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Blighted ovum: Causes, Signs & Treatment
Miscarriages don’t occur only because of reasons such as hormonal problems or physical problems in the mother. It could also be because of a condition called blighted ovum, which is hard to detect.
What is Blighted Ovum?
A blighted ovum means a condition where a fertilised egg gets implanted in the uterus but does not develop into an embryo. It is also referred as an anembryonic pregnancy. It is a cause of early miscarriage.
During this time, you may not face any signs that the pregnancy is progressing abnormally. Your body will not recognise that there is no baby in the sac because the pregnancy hormones are still being produced.
How Common is a Blighted Ovum?
Blighted ovum occurs so early that you don't even know you are pregnant. It accounts for about 45% to 55% of all miscarriages. 1 in 2 first trimester miscarriages is due to blighted ovum.
What are the Causes of Blighted Ovum?
The reasons for blighted ovum or causes for anembryonic pregnancy or anembryonic gestation occurring can’t be clearly discerned.
A blighted ovum occurs when the early embryo stops developing, is reabsorbed and leaves an empty gestational sac. The reason this occurs is often unknown, but it could be caused due to chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilised egg. A blighted ovum occurs in early pregnancy between the 8th to the 13th week. Sometimes, even before you know that you are pregnant.
A blighted ovum or anembryonic pregnancy eventually results in miscarriage. Some women wait for it to happen naturally, while others may take medication to trigger the miscarriage. Sometimes, a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) is used to remove the placental tissues. Once the miscarriage occurs, your menstrual cycle will resume and you can try for another baby. You may want to wait for a few months to let your body get back to normalcy.
What are the Symptoms of Blighted Ovum?
A blighted ovum mostly occurs very early in pregnancy – before most women even realize they are pregnant. You may have the signs and symptoms of a normal pregnancy like nausea and tender breasts. But when the embryo stops growing and the hormone levels decrease, these pregnancy symptoms also subside. There may be abdominal cramping, light spotting or bleeding. However, an ultrasound will show an empty sac.
In some cases, women continue to face signs of early pregnancy, as everything appears to be normal. The cause for this is Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels which continue to rise and the placenta continues to grow despite blighted ovum. This type of miscarriage is diagnosed by an ultrasound by the 8th week of pregnancy. It will show a large gestational sac, but no embryo.
Sometimes, the symptoms of a blighted ovum (since the woman s likely unaware of her pregnancy) are mistaken for dysmenorrheal symptoms, because of cramping and minor spotting or bleeding. It ends with the body flushing out the lining of the uterus and you have periods, which may be heavier than usual.
How is Diagnosis of Blighted Ovum Done?
Criteria for diagnosis of a blighted ovum or anembryonic pregnancy through ultrasound are:
Failure to identify the embryo in a gestational sac (20 mm) by a transabdominal ultrasound.
Failure to identify the embryo in a gestational sac (18 mm) by a transvaginal ultrasound.
Failure to identify a yolk sac in a gestational sac (13 mm).
There is a possibility that the outline of the sac is irregular or incomplete.
An abnormally low position of the gestational sac.
Unfortunately, nothing can be done to prevent a blighted ovum. The gestational sac and accumulated tissues should be pushed out by the end of the 1st trimester. Apart from the natural process, you may use medication to facilitate the expulsion of the content.
If the mother is experiencing symptoms like heavy bleeding or indications of an infection, it is not advisable to wait for a miscarriage. A Dilation and Curettage (D&C) also known as “raspa” is a day procedure which can be used to clear the uterus of the tissue. It must be remembered that doctors normally do not recommend a D&C in cases of early pregnancy loss. A woman’s body is able to pass tissue on its own without an invasive surgical procedure which may cause complications.
Is it Possible to Have a Misdiagnosis?
There may be a chance that there is a misdiagnosis of blighted ovum during early pregnancy. The baby usually starts developing and becomes visible in the transvaginal ultrasound around the 5th or 6th week and around the 6th or 7th week in an abdominal ultrasound.
Tips to avoid blighted ovum misdiagnosis –
It may be a good idea to wait for the ultrasound until you are in the 11th or 12th week. An ultrasound may be required earlier if there are any signs of complications.
hCG levels are poor indicators of a blighted ovum, hence you should not feel anxious.
