What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

When a person suspects that they are pregnant, perhaps due to a delayed or missed period, they typically get a home pregnancy test to confirm their suspicions. With a positive pregnancy test, the next step is to visit a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy, as well as get guidance on the next steps. Sometimes, between this first test and the ultrasound that is typically used to confirm the pregnancy, a person  can experience a chemical pregnancy. We shall discuss the causes, symptoms, and what can be done about chemical pregnancies.  

What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?

A chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that occurs under unique circumstances. Usually, a pregnancy can be detected through a urine or blood test in the fifth week, and it can be seen on an ultrasound in the sixth week. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone released in the body when a person becomes pregnant, is what is detected in urine or blood pregnancy tests. An ultrasound detects the gestational sac,  confirming the early signs of pregnancy. Chemical pregnancies are miscarriages that occur in the window after a positive urine test but before an ultrasound can confirm it.

Miscarriages occur quite frequently, with about 10 to 20 percent of all pregnancies ending before they reach full-term. Most of the miscarriages that occur before the fifth month of pregnancy are actually chemical pregnancies. Whereas there is no specific cause of chemical pregnancies, some reasons why miscarriage happens in general are:

• DNA anomalies in the embryo
• Poor implantation into the endometrium 
• Conditions affecting the uterus or cervix
• Untreated thyroid conditions.

What are the Signs of a Chemical Pregnancy?

The fact is that chemical pregnancies do not come with any symptoms or complications, and no medical intervention is required. As such, there is no way to predict or even diagnose the possibility of a chemical pregnancy. What can be observed is signs after the fact, such as:

• A period delaying for about seven days or so
• Experiencing a period that is unusually heavy
• Experiencing intense cramps with a heavy period
• A positive pregnancy test, followed by a negative pregnancy test or a period
• A positive pregnancy test without the accompanying early pregnancy symptoms.

Can Chemical Pregnancy Be Avoided?

As we have seen, because there are no observable markers prior to a chemical pregnancy occurring, one cannot predict whether one could occur or not. What we do know is that there are some factors that increase the probability of their occurrence, such as:  

• Someone who is more than 35 years old
• Someone who has conditions related to the endocrine system 
• Someone with unusually high or even low hormone levels 
• Someone with sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

When Should I Call or See a Doctor?

Now whereas chemical pregnancies are not an indicator of infertility, their regular occurrence is cause to see a healthcare provider. This will help in establishing what the cause could be and explore avenues for treatment.

Physical Medical Attention

Now whereas chemical pregnancies are not an indicator of infertility, their regular occurrence is cause to see a healthcare provider. This will help in establishing what the cause could be and explore avenues for treatment.

Psychological Support

Miscarriages at any stage of pregnancy can take a toll psychologically, and particularly if they occur frequently. Seeking support from professional counsellors who are trained to handle situations such as these is vital.

In Conclusion

If you think you could be experiencing chemical pregnancies, have challenges with fertility, or would like support in building your family, contact the team of experts at Virginia Fertility & IVF for compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. We are available at locations countrywide.