An embryo is one of the first stages in a healthy pregnancy. The embryo forms after the egg has been fertilized. It’s one of the earliest forms an unborn baby takes, and it will then develop into a fetus over time.
However, in some cases, this embryo fails to form. This is known as an anembryonic pregnancy. It used to be called a “blighted ovum,” and this term is still sometimes used, but it is not as common as “anembryonic pregnancy.” Both terms refer to the condition where the embryo doesn’t develop properly, which could cause it to be reabsorbed after it stops forming.
Why does this happen?
As with many medical conditions, there are numerous theories, and a precise reason for anembryonic pregnancies is not yet known. But some believe that it has to do with chromosomes. The chromosomes within the fertilized egg contain genes that tell the embryo—and the future baby—how to develop. But if there’s an issue with these chromosomes, the embryo doesn’t have the information it needs for that development to continue.
Other reproductive options
When couples experience these types of issues, they may be worried that there’s a genetic component or that they won’t be able to have children naturally. But that doesn’t mean they can’t become parents and expand their family. It just may be time to look into other options, such as surrogacy. Modern assistive reproductive technology (ART) has never been better and can often give people options to get around genetic issues and conditions that would previously have limited their ability to have children.
For couples who have had anembryonic pregnancies or other fertility issues, it’s important to understand what options there are and what legal steps need to be taken while exploring them.