Most healthcare professionals believe that a natural miscarriage before the 10th week is preferable. However, most misdiagnosed cases are around the 10th week.
You can always refer to a new doctor for a second opinion.
What are the Treatments for Blighted Ovum?
In most cases, a blighted ovum needs no treatment, as the body, on recognizing that the embryo is not developing, expels the tissue automatically. However, your doctor will need to take a call on the course of action when the condition is detected, This may include:
Medication – Your doctor may prescribe you Misoprostol or Cytotec, which induces a miscarriage. It can be taken orally or inserted into the vagina. Bleeding starts within 2-3 days from taking the medicine. It may cause nausea, diarrhoea or abdominal cramps.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C) – This is a surgical procedure to clean out the embryonic tissue. It is done using anaesthesia. The mouth of the cervix is dilated with a surgical instrument and the tissue is either removed by using suction or scrapped out. Though there are no complications in this procedure, there might be some problems like perforation of the uterus, haemorrhage or Asherman syndrome.
Natural Expulsion of Tissue – It is always recommended that you wait for the miscarriage to happen naturally. This may take up to two weeks. The benefit of waiting is that there are no chances of complications arising from surgery or medicines.
How is Anembryonic Pregnancy Miscarriage Different From a Missed Miscarriage?
In an anembryonic pregnancy or blighted ovum pregnancy, the sac develops, however, there is no baby inside. This is only detected during a scan. Mostly the embryo was conceived but either it did not develop or was absorbed in the uterus at the initial stage. In most cases a natural miscarriage at home where no embryo is expelled as it has been absorbed or didn’t develop, but pregnancy tissue appears as thick clots. Sometimes, the mother might be advised to undergo a procedure if, waiting for a natural miscarriage to expel the tissue is risky.
While in an an-embryonic pregnancy an embryo is not formed, in a missed miscarriage, the foetus dies during early pregnancy. A missed miscarriage is also known as a silent miscarriage, as the body fails to detect the demise of the foetus and continues to produce pregnancy hormones. The placenta is intact, and the symptoms of pregnancy usually persist. The miscarriage is usually detected by the absence of a foetal heartbeat or by an ultrasound which reveals an underdeveloped foetus during a routine checkup. The embryo can be expelled naturally or via a procedure based on the doctor’s recommendation.
Physical Healing After Anembryonic Pregnancy
Physical healing after a miscarriage is different for every woman. Healing could vary depending on if the miscarriage happened naturally, or through a D&C, and how far along were you in the pregnancy.
A woman healing after a miscarriage can continue taking their prenatal vitamins and abstain from sex, douching, and tampons for at least for one month.
Emotional Healing After Anembryonic Pregnancy
Emotional healing from a pregnancy loss can be very difficult, and with a blighted ovum, it is especially important for the woman to realise that she has all the right to acknowledge her loss.
FAQs about Anembryonic Pregnancy
Here are a few frequently asked questions about anembryonic pregnancy;
Will it Affect the Chances of Having Another Baby?
Blighted ovum does not affect the chances of having another baby. As per statistics, women who have had a miscarriage have a high rate of success in their next pregnancy.
When Can You Be Pregnant After Anembryonic Pregnancy?
Doctors will recommend trying again after you have had your first period after the miscarriage. It is quite natural that women are anxious after the miscarriage.
Should You Go with D&C or Wait for a Natural Miscarriage?
A woman can choose to go with D&C or wait for a natural miscarriage. Doctors do not recommend a D&C for early pregnancy. D&C could be beneficial if you plan to get the tissues examined in a pathology laboratory to determine the reason for the miscarriage.
How to Prevent Blighted Ovum?
A blighted ovum cannot be prevented. It usually occurs only once in a woman.
A miscarriage is emotionally draining for any woman, more so in the case of a blighted ovum. Talking about the loss and seeking emotional support from friends and family can go a long way in helping the mother.
Also Read: Chances Of Conceiving After An Abortion Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
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WiFi at Home? How to Protect Your Kids from This Danger
WiFi is a popular wireless networking technology that uses RF or radio waves to provide wireless high-speed internet and network connections. Today in the world of easy connectivity, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and multiple electronic gadgets without wire, have made our life easier and comfortable to keep us connected across the globe, but this easy life and comfort have come with their own side effects. Yes, wifi has made our business, personal, and professional life easier and better, but there is no way one can stay away from its harmful effects, be it an adult or a kid.
