Blighted Ovum: Causes and Coping
Welcome to this Nub Hub guide. This article is designed to help you understand the topic and feel more confident in your pregnancy journey.
Table of Contents
What Is a Blighted Ovum?
A blighted ovum, also called an anembryonic pregnancy, occurs when a fertilised egg implants in the uterus and a gestational sac forms, but the embryo does not develop. It is a type of early pregnancy loss, usually discovered at the first ultrasound scan, often around 6 to 8 weeks. The sac may continue to grow, which is why pregnancy symptoms can persist even though the embryo has stopped developing.Why It Happens
A blighted ovum is usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilised egg. These are random events and not something you could have prevented. They become more common with age but can happen at any age. The body recognises that the pregnancy cannot develop normally and stops embryo growth, even though the sac continues to produce pregnancy hormones for a time. This is why you may still feel pregnant before the loss is confirmed.Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A blighted ovum is typically diagnosed when a scan shows an empty gestational sac with no embryo, or a sac that is smaller than expected for your dates. Your care team may repeat the scan after a week or two to confirm, as dating can sometimes be uncertain. Once confirmed, you may choose to let the loss happen naturally, take medication to start the process, or have a small surgical procedure. Each option has benefits and your team will help you decide.Coping with the Loss
Losing a pregnancy, even one that never developed an embryo, is deeply painful. You may have already bonded with the idea of a baby, and the sudden shift can feel disorienting. Give yourself time and permission to grieve. Talk to your partner, trusted friends, or a counsellor. Charities such as the Miscarriage Association offer support tailored to early loss. Most women who experience a blighted ovum go on to have healthy pregnancies, but healing emotionally takes as long as it takes.FAQ
### What causes a blighted ovum?Most blighted ovums are caused by random chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilised egg. They are not caused by anything you did and cannot be prevented.
Can I get pregnant again after a blighted ovum?
Yes. Most women who experience a blighted ovum go on to have healthy pregnancies. Your care team can advise when it is right for you to try again.
How is a blighted ovum treated?
You can choose to wait for natural loss, take medication to start the process, or have a minor surgical procedure. Your team will explain each option and support your choice.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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