What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

It is exciting when a person who has been trying to build a family does a home pregnancy test and finds out that they are expectant. Typically after a positive home pregnancy test, one goes to see a professional healthcare provider. At this stage, the pregnancy is confirmed using an ultrasound, and following some additional tests, the healthcare provider advises on what the next steps ought to be.

There are situations whereby, after a positive home pregnancy test, one goes to have an ultrasound done, and no pregnancy is found. This is what is called a chemical pregnancy and it is a type of miscarriage. In this article, we shall talk about the possible causes of chemical pregnancies, related symptoms and what can be done about them.  

What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?

To understand the context of a chemical pregnancy, it is important to understand how pregnancy is detected. The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hGC) is released when a person becomes pregnant. The levels of this hormone remain elevated in the body throughout a pregnancy. 

When a person first takes a pregnancy test, it is this hormone that is detected in the urine resulting in a positive pregnancy test. The purpose for a follow up ultrasound test is to be able to detect the gestational sac, which confirms that indeed there is a pregnancy developing. 

An at-home pregnancy test can detect pregnancy as early as the fifth week, while an ultrasound can detect pregnancy in the sixth week. A chemical pregnancy typically occurs within the window between these two tests. 

Miscarriages occur in almost 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies. Most of those that happen prior to the fifth month tend to be chemical pregnancies. The perplexing thing is that there is no particular cause of chemical pregnancies in particular. What can be presumed is based on what typically causes miscarriages in general. Here are some of the reasons why miscarriages happen:

• The embryo could have abnormalities in its DNA
• The embryo does not implant properly into the endometrium
• There could be conditions that are affecting the uterus or cervix
• If a person has thyroid conditions that have not been treated 

What are the Signs of a Chemical Pregnancy?

Chemical pregnancies are not your typical miscarriage. Usually there are no symptoms associated with chemical pregnancies, as well, there are no complications following the fact. As a result, they cannot be predicted, nor can they be diagnosed. There are signs however, that point to a chemical pregnancy having occurred:

• If a menstrual flow is delayed for about a week
• If a menstrual flow is unusually heavy
• A heavy period accompanied by extremely painful cramps
• 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?

Up to this point, there are no symptoms that can be associated with a chemical pregnancy. The window between the detection and then the absence of a pregnancy is too narrow for any meaningful diagnostics to be conducted. There are factors that could increase the possibility of a chemical pregnancy:

• If a person is over 35 years old
• If a person has endocrine-based conditions 
• If a person has unusually low or unusually high hormone levels 
• If a person has sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

When Should I Call or See a Doctor?

If a person repeatedly experiences chemical pregnancies, it is recommended that they consult with a professional healthcare provider. The healthcare provider can investigate what the possible causes of the repeated chemical pregnancies are, and explore possible treatments. The good news though is that chemical pregnancies, even through occurring repeatedly, are not a sign of infertility.

Physical Medical Attention

As we have mentioned, it is important to get examined physically so that the cause of the repeated chemical pregnancies can be established and treated.

Psychological Support

Due to the fact that a chemical pregnancy is a type of miscarriage, there could be psychological repercussions when they occur, especially recurrently. It is valuable to seek professional help to cope mentally and emotionally.

In Conclusion

If you have been trying to become pregnant but have been experiencing chemical pregnancies, or if you have concerns regarding infertility, contact IVF Fertility Center. Our team of professionals are available and ready to support you with your reproductive health and family building desires.