Surely you have heard the term empty pregnancy. But what exactly is meant by this term? Come on, let's discuss more about what an empty pregnancy is, what the signs are, and the causes.

What is an Empty Pregnancy?

An empty pregnancy, also known as a blighted ovum or anembryonic pregnancy, is when the pregnancy forms a sac without a fetus inside.

To understand this, we need to know that in normal pregnancy, the body first forms a sac called the gestational sac. Then, sperm cells and egg cells combine to form a fetus. However, in an empty pregnancy, the process of fetal formation fails, even though the hormones in the body continue to form the gestational sac.

As a result, even though there is no fetus present, these hormones cause a delay in menstruation, which makes the pregnancy test positive. However, it is important to remember that an empty pregnancy is different from a fetus that is not developing. In the case of an empty pregnancy, the gestational sac is formed without a fetus, whereas in an undeveloped fetus, the fetus is present but does not grow normally during several months of pregnancy.

Causes of Empty Pregnancy

The causes of empty pregnancy can vary, but several factors that are often the cause are:

1. Chromosomal abnormalities at the time of fertilization of sperm and egg cells.
2. The quality of sperm and egg cells is not optimal.
3. Disorders in cell division or cell abnormalities.
4. Infections such as TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Herpes, HIV, and Syphilis), immunological problems, and uncontrolled diabetes.
5. Age and number of children both parents have.
6. Low HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) levels.

Empty Pregnancy Signs

The signs of blighted ovum in each mother can vary. However, some common symptoms that often appear are:

1. In early pregnancy, a pregnancy test shows a positive result. But a few weeks later, an ultrasound examination indicated that the uterus was not experiencing the expected development.
2. Initially nauseous, but then the nausea subsides or even disappears completely.
3. Breasts become firmer.
4. There was light bleeding from the vagina.

It is important to remember that these symptoms can also occur in a normal pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to confirm the presence of the fetus through an ultrasound examination. If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor or midwife immediately.

What to do if Diagnosed with Empty Pregnancy?

If a pregnant woman with an empty pregnancy does not show any symptoms, then she will undergo medical observation. The condition of an empty pregnancy, which is also known as a blighted ovum, generally ends in a natural miscarriage between 8 and 13 weeks of gestation. Signs of miscarriage include cramping in the lower abdomen and vaginal bleeding.

In cases where part of the pregnancy has come out, the doctor may prescribe medication that triggers contractions to ensure the expulsion of all the pregnancy tissue. However, if there is still tissue remaining in the uterus, the doctor may recommend a curettage procedure to clean the uterus and prevent future complications. An ultrasound examination or measurement of the hCG hormone can also be done if necessary to ensure the health of the uterus.

If you experience symptoms of an empty pregnancy and feel worried, you should immediately consult an obstetrician to get appropriate examination and treatment. Don't hesitate to seek necessary medical assistance.

References:

• https://www.prenagen.com/id/hamil-kosong-penyebab-ciriciri-hingga-diagnosis/
• https://bocahindonesia.com/perbedaan-hamil-kosong-dan-hamil-normal/