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Blighted Ovum

By , About.com Guide

Updated October 26, 2007

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Definition:

The medical term for a pregnancy loss in which the gestational sac and placenta develop but the baby does not. Pregnancy hormones will rise and the woman may feel pregnant, but an ultrasound reveals that there is no baby in the sac. Many blighted ovums require a D&C in order to terminate the pregnancy.

Also Known As: Missed miscarriage, missed abortion
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