Blighted Ovum: What to expect & how to cope
Blighted Ovum: What to Expect & How to Cope

August 10, 2021

What to expect from a blighted ovum

Please note: This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Always refer to go to your medical provider for your medical care. This is intended to be peer-to-peer support only.

If you are diagnosed with a blighted ovum, your doctor likely saw a gestational sac on the screen but did not see a fetus inside the sac. Just like a chemical pregnancy, you may question whether you were in fact pregnant. YES. You were. Your baby, even though too tiny to see, already had its DNA which would determine what color eyes, hair, and skin he or she would have had. Your baby was an individual. And you deserve the right to mourn the loss of this child.

You may experience a vaginal miscarriage or may need a D&C. For what to expect from your body and questions to ask your doctor, see “First Trimester Pregnancy Loss.”

About the Author

Rachel Lewis

Rachel Lewis is a foster, adoptive and birth mom. After a 5-year battle with secondary infertility and the losses of five babies during pregnancy, she now has three children in her arms and a foster son in her heart.

As the founder of the Facebook support group Brave Mamas, she is passionate about helping others through their grief. She is a contributor to Still Standing Magazine, Pregnancy After Loss Support, and Filter Free Parents. Rachel holds bachelor’s degrees in Theology, Bible, and Speech Communications.

When she’s not chauffeuring her kids around, you can find her shopping at Trader Joes for the best gluten-free treats, drinking iced coffee, or writing about grief and healing on her blog at The Lewis Note.

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