A Blighted Ovum CANNOT Be Diagnosed at only Six Weeks!

Let me just start by saying this:

A blighted ovum should not be diagnosed before nine weeks at the earliest!

I believe this wholeheartedly because at the Misdiagnosed Miscarriage site, many women were told they had a blighted ovum at eight weeks or before and, then, at nine weeks, they found the baby! 

Of course, this doesn't happen all the time but, because it does happen, I firmly believe that any doctor who diagnoses a blighted ovum before nine weeks is diagnosed too soon.

Now, that said, this last week alone, two women posted who had turned down D&Cs and found their babies.  Both women were only six weeks along.

Joanne's Story

Sonia's Story

I really believe these doctors were beyond irresponsible.  I understand why a doctor will suggest a D&C after seven weeks.  The ultrasound literature is wrong and indicates that at seven weeks, if a baby is not seen, it is a blighted ovum.  THIS IS WRONG!  Just want to make sure you understand that.  If I had listened to my doctor and had my D&C at seven weeks, my daughter wouldn't be here (and, if I'd listened to my doctor and had it at eight weeks, she wouldn't be here).  We're trying to get the word out there and there are doctors who are listening and finally research coming out showing that seven weeks is too early to diagnose.

That said, though, there is absolutely no excuse for a doctor to diagnose a blighted ovum at six weeks.  Unless there is a serious emergency, there is no reason to have a D&C for a blighted ovum at only six weeks.

If your doctor is diagnosing a blighted ovum at six weeks, you need a new doctor.  These are the doctors that worry me most.  These are the doctors who have very likely misdiagnosed other miscarriages and ended viable pregnancies. 

If you are diagnosed with a blighted ovum at six weeks, please, find a new doctor and stay monitored.  If you do end up finding your baby, you might want to consider filing a complaint.  You may save another baby's life.

As always, if you are going through a misdiagnosed scare right now, (((hugs)))