POWERPOINT PRESENTATION ABOUT BLIGHTED OVUM
- 1. A Study Of Early Pregnancy Loss Understanding Blighted Ovum Normal Ovum Blighted Ovum
- 2. By the end of this report, the listener should be able to: Define Blighted Ovum Identify the Causes and Risk Factors Describe the Signs and Symptoms Understand Diagnostic Methods Explain the Pathophysiology of Blighted Ovum Explore Treatment Options Provide Nursing Interventions Understand the Prognosis and Future Fertility Learning Objectives:
- 3. A blighted ovum (also called anembryonic pregnancy) is a condition where a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but fails to develop into an embryo. Common cause of early miscarriage (usually before 12 weeks gestation). Gestational sac is formed, but there is no visible embryo on ultrasound. Definition:
- 4. Chromosomal abnormalities – primary cause. Poor egg or sperm quality. Maternal age – higher risk in women over 35. Infections, immune disorders (rare). Previous history of miscarriage. Causes and Risk Factors
- 5. Signs and Symptoms May be asymptomatic early in pregnancy. Positive pregnancy test. Symptoms similar to normal pregnancy: nausea, breast tenderness. Spotting, cramping, or decrease in pregnancy symptoms. No fetal heartbeat detected on ultrasound.
- 7. After fertilization, a zygote forms and begins dividing, forming a blastocyst. The blastocyst successfully implants into the uterine wall, initiating the development of the gestational sac. 1.Fertilization and Implantation:
- 8. In a normal pregnancy, the blastocyst continues to develop, and an embryo forms along with supporting structures such as the yolk sac and amniotic sac. In a blighted ovum, while the gestational sac forms and may grow in size, the embryo either never forms or stops developing very early, usually due to chromosomal abnormalities or poor cellular development. 2. Gestational Sac Formation Without Embryo:
- 9. Despite the absence of an embryo, the placenta may continue to produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), leading to positive pregnancy tests and even early pregnancy symptoms. 3. Continued Hormonal Support:
- 10. The body may eventually recognize the absence of a viable embryo and begin the process of miscarriage. In some cases, miscarriage symptoms do not present, and the diagnosis is only made during routine ultrasound. 4. Eventually, Pregnancy Loss:
- 11. Diagnosis of Blighted Ovum Performed in the first trimester, usually between 7–9 weeks. A gestational sac should show an embryo by this time. In a blighted ovum, the sac appears empty — like a bubble. Done by inserting an ultrasound wand into the vagina while the patient lies in a pelvic exam position. Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVUS):
- 12. Diagnosis of Blighted Ovum Measures human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels. In early pregnancy, hCG levels normally rise rapidly and peak around 8–10 weeks. Slow-rising or low hCG levels may suggest a miscarriage or complication. hCG is usually tested over several days to monitor trends. hCG Blood Testing
- 13. Diagnosis of Blighted Ovum If miscarriage symptoms (e.g., bleeding) are present: An ultrasound is used to examine the contents of the uterus for confirmation.
- 14. Other Diagnostic Tests: Some providers may request a series of blood samples for further evaluation.
- 15. How is Blighted Ovum Treated? 1.Dilation and curettage (D&C) This is a surgical procedure to remove the contents of your uterus. Your healthcare provider will dilate, or open, your cervix and use medical tools and suction to remove any remaining products of conception (pregnancy tissue) from your uterus. This is done under sedation or general anesthesia.
- 16. How is Blighted Ovum Treated? 2. Natural miscarriage If it’s safe, you may be able to watch and wait to see if your body eventually releases the pregnancy tissues. It can sometimes take days or weeks for this to start. Your healthcare provider will let you know if this is an option. You’ll experience cramping, abdominal pain and bleeding once the miscarriage begins.
- 17. How is Blighted Ovum Treated? 3. Medication-induced miscarriage: You may be given a medication called misoprostol with or without a second medication called mifepristone to trigger your body to miscarry. This moves the process along and eliminates the time waiting for a miscarriage to start on its own. You’ll have cramping, abdominal pain and bleeding within 30 minutes to 10 hours of taking the medication.
- 18. Nursing Interventions 1.Monitor vital signs and bleeding. 2. Emotional support and counseling: Validate feelings of grief and loss. Offer information on support groups and therapy options. 3.Education: Provide information on the condition, future fertility, and when to try conceiving again.
- 19. Nursing Interventions 4.Pain management: Administer analgesics as needed. 5.Prevent complications: Monitor for signs of infection or hemorrhage.
- 20. Most women go on to have healthy pregnancies. Blighted ovum does not affect fertility. Genetic counseling may be considered after multiple losses. Reassurance is key. Prognosis and Future Fertility
- 21. A blighted ovum, also called anembryonic pregnancy, happens when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn’t develop into a baby. It’s a common cause of early miscarriage, usually before 12 weeks. A pregnancy test may still be positive, and symptoms like nausea or sore breasts can appear, but an ultrasound will show an empty sac with no embryo. This is often caused by problems with the baby’s chromosomes. Treatment options include letting the miscarriage happen naturally, taking medicine, or having a procedure called D&C to remove the tissue. Nurses help by monitoring the patient, managing pain, giving emotional support, and explaining what to expect in future pregnancies. Most women go on to have healthy pregnancies after. Summary
- 22. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Blighted ovum. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health /diseases/21924-blighted-ovum Reference: