*Trigger warning* Blighted Ovum - Fertility Network UK

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*Trigger warning* Blighted Ovum

Sas1101 profile image
83 Replies

Today I want for my viability scan at 7+2 and could tell instantly by the nurses face that something was wrong. She turned the screen around and explained to me that there was a large sac but no baby. I was then ushered into a room to discuss the next steps. the nurse explained that I will have to be seen for another scan next week but have been told to expect the worse. The nurse even told me to have a large glass of wine tonight when I got in (which I most definitely didn't do!). The thing that is so cruel is that I still feel pregnant and my tests are very dark and there is practically no control line. I know I shouldn't have tested but wanted to know if it was failing so I know when to expect a bleed.

It was such an awful experience as my hubby wasn't allowed in, the nurse left me for about 15 mins alone after just breaking the news and she kept on calling me by the wrong name even though I corrected her so many times.

I know its more than likely over and I'm not hanging onto any hope. My worry is that I'll need some medical management for this and it'll be going into Xmas. Anyone had any similar experience and can advise on the management of it and how long it took? It would be very much appreciated Xx

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Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101
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83 Replies
Linda84Co profile image
Linda84Co

I am so sorry dear, it’s so upsetting... It’s awful that your husband wasn’t allowed to join you. I have no experience in this area, why don’t you book a private scan with a doctor? Maybe then you would know more. I’m praying all goes well for you. ❤️

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Linda84Co

Thank you Linda. I have another scan booked next week so will see what they say there.

I hope things are going well with you. Xx

Linda84Co profile image
Linda84Co in reply to Sas1101

Thank you dear, I’m so worried I’ll have my scan next week, I’m 6 weeks and 2 days tomorrow... going for another blood tomorrow. Look after yourself xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Linda84Co

It's such a worrying time but take each day as it comes and I remember your levels are doing the right thing. Not long to wait. I'll be looking out for your update. Xx

Linda84Co profile image
Linda84Co in reply to Sas1101

Thank you for comforting me, I hope so. I do hope by next week things change for you xxx

Peanutchips profile image
Peanutchips

Oh lovely, I’m so so sorry. This exact same thing happened to me a few months ago. It’s heartbreaking. I also still felt very pregnant, bad morning sickness and strong positives. It’s very confusing and horrible. Did they go through the options of taking misoprostal vs surgery? My inbox is open if you want to chat. Sending hugs xxx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Peanutchips

Thank you Peanut. I remember reading about your circumstances a few months ago, I'm so sorry. It's just devastating and I don't think it's hit me yet. Our bodies can be so cruel.

They've told me to carry on with my meds until my scan next week. It took all my will power to take them tonight. I wanted to throw them away but my hubby convinced me otherwise. I guess they'll discuss what I'll need to take next week at my scan. Thank you I will definitely PM you. Xx

Peanutchips profile image
Peanutchips in reply to Sas1101

Oh lovely, I know how you feel. I found it really crappy having to continue on the meds. Sending lots of hugs your way xx

PurplePiggie profile image
PurplePiggie

So sorry to read this, I can't share any advice I'm afraid, I just wanted to say I'm thinking of you and sending you lots of love xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to PurplePiggie

Thank you ❤️

Ivf2020A profile image
Ivf2020A

Im so sorry to hear of your pain hun 💗 sending you prayers hugs and love xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Ivf2020A

Thank you ❤️

Im so sorry you had to go through this lovely. So unprofessional of the nurse to call you different name. You must have felt awful in those long minutes. So heartbreaking xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to

Thank you Mimi. Hope all is well with you lovely xx

Duchess2018 profile image
Duchess2018

Big hugs x

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Duchess2018

Thank you ❤️

Cmc2020 profile image
Cmc2020

Hiya this is such a shame :( also sending you a massive hug xx💕

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Cmc2020

Thank you Cmc x

fay2399 profile image
fay2399

I’m sorry instead of hearing good news you have this panicking one.. hope you will be fine 🥺🙏🙏

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to fay2399

Thanks Faye. Steered to get my head around it today x

Sparklylife profile image
Sparklylife

I am so sorry to read this and that you are having to go through it. I can’t even imagine. Big virtual hug 💛

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Sparklylife

Thanks you. Xx

XOXO13 profile image
XOXO13

I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending big hugs xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to XOXO13

Thank you lovely xx

HemBella profile image
HemBella

my heart goes out to you. I can only imagine what you must be feeling xxx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to HemBella

Thanks lovely. Xx

F_J_762301 profile image
F_J_762301

I'm so sorry to hear this. I have been through the same thing and it was the worst experience of my life. So heartbreaking. Sending you massive hugs.

I went for a second scan 10 days later which unfortunately for me confirmed the bad news. I was booked in for a surgical management for 4 days after that (this was including a weekend when they obviously dont do procedures). I was also given the option of medical management which is tablets ( i was advised by someone who had gone through this that it is not pleasant) and also they gave me the option to wait it out a bit longer to see if the process started naturally. I couldnt wait any longer the time between the scans nearly finished me off. The surgical was the right route for me. I was put under G.A. and although it was very emotional and upsetting, when i came round i felt fine, didnt hardly even bleed or anything afterwards. I read up on tommy's website for information, as although my clinic were very sympathetic i was just given a few leaflets as the main support. So sorry to hear the way you were treated, thats really awful. If you want to ask any questions i dont mind if you private message me xxx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to F_J_762301

I'm so sorry you went through this. It's heartbreaking and just so strange our bodies did this to us 💔

Yes I've read up about the tablet can be traumatic and with Xmas around the corner I'd rather avoid. Thanks for the info it's really useful.

ingers crossed for your uo and coming FET 🤞🏻 xx

18Amy18 profile image
18Amy18

Hi I'm so sorry to hear this. I am going through the same thing at the moment, had an early scan last week at 6 weeks and have to have another scan tomorrow and there was an empty sac. Been told to carry on with meds but our nurse said from what she saw last week it's 95% not going to change. It's awful, so unfair and I am also worried about it being so close to Christmas. Look after yourself xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to 18Amy18

Hi Amy, I'm so sorry, it's just an awful feeling and something I'm finding difficult to wrap my head around. I want to stop the meds but my hubby keeps on telling me not too. I just feel I'm prolonging it.

Look after yourself too. My inbox is open if you need to chat. Xx

Ell493 profile image
Ell493

What a horrible experience, I'm sorry. 💔I had a similar issue. They told me there was no baby in the sac so I went home and went into labor and turns out there was a baby in the sac. It's a difficult ordeal. Be kind to yourself and let yourself grieve as much as you need to.

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Ell493

So sorry you went though that, how heart breaking. Sending you much love.

Thank you I've taken a few days off work to get my head around things. Xx

saraht23 profile image
saraht23

So sorry you’re going through this.I had a similar situation happen earlier this year at my 8 week scan. Still felt very pregnant at that point and tests all positive so I had no idea anything was wrong until I was on the bed being scanned.

My clinic seemed to handle things slightly differently. My husband was with me as it was a few weeks before covid, I can’t imagine what you went through being there by yourself. They booked me in for a scan 10 days later and said if I hadn’t started bleeding by then we would discuss management options at that point, if I started bleeding before they would reschedule the scan for a couple of weeks later to see if the process was complete or if any further treatment would be needed. I was also told to stop my meds. I bled 9 days later so didn’t need medical or surgical management.

It’s a horrible process to go through, and my heart really does go out to you. I really hope they’ll allow your husband to be with you at the next appointments as you’ll need the support, and he’s going through that process with you so may have questions too.

Take care of yourself. If you need someone to talk to I’m happy for you to message x

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to saraht23

Thanks Sarah, I keep on replaying it over in my head and I'm just annoyed at how unprofessional and uncaring the whole process was. I felt ushered out like a dirty little secret for another department to deal with. No talk of follow up and aftercare. I'm NHS funded but unexpected more 😔

I'm sorry you went through it too. The nurse couldn't make up her mind if I should stop or continue with meds at first then told me to continue. I'd rather stop tbh as I know there's no chance really. I'm hoping this is all over quickly.

Wishing you lots of luck in your journey ❤️

TrendyDove profile image
TrendyDove

Oh darling! I'm so sorry to hear you are going through thIs. It happened to me 4 weeks ago. Worst day of my life.I went to the clinic for my 7 week scan on my own as my husband wasn't allowed either and the nurse warned me it can happen but it's unlikely. I had no symptoms of miscarriage so I was convinced it wouldn't happen to me. After a few minutes of her trying to find a heartbeat and me holding my phone ready to record it for my husband, she turned the screen around and said "I'm sorry, I don't think it's viable, the sac is too small and empty". My heart broke. She then left the room to speak to the doctor and left me alone for what seemed like an eternity... After that I was told to keep taking my meds but given no hope. They referred me to the EPU were they saw the same and told me to come back 2 weeks later. I ended up Googling everything because no one really talked to me about management or anything. I was on cyclogest and lubion and after 3 days I took the decision to stop taking lubion and hope that if it was meant to be the pessaries would be enough. I started bleeding a week after the 1st scan. Luckily I managed to have a complete miscarriage so when I went back for the next scan they confirmed everything was over and my body was back to normal. As much as I wanted it to be over ASAP when I found out, I was glad the miscarriage happened naturally and at home. Hopefully you will find your way to deal with it in the best possible manner. I found that once the hormones went back to normal I was a lot better emotionally which didn't seem possible the first few days. Feel free to DM if you want to talk. It's such a hard thing to go through xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to TrendyDove

