CAN hcg levels continue to rise if blighted ovum?

Yes, hCG levels can continue to rise in cases of a blighted ovum, as the hormone is produced by the placenta, which can still develop even when the embryo does not. This can lead to misleadingly high hCG levels, giving the appearance of a viable pregnancy. Ultimately, a blighted ovum is diagnosed through ultrasound, which typically shows an empty gestational sac without an embryo. Monitoring hCG levels over time is essential to determine the status of the pregnancy.