What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

A chemical pregnancy is said to occur when a pregnant person has a positive home pregnancy test, but then has a miscarriage before it can be confirmed by ultrasound. Although the physical side effects are limited, psychologically, chemical pregnancies could take a toll. 

Medically, chemical pregnancies do not have a specific cause. However we can explore some causes, symptoms, and emotional aspects resulting from these types of miscarriages.  

What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?

From a medical perspective, chemical pregnancies are miscarriages that take place before a pregnancy gets to its fifth week. By the fifth week, a home pregnancy test can be positive because of the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine and blood.

A pregnancy can be detected on an ultrasound due to the presence of a gestational sac. Should a miscarriage occur before an ultrasound confirmation, hCG levels in the urine and blood gradually drop back to normal leaving the initial pregnancy test as the only evidence that a pregnancy existed.  

It is reported that  10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage with the majority of those occurring before 20 weeks being chemical pregnancies. There are some factors that could be linked to their occurrence. Some of the leading causes of these miscarriages are:

• Genetic problems with the embryo 
• Improper implantation of the embryo to onto the uterine wall
• Cervical problems or abnormalities in the uterus
• Untreated thyroid conditions 

What are Signs of Chemical Pregnancy?

Due to the unpredictability of chemical pregnancies, they are not easy to diagnose, and no diagnostic tests exist to confirm a chemical pregnancy after it has occured. Typically, chemical pregnancies resolve on their own and many times go unnoticed or unreported. Below are some common signs that follow a chemical pregnancy:

• A period arriving a week later than expected
• Intense cramps during an unusually heavy period 
• A positive pregnancy test followed by a period, or a negative pregnancy test
• Having a positive pregnancy test with no further signs that typically accompany early pregnancy

Can Chemical Pregnancy Be Avoided?

There is no way to prevent a chemical pregnancy from occuring, and some people are more predisposed to having them than others. There are some factors that may increase the likelihood of a chemical pregnancy, but it is still possible to conceive after a chemical pregnancy. 

Below are some parameters where the risk of chemical pregnancy is increased:

• People aged 35 and above
• People who have conditions  such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome
• People who have unusually high or low hormone levels
• People who have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• People undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments

When Should I Call a Doctor?

Physical Medical Attention

Due to the fact that there are no known complications associated with chemical pregnancies, symptoms can go completely undetected. Therefore, if you think you could be having recurring chemical pregnancies, then consult with your OB-GYN or fertility specialist for further evaluation on the possible causes, as well as potential treatment, and charting a way forward.

Psychological Support

One may also benefit from consulting a professional counsellor after a chemical pregnancy to manage any grief, depression, anxiety, or other mental challenges that may arise.

In Conclusion

Miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy can take a toll on a person physically and mentally. One should not ignore the emotional impact or difficulties that may arise after experiencing a chemical pregnancy. 

If you have any queries or concerns regarding chemical pregnancies please contact Reproductive Partners Medical Group. We offer compassionate care across a range of reproductive support services at locations across the country.