I'm so sorry this happened to you too Trendy. It's such and awful heartbreaking thing. I too have been toying with stopping the meds but my hubby is adamant I don't. I'm hoping I can pass it naturally at home before Xmas.

Sending you lots of love for your onward journey ❤️ xx

Peace-Lilly profile image
Peace-Lilly

I’m so sorry to hear this, just totally heartbreaking. And I’m so sorry you had to go through the whole experience, it just sounds so unprofessional when you needed support. Sending hugs xxx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Peace-Lilly

Thank you lovely. Hope you're well. Xx

PenguinBlue profile image
PenguinBlue

Oh Sas, my heart is absolutely breaking for you. I’m so so sorry to hear this and about your experience. I haven’t experienced the same unfortunately but am sending you all the love and hugs right now. Always here if you need to vent xxxx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to PenguinBlue

Thank Penguin, my heart is broken but I'll come back strong in the new year ❤️

How are you getting on with your tww? Have you tested? Fingers and toes crossed for you 🤞🏻 xx

Ruby201 profile image
Ruby201

So sorry to hear your experience as I had a pregnancy of an unknown location - meaning I was pregnant and had all the signs up to 7 weeks & then it couldn’t be detected on the scan....jut before Xmas a couple of years ago.....nothing medical was done but was told to cone into the early pregnancy unit at local hospital if any heavy bleeding or pain but that my period would come soon....not a good time & I would Defo recommend you have another scan privately for second opinion xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Ruby201

Thank you Ruby. Sorry that you went through that. Big hugs. Xx

Lots8788 profile image
Lots8788

I'm so sorry Sas. We had this this time last year and opted for medical management. The day I found out I called the Early Pregnancy Unit too who offered scans and then took over from the clinic in terms of management. Here if you want to talk or have any questions. sending you so much love and hugs xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Lots8788

Thank you lovely, Im hoping they give me a few options next week. I'd like it sorted before Xmas. Hope you're doing well. Xx

SCHNOW profile image
SCHNOW

It happened to me twice, the first time was a bit hard to accept, I cried a little bit while I was laying on the scan bed when they told me the sac is too small compare with my weeks. Basically I told myself there is no baby, it is ok and just a block of tissues will come out with blood. Maybe I am a bit too science, but keep your life as normal as possible and just think it is better to be like this because all we want is a healthy baby. The second time is much easier and I waited the sac come out then I go for a scan to check whether it is clean. Try to wait and see whether it can come out naturally without any surgery as long as you don’t suffer from heavy pains or heavy bleeding, it is the best for your uterus. After 2 miscarriages, I had another 2 chemical pregnant. Couldn’t find out the causes or reasons. So I am undergoing a PGS tested cycle. Hope this will help.

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to SCHNOW

Thank you, I know I'll be ok once I get my head around it. I think I'm grieving more for what could have been at the moment.

I'm sorry to hear about your CPs also. O too have had two CPs and now this so probably opting for PGS testing for the next round.

I wish you lots of luckfoemyour future. Xx

I’m so sorry for your loss and what you are going through. My first pregnancy was a blighted ovum and I like you had no idea as I felt very pregnant. Mine at the time wasn’t ivf so I ended up going back after ten days and then again after another ten days as the sac was still growing. Hopefully as yours is IVF you will only have to go back once.

With all my MMCs they have wanted me to wait two weeks to see if nature took its course but honestly I just wanted them all over so opted for surgical management every time. The longest I had to wait was 7 days. For me it was the right option as it was physically over quickly so I could focus on the mental recovery.

