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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
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7 Surprising Reasons You're Not Reaching Orgasm
Research suggests that out of the majority of women, only 10 percent easily climax while others miss the chance to hit orgasm. That's a real downer! Read on to discover the reasons why you too may be having trouble reaching an orgasm.
Many women find it difficult to reach climax during sex. And there’s more to getting turned on than foreplay. Your mind needs to be at ease and focused on lovemaking. Well, find out about how you can catch up to that elusive orgasm with a few do’s and don’ts.
Some Reasons For Not Having An Orgasm
1. Sitting for long periods
Sitting at your desk for hours at a time may shorten the pelvic muscles, which in turn can induce pelvic pain and lead to orgasm problems. Get up after every 30 minutes, even if you’re very busy and stretch your muscles.
2. Being worried about your body
Always feel beautiful and you’ll automatically look beautiful. Don’t get embarrassed by your stretch marks, muffin top and varicose veins. Rather, flaunt what you love the most about yourself and gracefully embrace what you often reject.
3. Wearing high heels too often
As often as you can, try to stick to flat shoes. High heels aren’t good for your pelvis and psoas muscles, which connect with the genitals and pelvic floor. They cause contractions in the pelvic floor and make the muscles tense. So what’s supposed to arouse you, doesn’t.
4. Being too shy to enjoy sex
Dispel shyness and embrace your sexuality. You won’t be able to enjoy making love if you aren’t comfortable and confident. Make eye contact with your partner. It makes climaxing even more sensual and intimate.
5. Drinking too much
Your body needs enough water to stay hydrated and orgasm, not alcohol. If you’ve drank too much, it’s likely you won’t be able to enjoy sex. Since alcohol is a depressant for the central nervous system, you’ll find it hard to get aroused and climax.
6. You’re on medication
The principal culprits for orgasm problems in women are birth control pills, blood pressure medications and antidepressants. If you must take them, spend plenty of time with foreplay, indulge your fantasies and do everything possible to make sex enjoyable.
7. You’re low on oestrogen
Oestrogen levels begin to fall when a woman reaches her 40s and this eventually leads to a lower libido. It can also see less lubricated vaginal tissue that can sometimes cause discomfort during sex and consequently, a lack of female climax. Hormone replacement therapy or lubricants work wonderfully as sex aids in such situations.
8. Not taking the lead
Sometimes, work pressure and stress can deprive you of sexual pleasure. Well, take the lead and arouse your man through sensual massages and foreplay. Guide him during the act and let him know what turns you on. He’ll be only too pleased to please you!
No orgasm during sex isn’t always a big issue. In fact, for many, it’s the act and not the end that matters. But if you can’t orgasm and it’s bothering you, try to eliminate these don’ts and incorporate more dos. You’ll find it a lot easier to build up your arousal and finally climax. Read more
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A Baby's Arrival in the Family: Tiny Bundle of Joy or the Biggest Responsibility?
Most of the time, a baby's arrival into the family is treated as good news. The mom-to-be and dad-to-be are happy, grandparents start preparations for their grandchild's arrival, uncles and aunts paste cute baby photos on the wall. There is no limit to the happiness of a family expecting a new child. The new mom-to-be is given a lot of love from everyone, taken care of, given gifts and yummy food items to eat. The baby shower and maternity photo shoot are conducted too. Soon, the baby arrives.Relatives visit, grandparents start to play with the baby, happiness is in the air...!But as the days pass by, everyone becomes busy with their daily routine expect the mom. Slowly, the child starts becoming only the mother's responsibility: the baby's feeding, bathing, sleeping, and health remain to be only her concern. Family members play with the child as per their convenience when the baby is happy but as soon he/she starts crying, the baby is given to his/her mom. The concept that a crying baby stops as soon as he/she is taken by the mother is not practical. She is also apparently supposed to know what baby needs. Sleepless nights tend to become a routine for mothers. The mother has to think about the child first, then family, and lastly about own self. This affects not only the physical but also the mental health of women.Through this article I want to bring about awareness among people that a child is part of the whole family so it's not fair to burden the mother alone with everything; everyone should play their role to fullest. Grandparents should take the baby for small walks. The father of the child should start proper financial planning regarding the child. The uncle or aunt can take also care of the baby if he/she wakes up frequently at night. This will reduce the workload and stress of the mother, as she is also human after all and she needs love, care and rest too. Then, it'll be the happiest family of all!
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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Festival of Lights and Colors, Not Noise and Crackers
Like most of you, Diwali is my favourite festival too. But this year, our Diwali is a little different compared to all other past years: this is our first Diwali with my 9-month-old baby Riyan!
We all are super excited to make it the most special and memorable Diwali for us and Riyan too but without disrupting his routine. So we preferred staying home rather than taking a trip because I didn’t want to end the festival with distress and sickness.
My husband invited the close family members at our place to celebrate Riyan’s first Diwali. Our family met after a long time and I made sure Riyan got familiar with all the members and greeted them with a smile.
We pre-shopped festive clothes for Riyan which are comfortable and colourful to get the best Diwali pictures. We managed to get matching-coloured traditional outfits for all of us to make it more special.
Also with a lot of festival food I was always handy with food items for Riyan to avoid his cranky behaviour. I had some homemade healthy snacks and fruits always by my side and also breastfed Riyan whenever possible.
