So, today we went to the DR and found out that I will be having a miscarriage. I guess I was/am pregnant but the fetus never formed. So, my hormones and other body functions act as if I'm pregnant but the fetus never started developing. It's called a blighted ovum. Details below.
This is sad and hard. I feel at peace but also embarrassed for how many people we told we were pregnant. Now I have to tell them we aren't (or shortly won't be) and also deal with the few I've told by mouth that I won't get to tell in time before they come up and say "How's the new mommie?". I think that will be worse for them than me but still sad. Also, until I actually miscarry my body will still behave pregnant... that is the part that is baffeling to me. Needing sleep and having weird food aversions but for no really reason.
I would love prayer for Erik and I. He is upset by this as much as me, if not more. We both know we will eventually get pregnant again because now I know I CAN get pregnant. That is good. We also know that there is something to learn from every dark day. That is good too.
I keep thinking that this is one of those things that is hard to talk about and will probably make social gatherings a bit awkard for a while. So, I thought I'd let you know we've been planning a trip to Ireland in May and still plan to take it. This is something fun and nice to focus on if the conversation gets too sad. I might bring it up if I need a change of subject. ;)
What is a blighted ovum?
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. A blighted ovum usually occurs within the first trimester before a woman knows she is pregnant. A high level of chromosome abnormalities usually causes a woman’s body to naturally miscarry.
How do I know if I am having or have had a blighted ovum?
A blighted ovum can occur very early in pregnancy, before most women even know that they are pregnant. You may experience signs of pregnancy such as a missed or late menstrual period and even a positive pregnancy test. It is possible that you may have minor abdominal cramps, minor vaginal spotting or bleeding. As with a normal period, your body may flush the uterine lining, but your period may be a little heavier than usual.
Many women assume their pregnancies are on track because their hCG levels are increasing. The placenta can continue to grow and support itself without a baby for a short time, and pregnancy hormones can continue to rise, which would lead a woman to believe she is still pregnant. A diagnosis is usually not made until an ultrasound test shows either an empty womb or an empty birth sac.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/blightedovum.html
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