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When a fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining but does not develop into an embryo, it is known as a blighted ovum or anembryonic pregnancy. The embryo does not expand, hence the gestational sac remains empty while the placenta and gestational sac do. It results in a miscarriage during the initial trimester of gestation.
An early miscarriage known as a blighted ovum (sometimes called anembryonic pregnancy) happens when a fertilized egg implants into your uterus but does not develop into an embryo. The gestational sac, which is where the embryo would develop, keeps expanding while the fertilized egg stops growing. The placenta and empty gestational sac will release pregnancy hormones — even without an embryo present. You may even experience early pregnancy symptoms or a positive pregnancy test as a result of this. It can sometimes happen so early in pregnancy that you are unaware that you are carrying a child.
A blighted ovum causes an early miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy. A fertilized egg develops into a blastocyst during fetal development. At roughly four weeks of pregnancy, this blastocyst implants in the wall of your uterus and grows into an embryo. The gestational sac that would have contained the embryo grows even in the absence of an embryo when you have a blighted ovum. The following scenarios are possible:
A blighted ovum happens so early in pregnancy, that you never realise you are pregnant.
You have a positive pregnancy test and signs of pregnancy only to discover a blighted ovum at your first ultrasound.
You have a positive pregnancy test and signs of pregnancy but then experience a miscarriage.
The most common reason for miscarriages in the first trimester is a blighted ovum.
What are the symptoms of a blighted ovum?
You might not even realize you are pregnant if you have a blighted ovum this early in the pregnancy. In other situations, you might exhibit pregnant symptoms, such as a positive pregnancy test result or a missing menstrual cycle. You might be experiencing morning sickness and breast soreness, which are signs of early pregnancy.
Your signs and symptoms will be similar to a miscarriage:
Vaginal bleeding: Spotting (light bleeding), bleeding or passing light gray tissue or blood clots.
Cramping: Mild to moderate cramping in your pelvic and abdominal region.
The only way to confirm a blighted ovum is through an ultrasound. It will show an empty gestational sac.
During cell division, chromosomal or genetic issues are typically the cause of a blighted ovum. The egg starts to divide during conception as soon as the sperm fertilize it. After ten days or so, the cells develop into an embryo. An embryo created from a blighted ovum never develops or ceases to grow once it does.
The symptoms of a blighted ovum miscarriage include cramping in the abdomen and vaginal bleeding. Typically, a miscarriage feels more intense than a typical menstrual cycle. You can use an over-the-counter drug like acetaminophen to ease cramping. Steer clear of hard lifting and vigorous activity since these activities may exacerbate your bleeding. After a miscarriage, spotting could occur for a few weeks.
In certain cases, therapy might not be necessary since the tissue is expelled by the body through the vagina (a miscarriage). There are several methods to remove the contents of your uterus if you are unable to pass all of the tissue. Your medical professional will discuss potential therapies with you:
Dilation & Curettage (D&C):This is a surgical procedure when your uterus' contents are removed. Your doctor will dilate, or open, your cervix and remove any remaining products of conception from your uterus using suction and medical instruments. Either general anaesthesia or sedation is used for this.
Natural miscarriage: You might be able to observe and see whether your body eventually sheds the pregnancy tissues if it's safe to do so. Sometimes, it takes several days or weeks for this to occur. If this is a possibility, your healthcare practitioner will let you know. As soon as the miscarriage starts, you will have cramps, stomach pain, and bleeding.
Medication-induced miscarriage: You may be given a drug called misoprostol to trigger your body to miscarry. This expedites the procedure and cuts down on the time spent waiting for a miscarriage to occur naturally. After taking the drug, you will experience bleeding, cramping, and stomach ache in 30 to 10 hours.
Typically, a follow-up visit is set up for four to six weeks following a D&C or miscarriage. A second ultrasound could be performed on you to make sure your uterus is empty. Your physician will ensure there are no problems and look for indications of infection.
Complications of a blighted ovum are uncommon, but the possible complications could include:
Excessive bleeding or hemorrhage.
Infection.
Scarring (from the D&C procedure).
Tears in the uterus (from the D&C procedure).
Following a D&C or blighted ovum miscarriage, recovery could take anywhere from a few weeks to a month. While bleeding can continue for several weeks, cramping typically lasts no more than a week. Your bleeding should lessen and eventually stop.
You can resume routine activities when you feel comfortable. Exercise or hard activities might make bleeding worse. Your body may retain hormones, which might postpone your menstrual cycle. After a blighted ovum, most people will get their period four to six weeks later.
The emotional healing process following a miscarriage due to a blighted ovum may take longer. You can be experiencing bewilderment, rage, or melancholy. It's acceptable to grieve for a while. Seek out the assistance of your loved ones.
Preventing a blighted ovum is not possible. Certain couples might wish to test their genetic makeup using uterine tissue. This can be beneficial for couples who have lost several pregnancies as it looks for underlying causes of your miscarriage.
It is unlikely that you will experience another blighted ovum. Most go on to have full-term, healthy pregnancies. In the event that you develop many blighted ovums, your doctor might recommend testing to look for potential underlying causes.
If you have any of these symptoms, give your healthcare provider a call straight away:
Excessive bleeding from your vagina.
Dizziness or fainting.
Fever that does not go away.
Symptoms that get worse over time.
severe pain for which medication is ineffective.
Visit the closest emergency room. If you feel pale, palpitations, or dizziness, or if you have excessive vaginal bleeding (more than two pads per hour for two hours in a row).
