What is a Chemical Pregnancy

A pregnant person can have a positive result on a home pregnancy test, and then have miscarriage before an ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy. This is what is referred to as a chemical pregnancy.  A chemical pregnancy usually has very limited side effects physically. Psychologically, it could take a toll, requiring therapy in order to navigate the resultant feelings. 

The causes of chemical pregnancies, from a medical perspective, are difficult to determine. Each case is different and the exact ‘trigger’ is hardly ever known. Let us look a bit more in detail at the causes, symptoms, as well as the emotional aspects of these mysterious miscarriages.  

What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?

Chemical pregnancies are miscarriages that take place before the fifth week of a pregnancy. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone responsible for positive urine-based pregnancy test results. When a pregnancy continues beyond the fifth week, it can usually be seen in an ultrasound, with the confirmation of a gestational sac. 

When a person has a miscarriage before the pregnancy can be seen on an ultrasound, the levels of hCG in the urine and blood gradually drop back to normal. The only evidence that a pregnancy even existed is the initial positive pregnancy test.  

The American Pregnancy Association has reported that 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Additionally a majority of these happening before the 20-week marker tend to be chemical pregnancies. The primary cause remains unknown, but there are some factors that could be attributed to their occurrence. So far, medically, the leading causes of these miscarriages revolve around:

• Problems with the embryo’s genetic makeup 
• The failure of the embryo to implant itself properly on the uterine wall
• Cervical issues or uterine abnormalities
• Thyroid conditions that are untreated

What are Signs of Chemical Pregnancy?

Chemical pregnancies are unpredictable and therefore difficult to diagnose. Additionally, there are no diagnostic tests to confirm a chemical pregnancy after the fact. Again, it is typical for chemical pregnancies to resolve without any further complications - in fact many go unnoticed or unreported.

However, if an early miscarriage has happened, below are some of the common signs that follow:

• A late period, arriving around a week later than expected
• Intense cramping accompanying an unusually heavy period 
• Having a positive pregnancy test but then getting your period or testing negative afterward
• Having a positive pregnancy test with no further signs that typically accompany early pregnancy

Can Chemical Pregnancy Be Avoided?

There are no guarantees in preventing the occurrence of chemical pregnancies. Even after experiencing a chemical pregnancy, it is still possible to conceive in future, therefore they alone are not indicators of fertility problems. 

It is important though to note that some people are more predisposed to having chemical pregnancies than others. Additionally, there are factors that could increase the chances of a chemical pregnancy. Below are some parameters within which the risk of a chemical pregnancy is increased:

• People aged 35 and above
• Those who have conditions affecting their endocrine systems - i.e. thyroid disorders, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome
• Those with unusually high or low hormone levels
• Have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments

When Should I Call or See a Doctor?

Physical Medical Attention

There are hardly any complications associated with chemical pregnancies because of occuring so early in a pregnancy. The symptoms additionally can go completely unnoticed due to their mild nature. 

See your OB-GYN or a fertility specialist if you think you could be having chemical pregnancies recurrently. It will be of benefit to be further evaluated to find out what the causes could be, potential treatment, and the way forward.

Psychological Support

Although a chemical pregnancy may not particularly require medical attention, you may benefit from speaking with a professional counsellor following a chemical pregnancy. 

Psychological support following a chemical pregnancy will help you manage any grief, depression, anxiety, or any other challenges associated with your mental wellbeing. You will find that counsellors with the necessary training for these situations are readily available to help you cope.

In Conclusion

Miscarriage of any type can take a toll on a person. It is crucial to address the potential emotional impact and difficulties faced by prospective parents following a chemical pregnancy. 

If you have more questions or concerns about chemical pregnancies do contact Nevada Center of Reproductive Medicine. We offer a range of reproductive support services at locations across the country.