Last updated on December 8th, 2017

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 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 our bodies 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 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…

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

Dalene Barton-Schuster - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism since 2000, Dalene received her training and certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007.

Related Articles

• 10 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Ovaries
• Fertility Health: Reasons Why You May Not Be Ovulating
• Fertility Q&A: The Proper Use and Application of Progesterone Cream
• Detecting Ovulation: How to Get Accurate Results
• Endometriosis and Its Link to The Microbiome