My husband and Father-in-law decorated the home with lots of string lights on the wall, ceiling and curtains along with flower bunting and diyas. Riyan was overjoyed to see the lights and diyas.
I managed to draw 2 rangolis at the doorsteps and decorated the entrance with a decorative elephant and flower bunting. We even pasted Shubh Deepawali posters on the entrance wall.
During Diwali, we performed Laxmiji Pooja and Ganesh Pooja where kids enjoyed playing the temple bells. The whole family went out to watch the city adorned in lights. Kids enjoyed watching lights and got balloons on the way. Riyan learnt to greet the guests who visited our place with a smile. To make it more memorable we bought a new tricycle for Riyan as a Diwali gift. We clicked pictures with every member of the family and clicked a lot of selfies too. The takeaway moment was that four generations of the family were captured in one photograph.
My husband and I dislike crackers and we wish for Riyan to dislike them too. We clicked a special family picture of us to promote an eco-friendly green Diwali and forwarded it to all friends and family members.
To make a complete festival mood at home, we played Garba and danced for hours. Adults and youngsters, elders and children, all danced to the beats and enjoyed. Our family had a great time as we all met after a long time.
As we had 5 kids at home including Riyan, we arranged games for all the Bacchus. We had pre-planned the games for kids as well as adults. We played with balls, blocks, cards and a few activity games.
Trust me, this was the most fun loving day for all as the kids played, laughed, cried, fought and shared. We all sang songs and shared a lot of childhood stories which strengthened the sibling bonding.
The most memorable moment of Diwali for my husband and me was that Riyan learnt clapping to Pooja music. We were over-whelmed to see him clapping!
Alas, the days passed too fast! Bye bye to the guests and bye bye to Diwali. Eagerly waiting for the next Diwali. We hope the next Diwali will be more fun, as Riyan will be old enough to understand the festival and celebration.
Hope you enjoyed the journey of Riyan’s first Diwali! Hope you too had an equally joyful Diwali.
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.
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Curb Your Cravings With These 6 Simple Hacks!
Food cravings are not something one can easily sweep under the carpet. Not when you have a packet full of potato chips or a cheesy hamburger staring at you in the face. However, a few helpful tips and a sheer strength of will power can help reduce food craving.
In order to curb cravings, one needs to first understand what is food craving and why you crave certain foods. It starts when you try to go on a diet to lose weight. Your body at this point is starved of certain nutrients and this lack of nutrients manifests itself in the form of cravings. Due to your restricted diet the cravings for high-calorie foods becomes all the more intense.
6 Ways to Curb Your Food Cravings
1. Wash Away Your Food Hankering
Sometimes, due to dehydration, you may find yourself craving salty foods; therefore, what you take for food cravings is often your need for water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can make you feel full thereby suppressing your food cravings.
2. Stave off Hunger with Proteins
An important thing to remember if you want to know how to get rid of food cravings is that proteins play an important role in this game. They help in making you feel full so you can go longer hours without feeling hungry. Fish, eggs, low-fat cheese, meat, lentils and yogurt are all rich sources of protein, which if included in every meal can help keep cravings at bay.
3. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
Beverages and drinks that are artificially sweetened induce sugar cravings. Steer clear from them. Try a fresh fruit juice instead. It can satisfy your cravings without piling on the calories. Another good buster of sugar cravings is ginger. Throw in some ginger slices into warm water or have a cup of ginger tea to help you battle the urge to snack on something sweet.
4. Find a Distraction
When overcome by a psychological food craving rather than a physiological one, find something to distract you from your food urges. The idea is to replace eating with an activity that’s emotionally satisfying. A physical activity especially, in the form of a walk, light jog, or a run can quench any desire for indulging your food cravings.
5. Chomp on Some Gum
One of the easiest ways to stop food cravings is to chew gum. Just take care not to chew an excessive amount for it can cause gastric distress. Chew on gum only when the need arises.
6. Monitor Your Food Clock
Long gaps in between meals can cause you to be overcome with hunger pangs. Shorten those gaps by eating small quantities of low-calorie foods every 2 hours or so. Nuts like almonds and pistachios are great to snack on in between meals as they keep you full.
Learning how to control food cravings can be difficult at first but you can do it. When the urge is stronger than ever, try picturing an image of yourself snacking on an ice cream or biting into a slab of chocolate and looking twice your size. There. Read more
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Q. Can i eat potato chips in early pregnency..?
Dr Ghouse
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A. they are not advisable in any duration of pregnancy. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
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Q. Hii i haven't got my period for April month and I did a home test today it's negative and iam experiencing light brown spotting. Does that mean am i pregnant or my period is about to come, bit worried can anyone tell me what does that mean
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. better to get the ultrasound examination for accuracy. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Hello I had missed my period for April month and today I have done home test with prega news and result is negative. Am experiencing light brown spotting today and back pain and stomach pain. Is it ok to have missed period for over a month and what does that mean am i pregnant or my period is about to come. Iam bit worried about this please do help me.
Read moreDr Ghouse
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1 hour ago
A. wait for sometime you can do beta hCG or ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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Dr Ghouse
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A. there is need for examination investigations even urine test. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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