Sending you lots of love xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to

Sorry to hear this Daisy. I don't fancy having to wait for something natural to happen over Xmas. I'm hoping they give me a few options. Hope you're doing well. Xx

Cinderella5 profile image
Cinderella5

Im so sorry Sas, so cruel to have you going through this and not allowed your hubby in with you! My heart goes out to you both, lots of love at this awful time.xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Cinderella5

Thank you Cinderella. We're holding each other close 💔

Hope things are going well your end 😊 xx

Patches86 profile image
Patches86

I’m so sorry, my heart breaks for you. Sending you strength as you navigate this difficult time x

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Patches86

Thank you dear. Hope all is wel with you. ❤️ Xx

sunset212 profile image
sunset212

So sorry you are going through this, if there is any comfort whatsoever, you know you can implant, a blighted ovum is a fertilized egg that implants itself in the uterus but doesn't become an embryo) which many ladies struggle just to implant and get a positive pregnancy test. Your body will recognise this next time my Dr told me. I had a very early miscarriage at my 7 week scan from an IUI cycle in 2018, fetus in sac but no heartbeat so was classed as a MMC as i had no sign of bleeding , all strong positive pregnancy tests, and even weeks indicator increasing. The only thing that suddenly went was sore boobs and nausea went off. Just before my miscarriage my HCG was even 39,000 which Dr was very puzzled about. Next time things will work out. I now have a lovely 15 month old LB from IVF and you WILL get your baby soon. Stay strong... Its just around the corner for you. xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to sunset212

Thank you so much for your lovely mesaage ❤️ That's exactly how I felt about implantation. I've have had two CP's previous to this and was worried it was an implantation issue. I'm leaning more towards embryo abnormalities so going to work on egg qualiy befor next round and PGS. Xx

DC5867 profile image
DC5867

So sorry to read this. I’m afraid I can’t give you any advice on these circumstances, but maybe just keep going with the meds and while you expect the worst you will at least know that you have it every chance you could. It’s so upsetting and the time of year makes it no better. Will be thinking of you, treat yourself well in the next few weeks xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to DC5867

Thanks DC, were heartbroken but will get through it. I have obely Xmas planned with family so that'll be a good distraction.

Hope you are well ❤️ xx

Maisie234 profile image
Maisie234

Like a lot of other comments, this happened to me last new year. I wont go into the ins and outs of it but I want you to know that there is light on the other side and you wont feel this way forever, I promise. Get your GP to sign you off for as long as you need and why not talk to someone too. There's not much else to do just now.

In some ways its good to know that you can get pregnant. I look at it as being one step closer now. This is just a horrible setback. Sending you massive hugs. Xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Maisie234

Thanks Maisie. You're so right, this is the furthest we've come in this journey so treating it as a step closer to our baby.

Hope you're well. Xx

ChloeDE profile image
ChloeDE

I had something similar back in march. I was told to stop all medication then had a miscarriage bleed. The tissue didn't all come out naturally (I was still testing positive) so, after about two months, they gave me a MVA (I have to be honest, it was pretty horrific). After that, I took norethisterone to help bring on my natural period faster.

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to ChloeDE

Sorry you went though this. Our bodies can be so cruel. Hoping we can move forward quickly next week. Xx

BBHH1 profile image
BBHH1

Sorry to hear. I had a blighted ovum on my first natural. And my morning sickness increased even after diagnosis. Also blighted ovum have a 50%ish chance on having a natural miscarriage so you might want to do something about it....

this paper has guidelines for failure:

pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/r...

this other one tells the changes based on the size of Gestational sac. on table 3 PPV tells you the % chance that it is true there is no embryo in regards to the size

fertstert.org/article/S0015...

Unfortunately 7 weeks you really should see something. But good luck!

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to BBHH1

Tha is for the info, it's really helpful. I'm not holding out any hope at all, I've accepted its over. It's hard pill to swallow but I know I'll come out stronger.

I hope you are well. Xx

Lisichka profile image
Lisichka

Oh Sas, I'm so so sorry!!! So bloody disappointing, I really feel for you.I had blighted ovum in April last year, same thing, 7 week scan and there was just a sack, no fetal pole or anything.

I chose to have a D&C as didn't want to miscarry naturally. I had the scan on Friday with my IVF doctor and the procedure on Monday which he also performed. I stopped all medications that Friday and started having bright red bleeding on Sat.

For me, surgical management was the right option, it was a quick procedure and I recovered quickly physically, had my period 4 weeks after. I ended up doing it all privately through my clinic because if I went on the equivalent of NHS, they would have made me wait another week etc and I just wanted it done, my doctor was very certain there was no chance. Mentally, I took a very big hit so ended up getting a counsellor who I continue to see now and that's been a huge help.

It is definitely not easy, to have your pregnancy to be ripped away like this. My doctor said that it is because of the aneuploid embryo so it's nothing that you've done.

My heart goes out to you, look after yourself and take your time to grieve because it is a big loss xxx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Lisichka

Thanks lovely. So sorry that this happened to you also. Interesting what your Doctor said about aneuploid embryo. I definitely had a bad batch, 2cps and now this. We're definitely going to do some genetic testing next time.

