What is a Blighted Ovum (Empty Gestational Sac)? A blighted ovum (empty gestational sac) occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall, however, the fetus does not continue to develop past the sixth to eighth week of gestation. There is continued development of the placenta and amniotic sac which produces hCG (giving the positive pregnancy test). Most women either do not know they are pregnant or find out within the first trimester that they have a blighted ovum (empty gestational sac).