Blighted Ovum: When Pregnancy Stops Developing

Medically reviewed by
dr. Muhammad Ardianto Airlangga, SpOG

A blighted ovum, also known as an anembryonic pregnancy, is a common cause of miscarriage in the first trimester. It occurs when a fertilized egg successfully implants in the uterine wall but fails to develop into an embryo. Although the gestational sac forms, the embryo does not develop into a complete fetus. Blighted ovum is a frequent type of pregnancy loss, often unnoticed until an ultrasound scan confirms the diagnosis. 

What is a Blighted Ovum? 

A blighted ovum is a condition in which the embryo fails to develop after fertilization. Initially, the pregnancy appears normal with the presence of a gestational sac in the uterus. However, upon further examination, no embryo is detected within the sac. This condition is typically discovered between the 8th and 13th weeks of pregnancy during an ultrasound. 

The primary cause of a blighted ovum is usually chromosomal abnormalities that prevent the embryo from developing. This can occur when either the egg or sperm carries genetic defects, leading the body to halt the pregnancy. It is important to note that a blighted ovum is not caused by any action or lifestyle choices made by the pregnant woman, such as exercise, stress, or specific habits. 

Symptoms of a Blighted Ovum 

One of the challenges with diagnosing a blighted ovum is that its symptoms can closely resemble a normal pregnancy, especially in the early stages. Women experiencing a blighted ovum often exhibit typical pregnancy symptoms, including: 

• Nausea and vomiting: Also known as morning sickness, this common early pregnancy symptom occurs as the body continues to produce the pregnancy hormone (hCG), even though the embryo is not developing. 
• Fatigue: Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can lead to feelings of exhaustion. Women with a blighted ovum may feel particularly tired, even though no embryo is growing. 
• Missed period: This is often the first indicator of pregnancy, prompting many women to take a pregnancy test. In cases of a blighted ovum, pregnancy tests may still show positive results because the body continues to produce hCG. 

As time passes, the signs of a blighted ovum may shift, revealing symptoms of a miscarriage, such as: 

1. Mild abdominal cramps or pain

Mild cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen may occur as the body starts to recognize that the embryo is not developing. This is due to slight uterine contractions as the body prepares to expel the non-viable tissue. 

2. Light bleeding or spotting

Light bleeding or spotting, similar to menstruation, can signal the early stages of miscarriage. In cases of a blighted ovum, women may experience spotting accompanied by cramping. If the bleeding becomes heavy or persists, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. 

3. Positive pregnancy test despite lack of embryo development

A confusing aspect of a blighted ovum is that pregnancy tests can continue to show positive results. This occurs because hCG levels remain elevated, even though the embryo is no longer developing. Over time, the levels of hCG will decrease, but in some cases, pregnancy tests may remain positive until the miscarriage is complete. 

Causes of Blighted Ovum 

As mentioned earlier, the primary cause of a blighted ovum is chromosomal abnormalities. When the egg or sperm carries a genetic defect, the body halts the pregnancy as a natural mechanism to prevent the development of an unhealthy fetus. However, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of a blighted ovum, such as: 

• Maternal age: Women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities. 
• Previous miscarriage: Women who have experienced miscarriage in the past are at a greater risk of having a blighted ovum. 
• Genetic factors: Genetic abnormalities from either the mother or father can affect embryo development. 

It is important to remember that blighted ovum cannot be prevented. Most cases are random, and having one miscarriage does not necessarily mean that a woman cannot have a healthy pregnancy in the future. 

Preventing Blighted Ovum 

While blighted ovum is typically caused by chromosomal abnormalities that cannot be prevented, maintaining overall reproductive health can reduce the risk of complications. Here are some steps that may help: 

• Healthy lifestyle: Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs can improve the quality of both egg and sperm. 
• Preconception counseling: Consulting with a healthcare provider before conception can help assess reproductive health, take folic acid supplements, and perform genetic testing if necessary. 
• Managing stress: Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation can support hormonal balance, which is essential for a healthy pregnancy. 
• Consultation after miscarriage: After experiencing a blighted ovum, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to plan for future pregnancies effectively. 

Although blighted ovum cannot be fully prevented, the steps above can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. 

Coping with Blighted Ovum 

Experiencing a blighted ovum can be emotionally difficult for many couples. Feelings of loss and confusion are common, especially for those unaware of what has occurred. After the diagnosis, doctors will provide options for managing the miscarriage, such as allowing the process to occur naturally or opting for medical procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove the tissue from the uterus. 

For both physical and emotional recovery, it is important for women to seek support from their partner, family, or a counselor. Each individual responds to miscarriage differently, and healing may take time. 

Can Blighted Ovum Reoccur? 

Many women worry about the possibility of experiencing a blighted ovum in future pregnancies. Fortunately, most women who have had a miscarriage due to a blighted ovum go on to have healthy pregnancies later. However, for those experiencing recurrent miscarriages, consulting with a fertility specialist or genetic counselor may be necessary to identify any underlying causes. 

Blighted ovum is a common cause of early pregnancy loss, but it does not preclude the possibility of a healthy pregnancy in the future. 

For consultations with fertility or genetic specialists, you can seek advice from the professional specialists at Morula IVF Indonesia. This fertility clinic offers comprehensive and professional reproductive health consultations. With over 26 years of experience, Morula IVF has a dedicated team of obstetrician-gynecologists committed to helping couples achieve healthy pregnancies. For more information, you can contact or visit the official Morula IVF website for inquiries or to schedule a consultation. 

References: 

• American Pregnancy Association. (2023). Blighted Ovum. Accessed October 2024. 
• Government of South Australia, Women’s and Children’s Health Network. (2021). Blighted Ovum. Accessed October 2024. 
• Mayo Clinic. (2022). Blighted Ovum: Expert Answers. Accessed October 2024. 
• National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2021). Blighted Ovum. Accessed October 2024. 
• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. (2023). Blighted Ovum. Accessed October 2024.