CABRIGA, LADYDIANE BSN-II

A blighted ovum occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the inside of the uterus but
does not develop into a baby. It is also known as an anembryonic pregnancy. It is
usually caused by a mistake in the material of the egg or sperm or the combination of
both. Stress, exercise, or sex does not cause this problem. There is nothing you could
have done to prevent it.

You are likely to miscarry—pass the ovum tissue—by the end of your first trimester.
Medicine may be used to help the tissue pass. A process called dilation and curettage
(D&C) is sometimes used to remove the tissue.

Your body will recover over the next several weeks. Having a miscarriage does not
mean that you cannot have a normal pregnancy in the future.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and
go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having
problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the
medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
 You will probably have vaginal bleeding, similar to a period, for up to a week. Use pads
instead of tampons. You may use tampons during your next period, which should start
in 3 to 6 weeks.
 Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) for cramps. Read and follow all instructions on the
label. You may have cramps for several days after the miscarriage.
 Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to.
Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen
(Tylenol) can be harmful.
 Your doctor may want you to collect tissue that you might pass. Use a clear container.
Take it to your doctor's office as soon as you can.
 Do not have sex until the bleeding stops.
 You may return to your normal activities if you feel well enough to do so. But you
should avoid heavy exercise until the bleeding stops.
 If you plan to get pregnant again, check with your doctor. Most doctors suggest waiting
until you have had at least one normal period before you try to get pregnant.
 If you do not want to get pregnant, ask your doctor about birth control. You can get
pregnant again before your next period starts if you are not using birth control.
 You may be low in iron because of blood loss. Eat a balanced diet that is high in iron
and vitamin C. Foods rich in iron include red meat, shellfish, eggs, beans, and leafy
green vegetables. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to take iron pills or a
multivitamin.
 The loss of a pregnancy can be very hard. You may wonder why it happened and blame
yourself. Talking to family members, friends, a counsellor, or your doctor may help you
cope with your loss.