Question 1

What is Missed Miscarriage or Blighted Ovum?

Accepted Answer

A missed miscarriage occurs when a fetus stops developing but the body does not recognize the pregnancy loss, while a blighted ovum happens when a fertilized egg implants but no embryo develops. Both conditions involve abnormal human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone patterns where levels fail to rise appropriately or begin to decline. The Pregnancy Test (Very Early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important test for detecting these complications because it measures exact hormone levels that reveal pregnancy viability concerns.

Question 2

What causes a missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

Accepted Answer

Missed miscarriage and blighted ovum are caused by chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg that prevent normal embryonic development. Most cases result from random genetic errors during cell division, particularly extra or missing chromosomes that make it impossible for the embryo to develop properly. These genetic problems are usually not inherited and do not indicate future fertility issues, though they become more common as maternal age increases beyond 35 years.

Question 3

What is the best test for missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

Accepted Answer

The Pregnancy Test (Very Early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important blood test for missed miscarriage and blighted ovum because it measures the exact amount of pregnancy hormone in your blood. In a healthy pregnancy, hCG levels double every 48-72 hours during early weeks, but with these complications, levels plateau, rise too slowly, or decline unexpectedly. Serial testing over several days reveals these abnormal patterns and helps your healthcare provider assess pregnancy viability before ultrasound confirmation. While ultrasound provides the definitive diagnosis by showing absent fetal development, quantitative hCG testing offers early warning signs and helps monitor your body's response after diagnosis.

Question 4

When should I get tested for missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience any concerning symptoms during early pregnancy, including vaginal bleeding or spotting, cramping or abdominal pain, or suddenly losing pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness and nausea. Testing is also recommended if you have a history of previous miscarriages, are over 35 years old, or feel uncertain about your pregnancy progression. Getting serial hCG blood tests 48-72 hours apart can reveal abnormal hormone patterns early, giving you and your healthcare provider important information about pregnancy viability and helping guide next steps in your care.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

Accepted Answer

Many women with missed miscarriage or blighted ovum have no symptoms initially because the body has not yet recognized the pregnancy loss. Some women may notice a sudden disappearance of pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, or fatigue. Light vaginal bleeding or brown discharge may occur, along with mild cramping, though many women continue to feel pregnant until an ultrasound reveals the problem. This lack of obvious symptoms is why these conditions are often discovered during routine prenatal ultrasounds rather than through physical warning signs.

Question 6

Who is at risk for missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

Accepted Answer

Women over age 35 face increased risk due to higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs. Other risk factors include previous miscarriage history, which slightly increases future risk, and certain chronic health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disorders. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and severe obesity can also contribute. However, most cases occur in women with no identifiable risk factors, and having one missed miscarriage or blighted ovum does not significantly increase your chances of future pregnancy complications.

Question 7

What happens if missed miscarriage or blighted ovum is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated, a missed miscarriage or blighted ovum can lead to serious complications including infection of the uterus, heavy bleeding that may require emergency intervention, and incomplete miscarriage where tissue remains in the uterus. Without proper management, retained pregnancy tissue can cause severe hemorrhage, sepsis, or damage to the uterine lining that affects future fertility. Most healthcare providers recommend active management through medication or surgical procedures to safely remove the tissue and prevent these potentially life-threatening complications while supporting your physical and emotional recovery.

Question 8

Can missed miscarriage or blighted ovum be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose missed miscarriage or blighted ovum, but they provide critical supporting information through hCG hormone measurement. Serial quantitative hCG tests taken 48-72 hours apart reveal abnormal patterns like plateauing or declining levels that strongly suggest pregnancy complications. The definitive diagnosis requires transvaginal ultrasound to visualize the absence of fetal development or heartbeat. Your healthcare provider will interpret blood test results alongside ultrasound findings and your symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Question 9

How is missed miscarriage or blighted ovum treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment options include expectant management (waiting for natural miscarriage), medication to help expel the pregnancy tissue, or surgical procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) to remove tissue from the uterus. Your healthcare provider will discuss which option is best based on your health, gestational age, and personal preferences. Expectant management may take several weeks, while medication typically works within 24-48 hours, and D&C provides immediate resolution. After any treatment, follow-up blood tests monitor hCG levels to ensure they return to zero, confirming complete resolution and allowing your body to recover before attempting another pregnancy.

Question 10

How can I prevent missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

Accepted Answer

Most missed miscarriages and blighted ovums result from random chromosomal abnormalities that cannot be prevented. However, you can optimize your pregnancy health by taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid for at least one month before conception, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders, and limiting caffeine intake. Regular preconception checkups ensure any health issues are addressed before pregnancy. While these steps support overall pregnancy health, they cannot prevent chromosomal problems that cause most early pregnancy losses.

Question 11

What can I do at home after a missed miscarriage or blighted ovum diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

After diagnosis, prioritize physical rest and allow yourself time to grieve this pregnancy loss. Use heating pads for cramping, take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your healthcare provider, and wear comfortable pads for bleeding rather than tampons to reduce infection risk. Track your bleeding and watch for warning signs like soaking more than two pads per hour, fever, or severe pain that requires immediate medical attention. Seek emotional support through counseling, support groups, or trusted friends and family, as pregnancy loss affects both physical and mental health. Most women can try conceiving again after 1-2 normal menstrual cycles, but discuss timing with your healthcare provider based on your individual situation.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Missed Miscarriage Blood Test

What is Missed Miscarriage or Blighted Ovum?

What causes a missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

What is the best test for missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

When should I get tested for missed miscarriage or blighted ovum?

References

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