An anembryonic pregnancy, sometimes referred to by the older term blighted ovum, occurs when a gestational sac forms and grows in the uterus, but no embryo develops within it, or development stops at a very early stage before any embryonic pole is visible. It is usually found on an early ultrasound scan when a sac is present but no embryo or yolk sac appears at a stage when one would be expected. This is a form of very early miscarriage and, like most miscarriages, is generally caused by a one-off chromosomal problem at fertilisation rather than anything that could have been prevented. Options for managing it are the same as for other early pregnancy losses, and your clinical team can talk through what is right for you.
Also known as: blighted ovum, empty sac
Related India guides
Sources
- Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (fogsi.org)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.