What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

When someone takes a home pregnancy test and it returns positive, the next step is typically to see a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy on an ultrasound. Between the time the urine test shows a  positive result and an ultrasound is done, it is possible for one to have what is medically known as a chemical pregnancy. This article will be giving insight into what chemical pregnancies are, what causes them, symptoms, side effects, and what one can do about it.  

What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?

A  chemical pregnancy is a type of miscarriage which happens at around the fifth week of a pregnancy. At five weeks, it is possible to get a positive result on a home pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests identify the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood or urine. HCG is released by the body when conception occurs, and is present throughout the pregnancy. When there is no pregnancy, hCG is not present in the body, and therefore a pregnancy test will return negative. 

Starting from around the sixth week of pregnancy, it is possible to see the signs of early pregnancy in the form of a gestational sac, using an ultrasound. When a chemical pregnancy occurs, a person has a miscarriage before the ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy. Leaving the home pregnancy test as the only sign that a pregnancy had existed, and hCG levels thereafter gradually drop back.

It may come as a surprise to some how frequently miscarriages occur. One to two out of 10 pregnancies do not end in live births. A good majority of the miscarriages that happen before the 20-week are usually chemical pregnancies. The reason why they occur remains unknown, but there could be some insight into what could cause the body to dispel the pregnancy. Below are some probabilities:

• The embryo’s DNA makeup could have anomalies
• The embryo was unable to implant itself into the uterine wall properly.
• A person could be having abnormalities relating to the cervix or uterus. 
• A person could be having thyroid conditions that have not been treated.

What are the Signs of a Chemical Pregnancy?

There are no diagnostic metrics used to diagnose or predict the occurrence of a chemical pregnancy. As well, there are no immediate symptoms that a person presents that would require medical intervention. Typically, chemical pregnancies do not have any complications and they resolve themselves unnoticed. What can be observed is signs that early miscarriage has occurred, after the fact. 

Signs that a chemical pregnancy has occurred include:

• An expected period being delayed for about a week
• When a period is unusually heavy and is accompanied by intense cramps 
• When a person has a positive result on a pregnancy test and then they get their period or a negative pregnancy test thereafter
• When a person has a positive pregnancy test result without the typical symptoms associated with early pregnancy 

Can Chemical Pregnancy Be Avoided?

As we have seen, chemical pregnancies do not present any symptoms, neither are there specific causes that would trigger their occurrence. Be aware that chemical pregnancies are not an indication of infertility, however, if they occur regularly, it may be necessary to see a professional healthcare provider.  

There are some factors that could increase the probability of a chemical pregnancy occurring. Below are a few of them: 

• If person who is 35 years old or more;
• If a person has endocrine related conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or polycystic ovary syndrome;
• If a person’s hormone levels are unusually high or unusually low;
• If someone has sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

When Should I Call or See a Doctor?

Physical Medical Attention

If you think you are experiencing chemical pregnancies recurrently, consult your OB-GYN or see a fertility specialist to determine both the cause and the possible treatment options.

Psychological Support

Chemical pregnancies could have psychological side effects that require support as they are a loss of a pregnancy. Counselors who have the training for delicate situations such as these are available to support you.

In Conclusion

If you have any concerns regarding chemical pregnancies, or need support in your fertility journey, our team of professionals offer compassionate care.