I hope things are well your end and you are getting all the rest you need ❤️ xx

Lisichka profile image
Lisichka in reply to Sas1101

Thank you Sas1101 . You know, I've had 2 x chemicals and one blighted ovum from the untested batch of embryos. Then, we did a second cycle and tested them for peace of mind. I completely advocate this move. There were 3 embryos that looked perfect but were aneuploid. I would also recommend you do the ERA test for repeat implantation failure plus repeat pregnancy loss panel. I think all these tests are now justified after what you've been through. Thinking of you xxx

Angels2us profile image
Angels2us

Oh I am so sorry your going through this , must be the soul destroying for you both, I only had chemicals quite a few , but nothing like this , stay strong , sending you hugs xxx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Angels2us

Thank you ❤️ I hope you are doing well. Xx

Sammy246 profile image
Sammy246

I'm so sorry to read this. It's so cruel. Pray you have a strong support system to help you through this painful time. Sending you a virtual hug x

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Sammy246

Thanks Sammy ❤️ I hope things are well your end. Xx

Hope_1234 profile image
Hope_1234

Awwww no 😥 I am so sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for you and your partner. Take care and look after yourself ❤️2020 has been a crappy year. Hopefully 2021 can bring some positivity.

Thinking of you x

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Hope_1234

Thanks lovely, it's certainly been a strange year.

I hope you are well. Xx

Runaims profile image
Runaims

I am so sorry you're going through this. I had a blighted ovum last year. Found out at 8 weeks (early scan due to recurrent miscarriages), Went back for 3 scans to be super sure. Ended up needing medical management (11 weeks) but chose to have a D&C over the tablets (was told many have to end up having a D&C as tissue is left). Since having it, it was MUCH more easier to deal with - this was the first time my body was hanging on and still thinking it was pregnant, so needed help.

They also did the extra scans to see if baby did appear just incase I got my dates wrong and also to see the Gestational sac to make sure it was reducing, which it was.

Whatever happens, make sure you sit down with the midwives / consultant and talk all of your options through. Happy to talk privately if you have any questions you don't feel comfortable asking publicly xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Runaims

Thanks for the info and advice. I'm sorry to hear you went through this also. ❤️ Xx

J3nna profile image
J3nna

So sorry to hear this. I had blighted ovum back in April this year. Wat should of been my 12 week scan turned into me having months of positive pregnancy tests but no baby. (This happened naturally after our failed ivf CP in jan) I planned on just letting my body pass the sac but ended up having to have the pessaries to help the process along.

It took me from 28th April until 2nd July to finally get a negative test. Then still had to wait til September for a period so only just getting back into a normal cycle.

Fingers crossed you get back into a cycle and can try again wen u r ready. X

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to J3nna

Thank you J3. Sorry to hear you we t through this also. Wishing you lots of luck in your journey ❤️ xx

josephnsn profile image
josephnsn

So sorry to hear your sad news. I had a blighted ovum too. For me they said to let it happen naturally was the preferred option and to take pain relief as it might be painful. Luckily it wasn't very painful, I think it took a couple of days later to happen. When I had a follow up scan everything had gone so there was no need for any medical management.

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to josephnsn

Thank you josephnsn. Sorry you went through this too. Xx

TStark profile image
TStark

So sorry to hear. I don’t know why this would happen but I think if you ask if you can do genetic testing on the sample, maybe you can get some answers? Sorry it hurts deep. But sometimes having answers helps decide next steps.

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to TStark

Thank you TStark and thanks for the advice. I will certainly ask if they can do that. Xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101

Update for anyone reading this. I had a D and C yesterday and can finally move forward. I'd like to say the day was uneventful but I can't. That's another story for another day.

Thank you for everyone who reached out and for those who offered support in the way of sharing experiences, I know that couldn't have been easy. What a fabulous bunch of women we have on here 💕

To anyone going through this, it's so hard but you will get through it and you will come out stronger. My inbox is always open to anyone. Xx

Lots8788 profile image
Lots8788 in reply to Sas1101

So sorry Sas. Wishing you a speedy recovery and here if you want to talk xx

Sas1101 profile image
Sas1101 in reply to Lots8788

Thank you 💕 xx

Facingreality profile image
Facingreality

Hi. I hope it worked out for you. Same for me last month. Had never even heard of it before the sonographer told me at 6-week scan. By the 7-week scan I had already started spotting coffee-colored blood. Traumatic. I passed the sac (and some tissue) a few days after heavy bleed started. No cramps or pain for some reason.

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