Children and foetuses are more vulnerable to its harmful effects because their bodies are relatively smaller, their skull is thinner, and their brain tissues are more absorbent. Every house, school, offices, our neighbourhood, and public places are connected with WiFi or are WiFi hot spot zones. There is no way to completely cut-off these radio waves, as even if you turn off your wifi network at home, you can still get these signals from the neighbouring houses and other places. These radio waves can easily penetrate through the walls and almost everything in your house.
The intensity of these radio waves decreases with distance from the source router. We cannot completely escape from these radio waves but always minimise their harmful effects by using proper safety rules or precautions. The various health risks associated with WiFi signals are:
Sleep disorders
Depression and anxiety
A headache
Brain fog and memory loss
Fatigue
Dizziness
Risk of cancer
Heart palpitation in RF sensitive adults
Reduced sperm motility and viability
Looking at all these harmful effects does not mean we should stop or completely cut down using WiFi gadgets but we can always take necessary steps to keep ourselves, family members, and our kids safe from its harmful effects. We can always minimise the harmful effects of WiFi by following these simple rules at home.
We should limit our exposure to gadgets using WiFi.
Keep your WiFi network off when not in use.
Always switch off the WiFi network during the night to get a good night sleep.
Always sit at least 1-2 m away from the wi-fi router as the maximum strength of these rays is near the source.
Do not use a laptop on your lap, always keep it on a table or a tray.
Keep kids away from gadgets like iPads, tablets, and smartphones or keep your smartphone in aeroplane mode before giving them to your kids.
A pregnant woman should avoid exposure to these rays or keep some safe distance while using them to keep your foetus protected from these harmful radio waves.
Communicate through text messages rather than phones for long talks.
Use speaker and talk from a distance to keep your ear and head safer.
Do not give toys to your kids that uses wireless technology especially toys with remote control.
Kids should be encouraged to play more outdoor games and indoor games or activity rather than video and internet games on tablets or smartphones.
Always install your WiFi router away from the kids' room so that the intensity of these radio waves is least in their room.
" STAY SAFE... STAY HEALTHY"
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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First Trimester Tests for Pregnant Women
The first trimester is a very important phase for all pregnant women as the fetus undergoes the most crucial developments during this period. To ensure that the embryo in their womb is growing holistically, the doctors may ask you to get some routine as well as some emergency tests done.
As the pregnant woman during her first trimester witnesses major changes within, it is vital that she undergoes the necessary tests. Additionally, prenatal tests in the first trimester are also responsible for unveiling of any potential health concerns to the mother.
Types of Blood And Urine Tests in First Trimester
During the first trimester your doctor makes you take a number of blood tests, urine tests and ultrasounds to keep a check on your baby’s development. Here is a list of the major tests you might have to undergo.
Blood tests are the first tests that you will have to take. Your doctor will want to know your blood group and your Rh (Rhesus) factor. He will check for the presence of diseases such as hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis and some other STDs. He or she may also check for anaemia.
Urine tests are also a part of the routine. The doctors need to check whether you have any sort of kidney infection. Later the doctors take urine samples to check for glucose that may signal any developments of diabetes and albumin that can be a symptom of preeclampsia.
Tests for certain diseases such as Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anaemia are conducted depending on your racial background, your place of residence, your family medical history and other environmental factors. Diseases such as toxoplasmosis and varicella are also checked for, if there are chances that you were exposed.
Your doctor also conducts a test for hCG or progesterone. hCG is a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. It helps to maintain and stabilise your pregnancy. These tests help confirm your pregnancy and evaluate the risk of miscarriage in case you have had previous miscarriages.
CVS or Chorionic villus sampling is also important. Between your tenth to twelfth weeks, your doctor may ask you to undertake this highly invasive test. This is important, especially for mothers who are above thirty five years of age. This test helps detect genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, sickle cell anaemia and muscular dystrophy. While the test has a 98% accuracy level, it also comes with a 1% chance of causing a miscarriage. So many women opt out of it. However, if you happen to have a family history of any of these diseases, it is very important for you to take this test.
