Is A Blighted Ovum The Same As A Molar Pregnancy?

Blighted ovum and molar pregnancy are not the same. Let us see what a blighted ovum is and this will help you to understand why we say that it is not a molar pregnancy.
Blighted ovum also known as an embryonic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, but an embryo does not develop, the gestational sac and placenta grows. That is why it is called an embryonic pregnancy.

After the fertilization the morula (collection of cells) travels down and implants in the uterus. With that the cells that are supposed to be gestational sac and placenta starts multiplying but the fetal cells do not multiply. The exact reason for this is unknown. It may be due to some chromosomal abnormalities or abnormal cell division in the embryo or due to a poor-quality ovum or sperm. Blighted ovum produces hormones therefore, your hCG test would be positive.

Molar pregnancy occurs due to an abnormal conception which results in chromosomal abnormalities. This causes abnormal cells filled with fluid which grows rapidly outweighing the embryo. The pathogenesis of a molar pregnancy and blighted ovum are different.

Blighted ovum usually causes a miscarriage between 7th to 12th weeks of gestation. The body realize that a fetus has not developed and remove the tissues form the uterus. Sometimes this process occurs so early in the pregnancy even before you realized you are pregnant and you might interpret it as menstruation.

• A positive urine or blood hCG test
• Abdominal cramps
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding
• Heavy menstrual period

Ultrasound scan is the investigation of choice. The gestational sac with a mean sac diameter >25mm will be present without an embryo.

Blighted ovum and partial molar pregnancy sometimes look similar in an ultrasound scan and it is difficult to diagnose accurately, however a partial molar pregnancy shows embryonic tissue (fetal parts) that is not seen in a blighted ovum.

The diagnosis of a blighted ovum, miscarriage or a molar pregnancy is a difficult situation for parents. Some couples cope up well and some couples have difficulties in adjusting to the situation or may take some time.

If you are diagnosed with blighted ovum discuss with your doctor what you can do now. There are several treatment options and the couple can decide what option they would like to do.

Dilatation And Curettage. This is a surgical procedure the cervix is dilated and the tissue is removed. These tissues can be sent for histological examination to find out the reason. The tissues can be removed at once and usually within a day you can go home if complications don’t develop.

Medical Treatment With Misoprostol. This will take some time to remove all the tissues, there can be severe bleeding but you can do this at an outpatient setting.

Conservative Treatment. Some women choose not do any medical or surgical interventions but to let the body pass the tissue on its own.

Having a blight ovum does not mean you will not be able to have a healthy baby next time. Doctors recommend to wait for at least 3 menstrual cycles before trying for a baby again so, that you are mentally and physically ready for a pregnancy.

Blighted ovum also known as an embryonic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, but an embryo is not developed, the gestational sac and placenta grows. The cells that are supposed to be gestational sac and placenta stats multiplying but the fetal cells do not multiply. The exact reason for this is unknown. It may be due to some chromosomal abnormalities or abnormal cell division in the embryo or due to a poor-quality ovum or sperm. Molar pregnancy occurs due to an abnormal conception which results in chromosomal abnormalities. This causes abnormal cells filled with fluid which grows rapidly outweighing the embryo. The pathogenesis of a molar pregnancy and blighted ovum are different.

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Also Read:

• Can You Have A Healthy Pregnancy After A Molar Pregnancy?
• How Long Should I Wait To Get Pregnant After A Molar Pregnancy?
• What Are The Chances Of Having A Molar Pregnancy?
• Can A Molar Pregnancy Turn Into Cancer?
• How Do You Detect A Molar Pregnancy?
• How To Cope With Molar Pregnancy?
• What To Eat And Avoid When You Have Molar Pregnancy?