Blighted Ovum
Blighted ovum is a fairly common
pregnancy complication.
Although normal conception, proper
attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall/ implantation and growth of the placenta
have taken place, blighed ovum, also known as an embryonic pregnancy causes the fetus to
fail in its development. The pregnancy sac is formed by the cells, but not the embryo itself.
A high level of
chromosome abnormalties
typically causes a woman to miscarry.
Blighted ovum is the cause of 50-60% of all
first trimester
miscarriages. Within the first 12
weeks of pregnancy, this type of
miscarriage
always ends in
pregnancy loss.
What is the cause?
When a woman's body detects abnormal chromosomes in the fetus, it naturally does not attempt to
continue on with the pregnancy because the fetus will not develop into a healthy baby. Abnormal
cell division or poor quality egg or sperm can contribute to this, however, the exact cause is
unknown. Usually blighted ovum happen no more than once. Your doctor most likely will not refer
you out for genetic testing unless you experience
recurrent miscarriage,
or two or more miscarriages.
What are the signs?
Signs of this complication type are
spotting in early pregnancy,
cramping during pregnancy, vaginal bleeding while hCG levels drop, failure to
detect a fetal heartbeat by the
12th week of pregnancy.
Usually, an ultrasound showing an empty
gestational sac can confirm.
How is it treated?
Many women find it difficult and upsetting to wait for a miscarriage to occur. In this case, as
well as for women who may have an infection or are experiencing excessive bleeding, a suction
curettage or dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure can be done. This is a decision that only you
can make for yourself. Most doctors do not recommend a D&C for early pregnancy loss. Some
believe that a woman's body is capable of passing tissue on its own without the need for an invasive
surgical procedure that carries risk of complications. If you were interested in a pathology report
to determine reasons behind the miscarriage, a D&C may be what you may want.
Prevention:
In most cases, these miscarriages cannot be prevented. If recurrent miscarriage happens, some
couples opt for genetic testing and counseling. Most doctors will recommend that a couple wait
at least 1-3 regular menstrual cycles before trying to conceive.
Additional Types of Miscarriage:
Chemical Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy / Tubal Pregnancy
Molar Pregnancy
Signs: Bleeding During Early Pregnancy
Progesterone: Possible Treatment for Recurrent Miscarriage Prevention
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