Diagnosing a blighted ovum

If you have been diagnosed with a blighted ovum, one of your first thoughts might be “what if my doctor is wrong?” It is very difficult to hear the news that you are going to have a miscarriage. It is true that during very early pregnancy, not a lot can be seen by ultrasound. If your doctor suspects a blighted ovum, he may do another ultrasound several days after the first to confirm this. Moreover, a blighted ovum is diagnosed by measuring the gestational sac. These measurements are based on established criteria. If you have a large gestational sac that does not contain an embryo, you will most likely be diagnosed as having a blighted ovum.

Will you have a miscarriage if you have a blighted ovum?

A blighted ovum will eventually result in a miscarriage. It may take weeks to occur and your doctor may offer you the option of having a D&C. A D&C is generally not needed for a blighted ovum but some women would prefer to have a D&C over having a natural miscarriage. You should discuss your feelings with your doctor and choose the best approach for you.

What causes a blighted ovum?

Generally the cause of a blighted ovum is some type of chromosomal problem. About fifty percent of early miscarriages are caused by blighted ova. A blighted ovum is usually a one time event. A woman who has had a blighted ovum will normally go on to have a subsequent healthy pregnancy.

What can be done to prevent or treat a blighted ovum?

Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to prevent or treat a blighted ovum. Your doctor may suggest testing if you have had recurrent early miscarriages. Nevertheless, once a blighted ovum is detected there really isn’t anything your doctor can do to keep you from miscarrying. It is very rare for a woman to have more than one pregnancy with a blighted ovum.