Blighted ovum is also known as pregnancy without embryo. When the fertilization happens, the cells still make amniotic sac, placenta, but the ovum which is fertilized (concept) is not grown to be an embryo. In the blighted ovum condition, the uterus will always grow just like the normal pregnancy but the ovum which is fertilized fails to grow perfectly. That is why pregnant mother who suffers blighted ovum will feel that she has normal pregnancy, it seems like there is nothing happens, because the uterus grows like usual. In the early stage of marriage, the production of HCG hormone will increase, the pregnant mother will receive positive result of the test, and she will also face the symptoms of normal pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, and other early symptoms of pregnancy. However, when the pregnancy reaches 6-8 weeks, when the pregnant mother who suffers blighted ovum check her pregnancy to the doctor and doing USG control, it will be detected that there is a condition that the uterus is filled with undeveloped embryo. Therefore, the blighted ovum symptom can be detected through USG checking or until there is bleeding which is similar like threatened abortion because the body tries to remove the abnormal conception.
This blighted ovum sometimes is connected to mystical things by the people. There are some people who said that the embryo is taken by spirits or the baby is moved to other people, and many more. Because it seems like the baby is disappear, the mother feels the same symptoms and the body change is similar to normal pregnancy but when it is checked through USG the embryo is disappear. However, it is sure that the mystical thing is nonsense.
Blighted ovum occurs in the early pregnancy. The cause of blighted ovum is unknown until now, however it is guessed that there is a chromosomal abnormality, genetic disorders, or ovum with unfavorable conditions is fertilized by normal sperm or vice versa. Unfortunately, blighted ovum cannot be avoided or prevented. To handle blighted ovum pregnancy, there is no other way but removing the conception results starting from the uterus. It can be done by curettage or using medicine. Curettage is suggested because it can avoid infection and also chromosome checking.
Blighted ovum does not affect mother’s uterus or fertility. Someone who ever felt blighted ovum can get normal pregnancy again. However, if the mother gets blighted ovum again, it will be better to do some checking and intensive medication, because it is worried if there is chromosomal abnormality which happens to mother or the husband. The doctor may suggest doing genetic test or doing therapy for about 1-3 months before trying to be pregnant again, it depends on the condition of doctor checking result.
For pregnant mother who has blighted ovum, you should be tough and keep praying, there is always big chance to get normal pregnancy in the next pregnancy. Once again, as human we can only plan and it is God who decides the rest, however we should be sure that God will give the best for us. Amen.
