominal cramping subsides in a week; however, the vaginal bleeding will persist for many weeks. Most women can return to their normal daily activities once they feel physically sound.
Q3. How long will it take to conceive after a miscarriage or D&C?
You can try to conceive after a blighted ovum once you have fully recovered, both physically and emotionally. Wait until any bleeding has stopped and you feel ready. Doctors usually recommend waiting for one to two menstrual cycles before trying again to allow your body time to heal. Always, however, best to consult with your healthcare provider for advice based on your specific situation.
Q4. Is a Blighted Ovum a Miscarriage?
Yes, a blighted ovum is actually an early miscarriage. A miscarriage is said to be the loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks, and a blighted ovum occurs at around 11 weeks or less; hence it is a form of early pregnancy loss.
Q5. Is a Blighted Ovum More Likely to Occur with IVF?
A blighted ovum is not more common with IVF as well. The risk of having a blighted ovum with IVF is comparable to that experienced in natural conception. Though conception through IVF is controlled, chromosomal abnormalities are the main cause of a blighted ovum.
A Note from Origyn IVF
Experiencing a loss due to a missed abortion or spontaneous abortion is pretty challenging when all you see, expected to be an embryo during your ultrasound appointment, and what you actually come across is just an empty gestational sac. It is really normal to be experiencing so much emotion right now; remember, Origyn IVF is here for the best care possible and moving forward.
If you are struggling emotionally after a miscarriage, we encourage you to speak with your provider. They can connect you with support groups or counselors to help you process your feelings. Rest assured, many women who experience a blighted ovum go on to have healthy, full-term pregnancies in the future.
https://youtu.be/AVo0DmkEK58?si=WPzkexkI4MUsyYkf
About Dr. Rashmi Sharma:-
Dr. Rashmi Sharma is an IVF specialist Consultant Reproductive Medicine and Director Origyn Fertility & IVF New Delhi MBBS (BHU), MD(BHU), DNB, MNAMS, FICOG, Diploma IVF and reproductive Medicine (Kiel University, Germany) Web Editor, Indian Fertility Society (2024-26) Former HOD, IVF dept, Moolchand Hospital, Delhi (2009-13) and Max Hospital, Pitampura, Delhi (2013-17), Director, Origyn Fertility & IVF, which has 4 branches across Delhi.
Origyn IVF has been accredited for 1-year fellowship in IVF and reproductive medicine along with an MSc in Clinical Embryology under Amity University and IFS Collaboration. Recipient of the “C. S. Dawn Award” for best paper presentation on her work on IVF /ICSI with genital tuberculosis, at All India Congress Of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AICOG 2010) Recipient of “Hall of Fame – Best IVF specialist in India – North” at Economic Times – National Fertility Awards,2019 and 2023 & 2024.
Origyn IVF received “Best IVF center in North India” and “Most integrated team in IVF, India – North” at Economic Times – National Fertility Awards, 2019 & 2024 Recipient of “Best IFS Executive” at Fertivision – 2018, Kochi. Authored various chapters in infertility books of repute. Many national and international paper presentations and publications.
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