Can you tell if someone has a blighted ovum from an ultrasound?

Answer by  patti (29325)

The ultrasound is about the only way to tell if an embryo is blighted. On the ultrasound image, the embryo will be enclosed in the sac, which is smooth and rounded. In the event of a blighted ovum, the sac will cave in as the embryo dies and deteriorates. Most doctors measure this between two ultrasounds, a week apart.

Answer by  diane23 (1167)

Usually, but it depends on when the ultrasound is done. Usually by 6-7 weeks of pregnancy, it is possible to see a properly developing fetal pole and possibly the heartbeat. An ultrasound done sooner is not as reliable due to variations in growth rate. If a heartbeat is not detected by 8 weeks, it's a miscarriage.

Answer by  katja (28)

On ultrasound, a blighted ovum, or anembryonic pregnancy, will appear as an empty gestational sac that contains only clear fluid. A fetal pole or yolk sac normally seen with a pregnancy will not be visible.