What is a Blighted Ovum, Its Symptoms, and Treatment

A blighted ovum is a condition in which the development of a baby stops within the uterus. In this case, the uterus often spontaneously ends the development of the embryo or fetus for various reasons. Genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or certain issues within the uterus can cause blighted ovums. Treatment varies based on the doctor’s specific recommendations. Monitoring health after a blighted ovum and following the doctor’s instructions are important for a healthy pregnancy in the future.

What is a Blighted Ovum?

A blighted ovum is a condition that can occur during pregnancy and is often referred to as "anembryonic pregnancy." This situation describes the case where, after a positive pregnancy test indicating that the woman is pregnant, the embryo or fetus does not develop within the uterus. The fertilized egg implants in the uterus. However, at this point, the embryo or fetus either stops developing or does not begin to develop at all. This condition leads to the expectant mother experiencing pregnancy symptoms while there is no healthy fetus or embryo forming in the uterus.

What Causes a Blighted Ovum?

Understanding the causes can help comprehend the risks and take necessary precautions. While the exact causes of a blighted ovum are not fully known, the following factors are believed to increase the risk:

• Genetic Abnormalities: One of the most common causes of a blighted ovum is genetic abnormalities in the development of the embryo and fetus. Abnormal genetic material in the egg or sperm cells can negatively affect embryo development. Genetic abnormalities may hinder the uterus from accepting the embryo or fetus.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal balance is important during pregnancy. Imbalances in hormones can prevent the uterus from maintaining the embryo or fetus. Insufficient progesterone levels, in particular, can be a cause of a blighted ovum.
• Age Factor: The age of the expectant mother can also affect the risk of a blighted ovum. Women over 35, in particular, may be more prone to such pregnancy issues. Advanced age can lead to a decrease in egg quality, which can hinder the healthy development of the embryo.
• Exposure to Medications or Toxins: Exposure to harmful medications, chemicals, and toxins before or during pregnancy can negatively impact development.
• Anatomical Issues: Anatomical problems in the expectant mother’s uterus can prevent implantation or development within the uterus.

Who Experiences a Blighted Ovum?

A blighted ovum is a rare condition that any woman can encounter during pregnancy. Those who have previously experienced blighted ovums have a higher likelihood of facing this situation again.

After experiencing a blighted ovum, there are precautions that should be taken for a healthy pregnancy. First, adopting a healthy lifestyle is important. Developing healthy habits such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and not smoking can positively affect pregnancy health. If planning for pregnancy, regular doctor visits are necessary to ensure the pregnancy progresses healthily and to evaluate potential risks. If there are underlying medical issues from previous blighted ovums, monitoring and treating these issues are crucial.

A blighted ovum describes a condition where the embryo or fetus does not develop within the uterus. It can occur with certain risk factors or, in some cases, completely randomly. Advanced age can increase the risk of a blighted ovum, as aging can lead to a decrease in egg quality. Additionally, genetic predisposition and a family history of blighted ovums can also increase risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Empty Pregnancy?

Empty pregnancy is a condition that some women experience during pregnancy and is usually diagnosed after the onset of pregnancy symptoms. Although these symptoms may lead a woman to believe she is pregnant, an empty pregnancy means that there is no embryo or fetus developing. The symptoms of empty pregnancy include:

Vaginal Bleeding: The most common symptom of empty pregnancy is vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can appear as light spotting, which is a normal feature of pregnancy. The amount and duration of the bleeding may vary.

Abdominal Pain: During empty pregnancy, cramp-like pains may occur in the lower abdomen, varying from mild to severe. These pains can arise due to the normal growth of the uterus during pregnancy.

Decrease in Pregnancy Symptoms: A woman may feel as if she is experiencing typical pregnancy symptoms. Symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, and increased frequency of urination can also occur during an empty pregnancy. However, these symptoms generally diminish over time.

Positive Pregnancy Test Results: A person may receive a positive pregnancy test result during an empty pregnancy because the body behaves as if it is pregnant. However, an ultrasound examination may show that the embryo or fetus is not developing.

High Beta hCG Levels: Blood tests during an empty pregnancy may show higher than normal levels of beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).

How Is Empty Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made by a healthcare professional after pregnancy symptoms are observed and a positive pregnancy test result is received. A woman presenting with vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and other pregnancy symptoms can provide important clues for diagnosing empty pregnancy. However, these symptoms can also resemble other pregnancy symptoms. Therefore, an ultrasound and a beta hCG test are necessary for a definitive diagnosis. The diagnosis of empty pregnancy is usually made during an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound allows for a visual examination of the inside of the uterus. In the case of an empty pregnancy, it is determined that there is no embryo or fetus developing within the uterus, or if one is seen, it is not developing normally. This situation indicates that growth in the uterus has stopped or never began. A blood test measuring beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is used to determine pregnancy. During an empty pregnancy, beta hCG levels may be higher than normal. This elevation reflects a situation in which the body recognizes that it is pregnant, but the embryo or fetus is not developing.

Treatment of Empty Pregnancy

The treatment approach for empty pregnancy must be handled carefully. When a diagnosis of empty pregnancy is made, treatment options are determined considering the patient's health status, symptoms, and emotional needs. The first option is the "watch and wait" approach. This approach involves waiting for the embryo or fetus to be expelled from the uterus spontaneously and can take several weeks. However, this method does not always yield results. If pain and bleeding become severe, intervention may be necessary. Medical treatment may involve the use of medications to expedite the expulsion of the embryo or fetus and to clean the uterus. Surgical intervention may be necessary if medical treatment is ineffective or if the situation becomes more serious. These methods aim to clean the tissues inside the uterus and can help prevent complications.

Empty pregnancy can affect not only physical health but also emotional well-being, making psychological support important. Collaborating with a psychiatrist during this process can facilitate emotional healing. After treatment, doctors regularly monitor the individual to confirm that the uterus is healing normally and that they are ready for the next healthy pregnancy. Each case of empty pregnancy is different, and treatment options may vary based on individual needs. Therefore, expectant parents should work closely with healthcare professionals and be thoroughly informed about treatment options. Given that empty pregnancy is a personal and emotional process, professional health support is vital.

Symptoms of empty pregnancy can vary among women, and some women may not experience any symptoms at all. Therefore, it is important to contact a healthcare professional in case of any concerns. An important point to remember is that symptoms of empty pregnancy can be confused with other pregnancy symptoms. Thus, it is crucial to seek a professional opinion for accurate diagnosis and treatment.