What is a Blighted Ovum (Empty Gestational Sac)?
A blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall, however, the fetus does not continue to develop past the sixth to eighth week of gestation. There is continued development of the placenta and amniotic sac which produces hCG (giving the positive pregnancy test). Most women either do not know they are pregnant or find out within the first trimester that they have a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac). This leaves them with the devastating news that they are now coping with a miscarriage. Signs and Symptoms of Blighted Ovum (Empty Gestational Sac) Due to the fact that in a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) the fertilized egg implants into the uterus and produces hCG, some women may experience signs and symptoms of pregnancy (ie., missed menstrual cycle, tender breast, nausea, and / or fatigue) and even have a positive pregnancy test with a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac). Then there are other women who do not even know that t
