What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

Chemical pregnancies are said to occur when a pregnant person has a miscarriage before the pregnancy appears on an ultrasound. Typically, chemical pregnancies have few physical side effects. However, the psychological effects can be severe and an individual or couple may require counselling to navigate their feelings about the miscarriage.

Medically, the causes of a chemical pregnancy can be hard to pinpoint, and the exact cause of any specific case is rarely ever discovered. In this article, we shall delve into the intricacies of chemical pregnancies. We shall uncover likely causes, point out symptoms, and navigate the emotional aspects of chemical pregnancies.

What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?

A chemical pregnancy is an early form of miscarriage, typically occurring before the five-week mark of a pregnancy. When a person becomes pregnant, the first sign of pregnancy is the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the blood and urine. HCG is the hormone that causes a positive pregnancy test. 

If the pregnancy progresses, it can be seen on an ultrasound, starting with a gestational sac, at around 5 weeks of gestation. In the case of a chemical pregnancy, the pregnancy fails before it can be seen on ultrasound, with hCG levels in the blood gradually dropping back to normal so that the only evidence of pregnancy is a positive pregnancy test. 

The American Pregnancy Association states that 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. The majority of miscarriages occuring before 20 weeks of gestation are usually chemical pregnancies. Although there are several factors that could influence their occurrence, the primary cause of a chemical pregnancy is still unknown. Medically, some leading causes of chemical pregnancies include:

• Issues with the genetic makeup of the embryo
• Failure of the embryo to properly implant on the uterine wall
• Abnormal uterine abnormalities or cervical issues
• Untreated thyroid conditions

What are Signs of Chemical Pregnancy?

Although chemical pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose or predict, there are signs that could indicate an early miscarriage has occurred. The more common signs include:

• A period arriving around a week late
• An unusually heavy period accompanied by intense cramping
• Testing positive on a pregnancy test and soon thereafter, either getting your period or testing negative
• Testing positive on a pregnancy test without experiencing the signs of early pregnancy

There is no way to confirm a chemical pregnancy after it has occurred, but if the above mentioned symptoms occur, a chemical pregnancy may well have been the culprit. Further, because chemical pregnancies typically resolve without physical complications, many go unnoticed or unreported.

Can Chemical Pregnancy Be Avoided?

There is no reliable or guaranteed way to prevent chemical pregnancies from occurring. Nevertheless, it is important to note that a chemical pregnancy does not mean a successful, healthy pregnancy is not possible in the future. Further, on their own, they are not necessarily an indicator of fertility issues. In fact, many people who experience a chemical pregnancy go on to become pregnant. 

Having said that, there are some factors that can increase the risk of a chemical pregnancy, and certain people are more predisposed to experiencing them, than others. The risk of a chemical pregnancy is higher among people who:

• Are over the age of 35
• Have endocrine conditions (i.e. thyroid disorders, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Have atypically high or low hormone levels
• Have a sexually transmitted infection
• Are undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments

If you experience the signs of a chemical pregnancy, and fall into one or more of these categories, there is a good chance you have experienced a chemical pregnancy.

When Should I Call or See a Doctor?

Physical Medical Attention

Since chemical pregnancies occur so early in the course of a pregnancy, there are rarely any physical complications associated with them, and the symptoms can be so mild that they go unnoticed entirely. 

If you suspect that you are experiencing recurring chemical pregnancies, it is recommended that you see an OB-GYN or fertility specialist for further evaluation about possible causes, possible treatment, and the proper course of action going forward.

Psychological Support

Generally, it may not be necessary to contact a healthcare provider following a chemical pregnancy, however, many women who have had a chemical pregnancy benefit from speaking with a medical professional such as a counsellor about what has happened.

Part of the recovery process for a chemical pregnancy may include counselling for depression, grief, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. There are many counsellors who have received special training for these specific types of difficulties.

In Conclusion

Although a chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage with little to no physical side effects, any type of miscarriage can take a toll. Recognizing the potential emotional impact and difficulty on a prospective mother or couple following a chemical pregnancy, should not be written off. 

If you have - or suspect that you have - experienced a chemical pregnancy and have questions about what it might mean, or what your best course forward might be, contact Nevada Fertility Center. We offer a wide range of reproductive and support services at locations across the country.