You have been trying for a baby and finally you miss your period and you decide to take the pregnancy test. The pregnancy test turns positive. You go for a clinical examination and even that confirms the pregnancy. Your doctor suggests an ultrasound at around
six to eight weeks of pregnancy. However, to your surprise, you find that there is no fetus inside your uterus. This condition is known as an empty gestational sac or a blighted ovum. This happens when a fertilized egg implants itself to the wall of the uterus, however, the fetus stops developing after a period of time.
There is continued development of the placenta and the amniotic sac but without the fetus. The presence of the amniotic sac results in HCG, thereby giving a positive pregnancy test. Most of us may not realize this condition, and we may be left devastated. The cause behind an empty gestational sac is not known; however, most doctors regard this condition to a faulty chromosomal condition in the fetus. The faulty chromosomal condition can be because of the quality of the egg or the sperm, abnormal cell division, or genetic abnormalities either in the mother or the father. Other factors that can lead to this condition are infections like genital herpes, syphilis, rubella, or chlamydia. Even untreated diseases like diabetes, thyroid problems, or abnormal hormonal conditions like low progesterone can contribute to this condition.
Treating empty gestational sac. There are many treatment options available for this condition. It depends on you as to which treatment option you are comfortable with. Also, the treatment depends on the period of pregnancy in which was this condition detected. Some women may naturally miscarry, while some others may have heavy periods and some may just pass the tissue. Generally, a D and C is recommended if you wish to examine the tissue and desire to find out the reason behind this condition.
Signs and symptoms of a blighted ovum. Since the fertilized egg latches itself to the uterine wall and also makes HCG, you may experience the signs of pregnancy like a missed period, nausea, fatigue, and tender breasts. However, there are some women who may not experience these symptoms and may straight away start menstruating with a delay. When you have a blighted ovum, the periods may be slightly heavier than the usual one.
Some of the women may find out about this condition when they go for an ultrasound and the doctor is unable to detect a heartbeat. Even though, you may undergo this condition, do not get disheartened as this does not mean that you cannot conceive again. A little precaution is what you need to follow once you conceive again
Submitted by P T on February 23, 2010 at 11:56
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