Blighted ovum

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Blighted ovum
Synonyms	Anembryonic gestation
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, absence of fetal heartbeat
Complications	Miscarriage
Onset	Early pregnancy
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Chromosomal abnormalities, genetic abnormalities
Risks	Advanced maternal age, previous miscarriage
Diagnosis	Ultrasound, hCG levels
Differential diagnosis	Ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy
Prevention	None
Treatment	Expectant management, medical management, surgical management
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with appropriate management
Frequency	Common cause of early pregnancy loss
Deaths	N/A

An ultrasound image showing an anembryonic gestation

A blighted ovum, also known as anembryonic gestation, is a condition in which a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but does not develop into an embryo. It is a common cause of early pregnancy loss, accounting for about 50% of all miscarriages in the first trimester.

Pathophysiology

A blighted ovum occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo does not develop. The gestational sac forms and grows, but the embryo does not. This can be due to chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg, which prevent the embryo from developing properly.

Diagnosis

A blighted ovum is typically diagnosed through an ultrasound examination. During the ultrasound, a gestational sac is visible, but there is no visible embryo within the sac. This is usually confirmed when the gestational sac is larger than 25 mm without an embryo, or when there is no embryo with a heartbeat by 7-8 weeks of gestation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a blighted ovum can be similar to those of a normal early pregnancy, including a missed period, positive pregnancy test, and pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and breast tenderness. However, as the pregnancy does not progress, symptoms may diminish, and vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur.

Management

Management of a blighted ovum can vary depending on the individual case and the preferences of the patient. Options include:

• Expectant management: Waiting for the body to naturally expel the pregnancy tissue.
• Medical management: Using medication to induce the expulsion of the pregnancy tissue.
• Surgical management: A procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

Prognosis

A blighted ovum is a one-time occurrence for most women, and they can go on to have successful pregnancies in the future. It is important for women to receive emotional support and counseling if needed, as experiencing a miscarriage can be emotionally challenging.

Also see

• Miscarriage
• Pregnancy loss
• Ultrasound in pregnancy
• Chromosomal abnormalities

This 'Reproductive system diseases' related article is a stub.