Understanding Lab Tests for Missed Miscarriage or Blighted Ovum
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
A missed miscarriage or blighted ovum are early pregnancy complications that are primarily diagnosed through ultrasound imaging. However, blood testing plays a crucial supporting role by measuring pregnancy hormone levels to help assess the viability of the pregnancy and monitor the body's response.
Recommended Test
Pregnancy test (very early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative
This test measures the exact amount of hCG (pregnancy hormone) in the blood. In cases of missed miscarriage or blighted ovum, hCG levels may be lower than expected for the gestational age or may rise more slowly than normal. Serial testing can reveal abnormal hormone patterns that suggest pregnancy complications, providing crucial information to support clinical assessment.
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What is a Missed Miscarriage or Blighted Ovum?
A missed miscarriage occurs when a fetus stops developing but the body doesn't recognize the pregnancy loss immediately. A blighted ovum happens when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but the embryo fails to develop. While these conditions are diagnosed primarily through ultrasound, blood tests provide valuable supporting information about pregnancy hormone levels.
Why Blood Testing is Important
Blood tests measuring pregnancy hormones are fundamental for monitoring early pregnancy health and can provide early indicators when pregnancy complications may be developing. These tests help healthcare providers track hormone patterns that may suggest pregnancy viability concerns before ultrasound confirmation.
Understanding Your Results
In a healthy early pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every 48-72 hours. Levels that plateau, rise slowly, or decline may indicate pregnancy complications. However, hormone levels alone cannot definitively diagnose these conditions - they must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and imaging studies.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Pregnancy complications require prompt medical evaluation and care.
