Blighted ovum (anembryonic pregnancy)
6-minute read
If you have very heavy bleeding, strong pain or feel very unwell, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Key facts
- A blighted ovum (also called an anembryonic pregnancy) is a type of miscarriage that can happen early in pregnancy.
- A blighted ovum is when a sac and placenta grow, but a baby does not.
- A miscarriage can be extremely upsetting, and you may need support and time to grieve.
- Having a blighted ovum in one pregnancy does not change your chance of having a successful pregnancy in future.
What is a blighted ovum?
A blighted ovum is a type of miscarriage that can happen early in a pregnancy. It’s also called an 'anembryonic pregnancy' as there is no embryo (developing baby).
In this type of miscarriage, a sac and placenta grow, but there is no baby.
Because a blighted ovum still makes pregnancy hormones, it may still show up as a positive pregnancy test.
A blighted ovum will eventually cause a miscarriage, usually at 7 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Your body realises that the pregnancy is not developing properly and starts to shed blood and tissue from your uterus.
How common is miscarriage?
Miscarriage is very common, and up to 1 in 5 people who know that they are pregnant will miscarry before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The actual rate of miscarriage is even higher, as a very early miscarriage may happen before you even know that you’re pregnant.
What are the symptoms of a blighted ovum?
Symptoms of a blighted ovum miscarriage include pain in your lower abdomen (tummy) and bleeding from your vagina.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes a blighted ovum?
When the egg is fertilised, cells that make the pregnancy sac and placenta start multiplying. But occasionally, the cells that are supposed to develop into a baby don’t multiply.
The cause of this isn’t known. But it isn’t caused by anything you have done.
When should I see my doctor?
If you are experiencing pain in your lower abdomen (tummy) and are bleeding from your vagina, you should speak with your doctor or midwife immediately.
When should I seek urgent care?
You should go to your nearest emergency department if you have:
- increased bleeding — for example, soaking two sanitary pads per hour or passing golf ball sized clots
- severe abdominal (tummy) pain
- dizziness or fainting
- fever or chills
- vaginal discharge that smells ‘fishy’
- diarrhoea or pain when you have a bowel motion (poo)
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is a blighted ovum diagnosed?
Sometimes, it’s picked up during a routine ultrasound. This can be particularly difficult if you’ve gone for an ultrasound expecting good news.
At other times, there may have been bleeding at the start of your pregnancy and an ultrasound is used to investigate the cause.
How is blighted ovum treated?
Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you.
You might choose to allow a natural miscarriage to happen. Once this starts, it can take days or weeks for the bleeding to finish. See your doctor, if the bleeding is getting heavier, you are in pain or you feel unwell.
You can also have a termination by:
- taking medicines
- having a type of surgery known as D&C (dilatation and curettage)
Use sanitary pads to deal with any bleeding (not tampons).
Simple pain relief with paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.
Can blighted ovum be prevented?
Miscarriages happen to even the healthiest of women.
Try to stay healthy for future pregnancies. Smoking, drinking and too much caffeine can all affect your health.
Getting support after a blighted ovum
A miscarriage can be extremely upsetting. If you’ve experienced a miscarriage you may need support and time to grieve.
Talk to your doctor or midwife for advice on how to look after yourself if you experience a blighted ovum.
They should be able to provide you with details of available support services.
There is no right way to feel after a miscarriage. Different people react to a miscarriage with different emotions, including anger, guilt or relief.
Does a blighted ovum affect my chances of having a baby in future?
No. Having a blighted ovum in one pregnancy does not alter your chance of having a successful pregnancy in the future.
If you have had one miscarriage, your next pregnancy is likely to be normal.
If you have had 3 miscarriages in a row, you should see your doctor to rule out any problems.
Resources and support
The Pink Elephants Support Network also provide resources and support for people affected by early pregnancy loss.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby helpline can offer emotional support and trusted advice to anyone who is dealing with pregnancy loss.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.