Introduction
When a woman becomes pregnant, she anticipates the joy of becoming a new mother. However, not every pregnancy leads to a successful birth. One such complication is a blighted ovum, which occurs in about one out of every five pregnancies. In this article, we discuss what a blighted ovum is, what causes it, its symptoms, and how long it can be carried before it passes naturally or requires medical intervention.
Understanding what a blighted ovum is and why it occurs
A blighted ovum occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall but fails to develop into an embryo. The pregnancy sac, which is visible on early ultrasound, grows and fills with fluid, but the embryo does not develop. It is not clear what causes a blighted ovum, but researchers believe that chromosomal abnormalities, particularly those that affect the egg or sperm, may play a role. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drug use, poor diet, or exposure to toxins may also increase the risk of a blighted ovum.
Ablighted ovum is usually diagnosed in early pregnancy via routine ultrasound. However, in rare cases, it can go undetected until a second or third scan is done. At this point, a blighted ovum will become more apparent as there will be no visible heartbeats or fetal development.
Signs and symptoms of a blighted ovum
Women with a blighted ovum may experience the same early symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea, fatigue, breast tenderness, and missed periods. However, unlike in a viable pregnancy, symptoms such as severe morning sickness, weight gain, and fetal movement are absent.
It’s also important to note that a blighted ovum can easily be mistaken for a normal pregnancy on initial ultrasound scans, leading to false hope and disappointment later.
How long can you carry a blighted ovum before it naturally passes
A blighted ovum will not develop into a healthy fetus, and the body typically recognizes this by spontaneously aborting the pregnancy naturally without intervention. This process usually occurs within the first trimester, so, it takes an average of six to eight weeks for these pregnancies to pass.
However, in some cases, the body may not recognize the failed pregnancy at all, and as a result, it can take longer for the blighted ovum to pass naturally. If it persists for more than eight weeks, medical intervention may be necessary for removal.
The link between blighted ovum and miscarriage
A blighted ovum can increase the risk of miscarriage. Women who have had one or more blighted ovum are at a higher risk of experiencing a miscarriage. This risk can also be increased by maternal age, pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, drug use, or poor diet.
Options for managing a blighted ovum, including medication and surgery
If a blighted ovum has been diagnosed, and it hasn’t passed naturally, healthcare professionals may offer intervention in the form of medication or surgery.
One option is to use medication to manage the blighted ovum. Some medications, such as the hormone misoprostol, can help to expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Another option would be surgery; there are several procedures done for this, including dilation and curettage (D&C) and suction aspiration, which involves removing the pregnancy sac and the uterine lining.
Your healthcare provider will consider a number of factors such as medical history, gestational age, and patient preference when recommending the most appropriate intervention method.
Coping with the emotional and physical challenges of a blighted ovum
The experience of a blighted ovum can be emotionally and physically challenging for women. The loss of a pregnancy can be devastating, leaving many women feeling overwhelmed, sad, and anxious.
It is essential to seek support from loved ones and healthcare providers during this time. There are also support groups that cater to women who have had a blighted ovum and other pregnancy complications, offering emotional support, advice, and shared experiences.
General advice for women who have experienced a blighted ovum and are looking to conceive again
After a blighted ovum, it is essential to take time to heal both emotionally and physically before trying to conceive again. Returning to pre-pregnancy health by eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and taking care of your emotional well-being is vital for a healthy pregnancy.
It’s essential to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider, as they can offer advice and guidance on conceiving after a blighted ovum. Your provider can help navigate lifestyle changes and potential medical interventions that promote a healthy pregnancy.
Conclusion
A blighted ovum can be a difficult experience for women. Understanding what it is, how it occurs, and how it can be managed is essential in overcoming this challenging situation. It is important to seek support, take time to heal, and make lifestyle changes that promote your emotional and physical well-being.
With the right support and care, you can overcome a blighted ovum and confidently try again for a successful pregnancy.
