Blighted Ovum

Definition according to Amer. Pregnancy Association: A blighted ovum (also known as “anembryonic pregnancy”) happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but the embryo does not develop. Cells develop to form the pregnancy sac, but not the embryo itself.

This was the diagnosis we received at the doctor's office yesterday morning. The ultrasound revealed a sac, but no baby. :( We are definately sad and somewhat confused, but feel an enormous amount of peace that whatever happens is in the hands of our wonderful and thankfully, all-knowing Lord.

I had some blood work done yesterday to determine my pregnancy hormone levels (they were at 6400) and go back tomorrow to get the same thing done again. Apparently these levels double every 48 hours with a normal pregnancy, so they are trying to get that data to help them determine whats going on. We also have another ultrasound scheduled for Monday at 4:00. I was told that I will most likely naturally miscarry in a week or so.

In doing some research last night about blighted ovum, I came across a wonderful website called misdiagnosedmiscarriage.com full of stories about women who were told they had a blighted ovum only to refuse the D&C and find a normal, healthy baby on their next ultrasound. Holy cow! I am amazed and it gave me a small amount of hope. I am being realistic, but I also know that our God can do amazing things. Please pray for our baby...that we have a baby, and that it is healthy.

I wasn't going to post about this until it was all over, but came to the conclusion (a little late!) that the more people praying, the better! :) Scott and I are really doing well with the news, probably due to the fact that their never was a baby there, so it doesn't feel like we lost a baby. It is almost like we never really got pregnant. (except for the nausea, fatigue, and getting bigger!)

The next week or so will be difficult as I am still "sort of" pregnant with all of the symptoms, etc. and I wait for the impending miscarriage. I am a little scared and every single twinge, cramp, pain, etc. makes all systems become alert and say "oh no, this is it!" I feel kinda like a walking time bomb and it is a very weird place to be. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers for the next week or so and I will keep you posted. We love you all!