Chances are you didn’t even know you were pregnant or had just found out you wereexpecting when you received the shattering news that there is no visible developingembryo on the ultrasound. You are probably feeling sad and confused. As you take timeto understand what this means, also take time to grieve as you would for any loss. Andremember you are not alone.A blighted ovum (also known as “anembryonic pregnancy”) happens when a fertilizedegg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo does not develop. Cells develop toform the pregnancy sac, but not the embryo itself. A blighted ovum usually occurs withinthe first trimester before a woman knows she is pregnant. A high level of chromosomeabnormalities usually causes a woman’s body to naturally miscarry.A blighted ovum can occur very early in pregnancy, before most women even know …show more content…
What Happens After a Miscarriage? If you have received a diagnosis of a blighted ovum, discuss with your doctor what to do next. Some women have a dilation and curretage (D and C). This surgical procedure involves dilating the cervix and removing the contents of the uterus. Because a D and C immediately removes any remaining tissue, it may help you with mental and physical closure. It may also be helpful if you want a pathologist to examine tissues to confirm the reason for the miscarriage. Using a medication such as misoprostol on an outpatient basis may be another option. However, it may take several days for your body to expel all tissue. With this medication, you may have more bleeding and side effects. With both options, you may have pain or cramping that can be treated. Other women prefer to forego medical management or surgery. They choose to let their body pass the tissue by itself. This is mainly a personal decision, but discuss it with your