Ultrasound Screening in First Trimester
Ultrasound also known as sonograph, sonogram and echogram is routinely performed during all three trimesters of pregnancy. First trimester sonogram is performed to detect the pregnancy and presence of yolk sac, detect ectopic pregnancy and multiple fetuses, track fetal movement and heartbeats, detect structural defects such as Spina Bafida, congenital heart defects, cleft lip or palette or other organ malformations.
Risks
While the routine pregnancy tests pose no risk to the fetus or the mother, some invasive tests like amniocentesis and CVS may pose a risk of miscarriage to some extent. Such tests are recommended by doctors only in cases where the mother carries certain risks of carrying a baby with genetic abnormalities, has had complicated pregnancies previously, she is in her 40s or older, has chronic illness and is undergoing medical treatments, is a drug abuser, smoker or an alcoholic.
Your doctor considers all the factors that might lead him to believe that your pregnancy and baby might be at risk and then advise accordingly. Read more
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The Pink Moustache - Breaking the Gender Stereotype from Childhood
From ages, people say, "Blue is for boys and pink is for girls." If you ask me, I put it in the list of senseless prejudices prevalent. Yesterday, my 4-year-old son's friend made fun of him as he was having a pink bottle. He said, 'Are you a girl? Why are you having a pink bottle, like a girl?' My son made my collar high by answering, 'Colours are for everyone.' His answer had a reason behind it. My son and I watch the sunset almost daily. I tell him that there is pink colour, blue, yellow, red, orange and so many other colours. God painted the sky for all of us. He didn't say that you are a girl, you cannot watch blue and a boy cannot like pink. All colours are for everyone.
Children are like a clean slate. We, as parents, are trying to instil a thought process in him free from such taboos. I am trying to inculcate a few habits right from this tender age. Like, 'Never hit a girl. You don't have to show your strength by hitting or pushing a girl.' A few days later, while playing, my son said to me, 'We should never hit a girl because girls are weak, they get hurt easily, right?' I asked, 'Who told you this?' He named one of his classmates. (Another gender stereotype). I responded, 'No, it's not true at all. How would you feel if someone calls me weak and hits me someday?' He answered, 'Very bad and I will be katti with that person.' I added, 'I will also feel bad if you call any girl weak. Am I weak?' In a very high tone, he replied, 'You are the strongest.' We, as family, put in serious efforts to give our son an environment free from prejudices but somehow or the other, these Stone Age thoughts keep creeping in.
I have often heard that if a boy cries, he is called a girl because crying is a girl's copyright. On one of our shopping sprees, we saw a boy crying because he got hurt and other kids (including the girls) present there were teasing and saying that, 'Ladki ki tarah kyu ro raha hai?' That night we were watching a movie and my son said, 'He cannot be the hero of the movie, he is crying. Papa is my hero, he never cries'. My husband overheard and he came crying, acting that he got a foot injury. And, my son was left with no words. Yet again, we redefined the definition of 'a man'.
Compassion and tenderness don't suit boys - the advice I often get from my so-called friends as I don't follow the canonical connotations of raising a boy. I taught my son not to laugh when someone gets hurt. Therefore, he ends up fighting with his peers when they laugh on his wounds. Two rules that parents teach their boys - first, never accept that you get hurt and second, even if you feel the pain, you must not cry. I fail to understand how pain can also have gender reservation!
Like any other evening, that evening too, my son was calling me to join him in his game. My aunt was with us. She immediately reacted, 'Your mother is cooking, let her cook, call your Papa to play with you. 'Ladke, ladko ke saath khelte hai aur Mom khana banati hai. Ladkiya sirf kaam karti hai'. But my son wasn't able to understand and agree to her theory because he has seen his mother being his partner in games and dozens of times, his father, playing the cameo appearance as a chef for us.
We, like other parents, try hard every day to make our son a finer human being. Somedays we feel we are excellent in our efforts and other days, we find ourselves complete failures. But, it's often quoted, 'Failures are the pillars to success', and so, we look at each day with possibilities and hope. Just trying to be 'Simply Human!'
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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5 Brilliant Ways To Keep Yourself Comfortable Pre and Post Pregnancy
“Mamma!”, your little one calls out to you. He looks all excited to tell you how his day was, and after you listen, he gives you a big, bear hug. There's so much happiness that children bring to our lives. But guess what, moms deserve it! After all, there's so much that we go through to bring our children into the world! Right from the time we conceive until the day we deliver, our body becomes a hotspot for hormonal changes, pains, mood swings and discomfort. So, is there a way to keep yourself comfortable during these difficult times?
