• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Fertility Nutrition Men's Fertility Pregnancy

What is Blighted Ovum Pregnancy Loss?

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 16, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Blighted ovum is a term used to describe a type of miscarriage. Blighted ovum happens when a fertilized egg embeds in the uterine lining, but the embryo fails to continue to develop. During the early part of the first trimester, the embryo will stop developing, but the egg (gestational) sac will continue to form. The placenta will also continue to form. The embryo is absorbed by the body after it fails to develop. The leading cause of blighted ovum is chromosomal abnormalities.

What Causes Blighted Ovum?
As with any miscarriage, this type of miscarriage may leave couples feeling confused, sad, angry, and cheated. It is important to realize that blighted ovum is the cause of up to 50% of all first trimester miscarriages. The body recognizes the chromosomal abnormalities in the developing embryo and naturally will not work to sustain the pregnancy. This may take time though, as the egg sac and placenta may continue to grow. Most of these pregnancies end by the 6th week gestation. hCG still continues to rise, and a woman may not know anything is wrong; she will assume that the pregnancy is going along wonderfully. Only an early ultrasound can detect blighted ovum prior to miscarriage. That being said, this does not warrant early first trimester ultrasound. Even if blighted ovum is detected, miscarriage is imminent.

Most blighted ovum miscarriage will happen naturally on its own, without the need for a D&C. Many women will not even know they were pregnant. If you are experiencing miscarriage it is best to let your body do the work of naturally cleansing the pregnancy, rather than have a D&C. Most women’s bodies are perfectly capable of miscarrying naturally on their own. D&C runs its own risks and should only be performed when medically necessary.

How Can I Prevent Blighted Ovum?
Because blighted ovum is so common and is one of the leading causes of miscarriage, there is not much you can do to prevent this from happening. It is the body’s way of singling out the best viable egg and sperm connection, to ensure you have the healthiest baby and pregnancy possible. It is one of your body’s checks and balances. That being said, I know that does not take away the pain caused by pregnancy loss. What you experience through miscarriage is very real and can be very difficult to go through. Most times a blighted ovum is a one-time occurrence and a woman will go on to have a successful pregnancy.

Support Healthy Eggs and Sperm, Prior to Pregnancy
There are key components to consider when preparing for pregnancy; some of these may help to prevent blighted ovum. Ensure that you have the healthiest eggs and sperm possible prior to conception. Poor quality eggs and sperm are known to cause chromosomal abnormalities, including birth defects in babies that develop full term, and increase incidence of miscarriage.

If you have recently had a miscarriage it is important to work on preparing your body for pregnancy 3 months prior to conception. Both eggs and sperm renew about every 90 days. Changes you make today will impact the egg and sperm that will be used 3 months from now. Wait for 3 months after your miscarriage before trying to conceive again. This will give you the time to prepare, while increasing chances of a successful pregnancy.

Both Men and Women will benefit from these important tips. The best ways to increase your chances of successful pregnancy and reduce incidence of blighted ovum are…

  • Eat a Nutrient-dense Fertility Diet
  • Exercise daily, 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week
  • Take a whole food multivitamin
  • Fertility Cleansing for Men and Women
  • Follow a Supplement Plan to Increase Egg Health
  • Follow a Supplement Plan to Increase Sperm Health
  • Provide a healthy environment for implantation by increasing Uterine Health
  • Maintain hormonal balance

If you have experienced more than 2 miscarriages, you may find our Recurrent Miscarriages page very helpful. Recurrent miscarriages have a variety of causes, some of which may be prevented. This page provides many helpful tips to help prevent recurrent miscarriage.

Healing Emotionally from Miscarriage
Miscarriage is never easy. You may be left with a strong longing to get pregnant again, right away. It is important to give your body, mind, and spirit time to adjust, process and heal from this intense situation. Talk to your partner about what you are going through. I am sure your partner is feeling down as well, and may benefit from healthy communication about their feelings. Let your body heal naturally. Support it with extra rest and nourishment by eating whole, iron rich foods! Take time to get some extra sleep. Seek counseling if necessary. Be patient and kind to yourself; know that the cause of miscarriages are usually natural selection through proper function in the body. Don’t give up hope! More often than not, you will go on to have a successful, healthy pregnancy!

