Pregnancy Issues?

Question

My sister went for her 1st ultrasound and was diagonsed with blighted ovum. they did HCG levels and hers dropped 10,000 in 2 days. The doctors told her this will eventually end in a miscarriage. My mom and sister keep asking me for advise since I have 4 kids, I tell them I don't know talk to the doctor.My family is still telling her the doctors wrong and giving her what I feel might be false hope. Now she's really thinking they are wrong and not listening to the doctor. Has anyone ever had this blighted ovum thing out there that can possibly help me understand it more? I have read different sites but they aren't giving specific levels. My sis thinks she might be about 3 months along.

Answer 1

After reading the following information (which is very easy to read) I suggest you have a realistic talk with your sister, because it seems she is FALSELY getting her hopes up. Her fall from this will be pretty bad if she doesn't get the proper help. Good luck:

What is a blighted ovum?
A blighted ovum (also known as “anembryonic pregnancy”) happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo does not develop. Cells develop to form the pregnancy sac, but not the embryo itself. A blighted ovum usually occurs within the first trimester before a woman knows she is pregnant. A high level of chromosome abnormalities usually causes a woman’s body to naturally miscarry.

How do I know if I am having or have had a blighted ovum?
A blighted ovum can occur very early in pregnancy, before most women even know that they are pregnant. You may experience a missed or late menstrual period, minor abdominal cramps, minor vaginal spotting or bleeding, and a possible positive pregnancy test. As with a normal period, your body may flush the uterine lining but your period may be a little heavier then usual.

Many women assume their pregnancies are on track because their hCG levels are increasing. The placenta can continue to grow and support itself without a baby for a short time and pregnancy hormones can continue to rise which would lead a woman to believe she is still pregnant. A diagnosis is usually not made until an ultrasound tests shows either an empty womb or an empty birth sac.

What causes a blighted ovum?
A blighted ovum is the cause of about 50% of first trimester miscarriages and is usually the result of chromosomal problems. A woman’s body recognizes abnormal chromosomes in a fetus and naturally does not try to continue the pregnancy because the fetus will not develop into a normal, healthy baby. This can be caused by abnormal cell division, or poor quality sperm or egg.

Should I have a D&C or wait for a natural miscarriage?
This is a decision only you can make for yourself. Most doctors do not recommend a D&C for an early pregnancy loss. It is believed that a woman’s body is capable of passing tissue on its own and there’s no need for an invasive surgical procedure with a risk of complications. A D&C would, however, be beneficial if you were planning on having a pathologist examine the tissues to determine a reason for the miscarriage. Some women feel a D&C procedure helps with closure, mentally and physically.

Answer 2

Basically, this means the egg or fetus, if you will, has already stopped growing for one reason or another. Your sister will undoubtedly miscarry. The further along she is, the harder it will be! In this situation, one usually miscarries within the first three months. So if she is already that far, she may want to consider a D&C. Otherwise, she may be at risk of infection or painful miscarriage. HCG refers to the pregnancy hormones, and hers have dropped dramatically, which means her body is no longer supporting the fetus. This is very sad for your sister, but doesn't mean she cannot have children in the future. It simply means that something wasn't right with this one, and nature is taking it's course. Type in blighted ovum in your web browser, and you can get more info.

Answer 3

your body is acting as if its pregnant. The gestational sac was intact and growing at the rate it would have been if there were a fetus. Unfortunately it stops at a certain point and releases what it started growing...she will eventually miscarry and have guilt and sorrow just as she would be losing a baby. Its a very strange but seemly more and more common diagnosis. Good luck and give her lots of support and love:)

Answer 4

From what I understand she will miscarry by twenty weeks because the body releases what's it grown. I'm terribly sorry for her loss, it's very difficult, but she will be able to try again when she's ready. Doctors don't usually give this diagnosis if they are 100% sure that's what it is. She needs to relax and have all the love and support you and your family can give. You'll be in my prayers.