We have brought you four solutions recommended by medical experts. These solutions are based on the one golden rule during pregnancy and as a new mom – do not compromise on comfort!
1. Rest Your Back on a Pregnancy Pillow
Being pregnant, for all its joys, makes it very difficult for you to lie down comfortably. Your regular pillows and cushions are just not designed to support your pregnant body. In fact, they can sometimes make your body pain worse if you sleep in an incorrect posture. What you should do is rest your back on a specially-designed pregnancy pillow. This will also make side-lying possible. Farlin has an interesting range of pregnancy pillows that can be adjusted as per your needs. The best part about these pillows is that when your baby arrives, they double up as a nursing pillow – double whammy!
2. Relieve Your Backache With a Maternity Belt
Backache is a very common problem during pregnancy. It is brought on due to your growing uterus that shifts your body's center of gravity, exerting pressure on the abdominal muscles. Don't let this mean you cannot do anything to ease a backache at this time. A good-quality maternity belt can give you the additional support your back needs during pregnancy. Not just that, it also helps reduce the chances of a miscarriage. Just make sure you get a belt with good elasticity for maximum comfort.
3. Support Your Waist Using an Adjustable Girdle
During pregnancy, your waist seems to grow overnight! This, combined with your growing belly, can sometimes make it difficult to maintain the right posture. Not doing anything about this will only bring on aches and pains. You should consider getting a pregnancy girdle that will not only improve your figure but also strengthen your muscles. If you are worried about wearing it under your clothing, don't! Get a girdle by Farlin that uses light-weight material and is completely discreet.
4. Let This Take Care Of Your Breasts During Nursing
Once you are a mom, and the stressful time of pregnancy is behind you, there are still more challenges to face! Breastfeeding is probably the single-most challenging situation at this time. You're likely to experience leaking breasts due to excessive milk production. Your nipples could turn sore and feel uncomfortable. Even if you take all this in your stride, what if they affect your baby's comfort? Get a set of breast shields that protect your nipples from soreness and infection. Ideally, pick a set that uses soft silicon; this will feel the most comfortable against your skin.
5. Use a Breast Pump To Regulate and Store Your Milk
Our postpartum bodies can really be a complete mess! There's so much recovery that's going on that your breast-milk production can also vary from day to day. Not being able to nurse properly or not producing enough milk can trigger not just severe discomfort but downright pain! Try using a breast pump that eases your pain and massages your breast to promote milk flow. The best part is you can operate the pump with just one hand and store your milk for future use. Say no to panic attacks about not being able to nurse!
Pregnancy and childbirth are immensely stressful, albeit exciting, experiences for women. There's so much that you are worried about, so much that gets compounded due to the physical and emotional changes your body is going through! Your best bet is to do everything you can to stay comfortable, soak in all the attention from family and friends, and maintain a positive mindset. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. can I take gevocet m during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Please check with your doctor they will be able to confirm whether you can take this medicine or or not as a Dr who have a fair idea and they will know for what thing you are willing to take this medicine so whatever doubt you have associated there be able able able to clear it up for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. I’m not aware about what medicine it is for I can only tell you that these basic medicines you can take throughout your lactation it’s not a problem the medicines that you could take before your pregnancy can always be taken during the time of lactation
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mam iam 33 weeks now when can I expect delivery date
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. The basic delivery date is normally 39 to 3 40 weeks of your pregnancy whenever you are ready for your delivery and whenever you hit your labour that’s going to be the right time for you further move your Dr is going to tell you when are you going to deliver with the help of an ultrasound
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. What is your question associated with your pregnancy that you haven’t mentioned clearly can you please repost your question providing all the necessary details so at least I know and understand what are you willing to ask and accordingly I can give you help and assistance on that
Jennifer has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
1 hour ago
Q. I am 23 weeks 1 day pregnant. I was feeling the movements actively until today. Baby movements were not that good or maybe I didn’t feel it that way today. Is it a cause of concern? Should I wait for a day or two or should I go and see my gynaecologist?
Please suggest!
Read moreJennifer
Mom of 6 children
1 hour ago
A. please consult ur gynae asap.
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