False Pregnancies. Let’s Talk About It.
Whether you’re dreaming of getting pregnant or not, a false pregnancy can occur. Although false-positive pregnancy tests only occur 1% of the time, there’s a type of pregnancy that can take place called a blighted ovum, or in scientific terms, is known as an anembryonic pregnancy. You will get a positive pregnancy test even if you have a blighted ovum. It can also cause you to experience pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, cramps, and tender breasts. But how can you have pregnancy symptoms and not be pregnant?
What is a Blighted Ovum?
Well, a blighted ovum happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo (the first stage of a baby’s formation process) does not develop. As the blighted ovum continues to grow, cells develop to form the gestational sac, and your placenta will grow, but with no embryo inside, just empty space. This type of pregnancy occurs within the first trimester and can be caused by an abnormality in the chromosome, poor egg and sperm quality, or a random occurrence.
Since a blighted ovum does not continue its fertilization process to form an embryo, it usually results in an early miscarriage. An ultrasound will show you if there is an embryo forming or not. Your doctor may also do a blood test to check your hCG levels (it’s a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin that your body normally produces, but your levels go up when you are pregnant). In normal pregnancies, the levels usually double and triple, which can also happen with a blighted ovum, but usually will stop and start to decrease around week 8-10.
To check if you are experiencing a true pregnancy, an ultrasound is the only way to confirm it. At Options for Women, we provide FREE ultrasounds to those seeking to verify their pregnancy for those who medically qualify.
Options After the Ultrasound
If, after you’ve seen your ultrasound and it’s been confirmed that you are undergoing a miscarriage either from the blighted ovum or another reason, there are a few options for how to move forward.
Natural miscarriage, also known as expectant management, is when your body naturally passes the tissue with bleeding similar to a heavy period. This can occur between the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Medication – to trigger your body to miscarry instead of letting a natural miscarriage take place, you would take medication called misoprostol with or without a second medication. You’ll have cramping, abdominal pain and bleeding within 30 minutes to 10 hours of taking the medication.
D&C (dilation and curettage) – some may decide to have a D&C because the process is much quicker and complete in one visit. The procedure requires the physician to open the cervix (Dilation) and then perform Curettage, which is the process of using a curette or by suction curette (also called vacuum aspiration) to remove the contents of the uterus.
Is the D&C procedure an Abortion?
If you’re thinking of having a D&C procedure either for your miscarriage or after, you should know that it is not an abortion. The only time a D&C is considered an abortion is if a growing embryo or fetus is being extracted. If that is the case, you are having an abortion, and it is no longer considered a miscarriage procedure to remove tissue or an empty gestational sac.
If you have had an abortion and are having a difficult time navigating life after it, we offer free post-abortion counseling care.
How to Handle the Emotional Side of a Blighted Ovum
Many women, even those who did not wish to be pregnant, may experience a variety of emotions such as numbness, disbelief, anger, guilt, sadness, depression, and difficulty concentrating after having a miscarriage These are all normal emotions and difficult ones to navigate due to the unexpected news of not being able to experience a full-term pregnancy. Since a blighted ovum can cause the same emotional and physical symptoms as a real pregnancy, you may have developed a strong sense of attachment to a baby that you thought was growing inside of you. Despite being made aware of your situation, you are allowed to grieve the loss of a child and take time to heal.
When you’re on your healing journey, remember—you don’t have to go through it alone. Counseling can be an incredibly helpful resource during a difficult time, and we’ve compiled a list of available counseling centers on our website that you can reach out to.
In addition to counseling, there are other intentional ways to support yourself through this season, such as talking to a loved one, staying connected to your community, and making time to stay active. Another powerful tool to help you process your emotions is journaling. Sometimes, stepping outside, breathing in some fresh air, and writing your thoughts on paper can be helpful ways to grieve and begin healing.
Know you are not alone in this journey and better days will be coming.
Can I Try to Conceive Again?
If you are wondering if you can conceive a child after having a blighted ovum, the answer is yes! A blighted ovum does not affect your fertility, and the majority of women go on to conceive after experiencing one. When determining when to try and conceive again, most doctors recommend waiting at least
1-3 regular menstrual cycles. This is to ensure your body has physically recovered from the loss and that you and your partner are emotionally ready to
try again.
Preparing for Pregnancy
When preparing for pregnancy, here are some helpful tips to ensure you are properly prepared.
Some of the ways you can be prepared for a pregnancy are:
Schedule a wellness exam with your local pregnancy clinic or medical center
Establish a regular exercise routine
Start eating healthier
Start taking prenatal vitamins
Have a supportive community
Be mindful of your mental health
Where Can I Go for a Wellness Exam?
A Wellness exam is important to catch any problems you may be unaware of due to not having symptoms. It should include a pap smear to check for cancer of your cervix, a breast exam, bloodwork to check for STDs, problems with your thyroid, diabetes etc. You can go to a gynecologist/obstetrician or a medical practitioner who specializes in women’s health. We also provide FREE Women’s Wellness Referrals to a local practitioner who will perform a wellness exam free of charge to those who qualify. Call to determine if you are eligible.
Call and schedule your appointment today!
Sources:
After a Miscarriage: Surviving Emotionally | American Pregnancy Assoc.
Blighted Ovum (Anembryonic Pregnancy): Causes & Symptoms
Is a D&C an Abortion? Experts Weigh In on Miscarriage After Roe – Motherly
Blighted Ovum | the American Pregnancy Association
Options for Women offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD testing, pre-termination exams, post-abortion counseling and wellness referrals. We have offices in Lakeland and Bartow, Florida. Please call for an appointment (863) 393-6988. Walk-ins are welcome.