What is a Blighted Ovum (Empty Gestational Sac)?

A blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall, however, the fetus does not continue to develop past the sixth to eighth week of gestation.  There is continued development of the placenta and amniotic sac which produces hCG (giving the positive pregnancy test).  Most women either do not know they are pregnant or find out within the first trimester that they have a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac).  This leaves them with the devastating news that they are now coping with a miscarriage.

Signs and Symptoms of Blighted Ovum (Empty Gestational Sac)

Due to the fact that in a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) the fertilized egg implants into the uterus and produces hCG, some women may experience signs and symptoms of pregnancy (ie., missed menstrual cycle, tender breast, nausea, and / or fatigue) and even have a positive pregnancy test with a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac).  Then there are other women who do not even know that they are pregnant and begin their menstrual cycle on time or several days late.  With a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) menstrual cycle is usually heavier then usual and they may even pass small fragments of the embryonic sac.

With a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) many pregnant women believe that their pregnancy is going along just fine due to the rising hCG levels from the placenta.  Majority of these women find out that they have a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) when their doctor can not find a fetal heart beat and performs an ultrasound.  The ultrasound will show either an empty uterine cavity or a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac).  To learn more Go to Sign and Symptom of Miscarriage.

Causes of Blighted Ovum (Empty Gestational Sac)

The true cause of a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) is not known, however, most believe it is due to abnormal chromosomes within the fetus.  These chromosomal abnormalities can be due to several factors including poor quality sperm or egg, abnormal cell division of the fetus, and / or genetic abnormalities of either mother or father.  It is felt that approximately 50% of first trimester miscarriages are due to a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac).  Other causes of a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) are thought to be related to infection (ie. Chlamydia, Cytomegalovirus, Genital herpes, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, and Rubella), abnormal uterine anatomy (ie. unicornate uterus or septate uterus), abnormal hormonal levels within the mother (ie. low progesterone), systemic illnesses (ie. untreated thyroid disease and diabetes), immune disorders, and substance abuse.  To learn more Go to Cause of Miscarriage.

Treatment of Blighted Ovum (Empty Gestational Sac)

A blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) has many different treatment options and only a woman can decide which one is right for them.  Depending on when the blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) is diagnosed will depend on selecting a treatment plan.  Some women will naturally miscarry and will experience slightly heavier menses then normal and may even pass small fragments of tissue.  Other women will not want to wait for the natural process to occur and will opt for a chemically induced miscarriage or have a D&C (dilatation & curettage).  A D&C is recommended for a miscarriage if the couple wishes for a doctor to examine the tissue and attempt to determine the reason for the blighted ovum (empty gestational sac).  If a couple has experienced several early miscarriages (2-3) there is genetic counseling available through their physician.  To learn more Go to Treatment of Miscarriage.

It is recommended that a couple wait at least one regular menstrual cycle before trying to conceive again after a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac).