Blighted Ovum

Blighted Ovum also known as anembryonic pregnancy is a type of pregnancy that leads to miscarriage or early pregnancy failure usually around 7-12 weeks of pregnancy. 

Blighted ovum occurs when a fertilized egg  implants in the uterus but doesn't develop into an embryo. 

When blighted ovum occurs very early, a pregnant woman wouldn't know that she's pregnant. Studies show that blighted ovum causes about 1 out of 2 miscarriages in the first trimester of pregnancy. 

When pregnant, the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall, and about 5-6 weeks of pregnancy, an embryo should be present.  During this time, the gestational sac where the fetus develop is about 18 millimeters wide. But with a blighted ovum, the pregnancy sac forms and grows, but the embryo does not. 

Though the exact causes for blighted ovum is unknown, but miscarriages from a blighted ovum are usually due to problems with chromosomes ( a thread-like structure carrying the genes). This problem maybe a result from poor quality sperm or egg. 

Your body inhibit the pregnancy once it identifies this abnormally.

Common signs of blighted ovum after experiencing the signs of pregnancy, had a positive pregnancy test or missed your period; are often accompanied with signs of miscarriage. Which are; 

• Abdominal cramps
• Spotting or bleeding
• Unusual heavy period.

When you feel any of these signs, going for an ultrasound is advised and speak with your doctor after diagnosis for the next step.

Blighted ovum is said to be a one time occurrence, and rarely does a woman experience it more than once. 

After evacuation either through D&C or medication, doctors usually recommend that the woman should wait at least after having 1-3 regular menstrual cycles; before trying to get pregnant again. After experiencing any type of miscarriage.