What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

A chemical pregnancy is said to occur when someone has a positive result on a home pregnancy test, but has a miscarriage before it can be confirmed by an ultrasound. Although it has limited physical side effects, it could take a toll mentally and emotionally.

The cause of chemical pregnancies is difficult to pinpoint, each case is unique, and the ‘trigger’ of any typically remains unknown. We shall assess the possible causes, symptoms, and the emotional effects of chemical pregnancies.  

What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?

In simplistic terms a chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that occurs before five weeks of a pregnancy. 

A positive urine-based pregnancy test is made possible by the presence of a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Using an ultrasound, a gestational sac can be seen starting from the fifth week onward. 

HCG levels found in the urine and blood tend to drop back to normal gradually when a person has a miscarriage, and the initial positive pregnancy test stands as the only evidence that a pregnancy even existed.

It has been discovered that 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and the majority of those occurring before the 20-week are usually chemical pregnancies. Though the main cause is not known, some factors could give insight to their occurrence. From a medical standpoint, causes of these miscarriages could be:

• Problems with the embryo’s DNA
• The embryo not implanting itself properly on the uterine wall
• Cervical or uterine anomalies
• Untreated thyroid conditions 

What are Signs of Chemical Pregnancy?

Chemical pregnancies are not easy to diagnose especially because there are no diagnostic metrics available for this. Chemical pregnancies usually resolve themselves without complications or being noticed. However, some of the signs that an early miscarriage has occurred are:

• A period coming about a week later than expected
• An unusually heavy period accompanied by intense cramps 
• A positive pregnancy followed by a period or a negative pregnancy test
• A positive pregnancy but no typical symptoms of early pregnancy

Can Chemical Pregnancy Be Avoided?

There is no known way of preventing a chemical pregnancy, but they do not indicate infertility. One can still become pregnant in the future. However, some people are more likely to have chemical pregnancies than others. Some factors do increase the likelihood of chemical pregnancies such as:

• Being aged 35 and above
• Having conditions that affect the endocrine systems such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome
• Having unusually high or low hormone levels
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

When Should I Call or See a Doctor?

Physical Medical Attention

If you think you could be having recurrent chemical pregnancies, consult an OB-GYN or a fertility specialist. Finding out what the causes could be will be helpful in finding potential treatment, and mapping the way forward.

Psychological Support

Psychological support following a chemical pregnancy will help you manage any challenges arising from your experience. Counselors with training for these types of situations are available to support you.

In Conclusion

A miscarriage, regardless of the stage of pregnancy could have some drawbacks psychologically. If you have concerns about chemical pregnancies contact us at Ivy Fertility for a range of reproductive support services, at locations countrywide.