The Prevalence of Blighted Ovum and Its Association with Maternal Age and Prior Miscarriages, Ascertained by Ultrasonography: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Conducted in Rawalpindi, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65761/pjcr.2026.144Keywords:
Blighted ovum, anembryonic pregnancy, ultrasonography, maternal age, miscarriage, gestational age, transvaginal ultrasound (TVS)Abstract
Background: Blighted ovum, or anembryonic pregnancy, is a cause of first-trimester miscarriage, characterized by a gestational sac without an embryo. Ultrasonography enables early diagnosis. Maternal age and previous miscarriage may increase risk, but local evidence remains limited. To determine the frequency of blighted ovum among women presenting in the first trimester and assess its association with maternal age and previous miscarriage by ultrasonography.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April–September 2024 at Health Ways Diagnostic Centre and Life Care Lab, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. 150 women with gestational age ≤12 weeks underwent transabdominal and/or transvaginal ultrasonography. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Associations were assessed using Chi-square test; p<0.05 was significant.
Results: Among 150 participants, 22 had blighted ovum, giving a prevalence of 14.7%. Most cases occurred among women aged 36–41 years (45.4%); most cases were diagnosed at 7–9 weeks (72.7%). Low β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels were most frequent (40.9%), followed by abdominal discomfort (22.7%) and vaginal bleeding (18.1%). Previous miscarriage was present in 45.4% of cases. Sonography most commonly showed a gestational sac diameter >25 mm without a fetal pole (45.4%). Maternal age (p=0.003) and previous miscarriage (p<0.001) were significantly associated with blighted ovum.
Conclusion: Blighted ovum occurred in one in seven pregnancies studied. Advanced maternal age and previous miscarriage were significantly associated with its occurrence. Early ultrasonographic assessment may support timely diagnosis and management in at-risk women.
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