What are the types of pregnancy loss?
In the case of a biochemical pregnancy, the “pregnancy hormone” (hCG) is detectable in the blood. In a biochemical pregnancy loss, the pregnancy has ceased to develop in the early weeks. A so-called “blighted ovum” occurs when the placental portion of the embryo develops, but not the fetus. Using the term “blighted ovum” is both sexist and inaccurate, as it blames the female (ovum), when technically, once fertilized, it isn’t an “ovum” any longer. “Miscarriage” is a more appropriate label. And the case of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy, the embryo implants in a fallopian tube or extra-uterine site, necessitating removal, if possible, before the tube ruptures. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening to the mother, and is virtually always fatal to the child. There are the rare instances of implantation on the intestines (abdominal pregnancy) and occasionally a baby can make it, but this is very risky and highly unusual. Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to take an embryo from
