What is a Blighted Ovum?
At Peek A Baby, we understand that every pregnancy is different and sometimes, they can be accompanied by unexpected and emotional challenges.
A blighted ovum, although emotionally difficult to experience, is a condition that many women sadly face during pregnancy. At Peek A Baby, we are here to support you and help you understand things at the start of your journey in the best way we can.
Understanding Blighted Ovum
A blighted ovum is also known as an anembryonic pregnancy. This occurs when a fertilised egg implants in the uterus but then fails to develop into an embryo. Whilst the gestational sac forms, there is no embryo inside of it meaning that sadly, pregnancy has not been a success.
Despite the absence of an embryo in the gestational sac, the placenta may still grow and lead to early signs of pregnancy and a positive pregnancy test.
At Peek A Baby, we offer an early pregnancy reassurance scan from 6 weeks which allows you to seek a confirmation of your pregnancy early on. An ultrasound will be able to detect whether or not there has been a successful conception. If this has not been successful, a miscarriage will occur between 7 and 12 weeks when your body learns that your embryo is not present.
We understand that this can be difficult if you are expecting good news which is why our team are here to support you and answer your questions.
If you are looking to book an ultrasound scan to understand your symptoms, book with your local Peek A Baby clinic today.
Signs & Symptoms of A Blighted Ovum
Knowing and recognising the signs and symptoms of a blighted ovum can help you understand what is happening with your body in these situations a little more. Some of the common signs of a blighted ovum include:
- Bleeding or spotting.
- Lower abdominal cramps or discomfort.
- Decreased early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or tender breasts.
- An empty gestational sac visible via ultrasound.
It is important to understand that some of these symptoms can also give an indication of pregnancy complications. This is why it is important to seek an ultrasound.
Peek A Baby clinics offer an early pregnancy scan from 6 weeks to help identify your pregnancy. Book with your local clinic today.
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Early Detection & Peace of Mind
Seeking an ultrasound scan early when you are displaying signs or symptoms of possible pregnancy is important to help you understand and process the changes within your body, whether that be from pregnancy or a blighted ovum.
With clear ultrasound imaging, the gestational sac can be visualised, and the presence of an embryo determined.
Early pregnancy scans from Peek A Baby help give you peace of mind. If the outcome is not what you expect, our team can help support you and guide you in the right direction for further support during this emotional time.
Coping with Blighted Ovum
This is an emotionally challenging time for anyone who was hoping for a successful pregnancy. It is therefore important if you have received bad news to keep in mind your own self-care and wellbeing and seek support from your loved ones and miscarriage professionals.
Book an Early Scan Appointment
If you are experiencing a range of symptoms and would like to know whether or not you are pregnant, book your early pregnancy reassurance scan with your local Peek A Baby clinic today. Our team are here from the moment you step foot into our clinics to help and support you along your journey, whatever the outcome.
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Blighted Ovum FAQs
When an egg is fertilised, the cells that make the pregnancy sac and placenta multiply. Occasionally, these cells do not develop into a viable embryo and therefore lead to a blighted ovum.
The cause of this is unknown and is not caused by anything you have done.
Blighted ovum can be diagnosed via an ultrasound scan. This will clearly show whether or not an embryo is present in the gestational sac.
There are a few options for treating a blighted ovum that is dependent upon your personal choice:
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- A natural miscarriage
- A medicated termination
- Surgery
For more information on this, please speak to your GP.
If you have suffered with blighted ovum in one pregnancy, this does not mean you will be unable to conceive in the future.
If a miscarriage has occurred 3 times in a row, please speak to your GP.
A blighted ovum is not something you are able to prevent. If you do have concerns about this, please contact your GP for further advice and support.
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