Click here to learn about a helpful kit for pregnancy loss recovery…

References

  • Blighted Ovum: Symptoms, Causes and Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/blighted-ovum/

« Previous Post
Solve Thyroid Problems Before Conceiving a Baby
Next Post »
Asherman’s Syndrome: Heal and Prevent Uterine Adhesions Naturally

About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 21

Open
To make an impact on your health, you will need to first learn the actions and steps to take... then you will need to be consistent with those actions. It is the consistency that brings you the results. You are going to be human and not be perfect 100% of the time. Just accept that and get back to it. Consistency, day in and out, is more important than being perfect. You can't be 100% perfect for long, but you can be consistent every day.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 19

Open
If you’ve undergone many consecutive fertility treatments without a successful pregnancy, it could be time for a break. Taking a break gives your body a chance to cleanse, reset and recover. Relief from the side effects and stress could be exactly what you need for a fresh start for your fertility journey.

Use the time to work on yourself- mind and body. A break might even give you the opportunity to find a new sense of peace or a new version of your fertility program.
​
Learn more about natural therapies you can use to help your body reset after medical fertility treatments...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 13

Open
After 6 unsuccessful IUIs and one IVF of the same result, Angela takes a break and discovers the Natural Fertility Company. Using our resources to help her implement some changes, she has a much different result on her next IVF at 43. Click through the slides to read her story...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 11

Open
Q: My partner smokes, will this affect his fertility?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 6

Open
I have KMF imprinted on many of my personal belongings as a constant reminder to Keep Moving Forward. This started to be my mantra about 20 years ago when I was in a tough patch and knew the only way was through, and step by step. Keep moving forward. What is the next step, shuffle or even pause that may need to happen? Whatever it is, move towards it, into it, and forward.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 4

Open
With so many chemicals and outside factors contributing to estrogen dominance in the body, it is good to help support hormonal balance and one way to do that is through foods.
​
​Here are some tips, including foods that help to promote the body's natural ability to get rid of excess estrogens. ..
​
​Are you getting any of these foods in your weekly diet?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 1

Open
Trish conceives her second child with natural therapies at 37. Swipe through to read her story... 
​
​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 30

Open
Q: I have heavy periods, should I be concerned about using tampons?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 28

Open
I knew what my life's calling was at a very young age. At around 16, I had a dream where a dreadlocked rasta man came to me (Burning Spears to be exact) and in that dream was told that I was to be a healer. It was the type of dream that was more real than reality. The next day I woke up feeling different than I had ever felt before. Later on that day, we had new neighbors move into the house above us and a woman came and introduced herself. When I opened the door, she said her name and told me she was opening up a school of healing and that I was to be one of her students. It was one of the most intense series of events in my life. I went on to go to her school and my path started with an amazing community and so much support. What are one of the most life changing experiences you have had? I would love to hear...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
Stress can be one of the primary factors behind infertility. Believe it or not, our bodies are equipped to prevent conception from occurring during times of extreme stress. The presence of adrenaline, the hormone that is released by our bodies during stressful times, signals to our body that conditions are not ideal for conception. Adrenaline inhibits us from utilizing the hormone progesterone, which is essential for fertility. It also causes the pituitary gland to release higher levels of prolactin, which also causes infertility to occur.
​
​Swipe left for ways to reduce the effect of stress on your fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
At 39, Milissa focuses on natural ways to prevent another miscarriage & goes on to conceive. Swipe through the slides to read more about her journey... 
​
​
​**​​While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
​We come into contact with xenohormones on a daily basis. Once you know where and what they are, you can avoid them or not use products that contain them. There has been extensive research on the connection between xenohormones and hormone disruption, which leads us to fertility issues and imbalances. Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...
​
​If you would like support in getting started with your Ditch and Switch, download my free guide on how to get started. The link is in our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 14

Open
You are strong enough. Life can get hard sometimes, but we are stronger through it all. You can figure this out. You know your body. Trust yourself. You are worthy of health, you are worthy of motherhood. You are worthy of having your own opinion. Listen to your gut. You've got this.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us