Chemical Pregnancies: All you need to know
A chemical pregnancy is an extremely early form of miscarriage that occurs before the 5th week of pregnancy. If you suspect you are pregnant but then experience a late period or get a negative pregnancy test, you may have had a chemical pregnancy. Going through this type of pregnancy loss can be an emotionally challenging time.
A chemical pregnancy happens when the embryo forms but stops developing very soon after implantation. Many women who have a chemical pregnancy do not realise they were pregnant or that they miscarried. Chemical pregnancies are quite common – of the 25% of pregnancies that end in miscarriage before 20 weeks, a staggering 80% are chemical pregnancies that occur extremely early on.
While the precise cause is often unknown, potential reasons include genetic abnormalities in the embryo’s DNA or issues with the embryo properly implanting in the uterine lining. In either scenario, the embryo’s development halts, stopping production of the hCG hormone required to sustain the pregnancy. Risk factors that increase chances of an early miscarriage include advanced maternal age over 35, abnormally shaped uterus, hormonal imbalances, sexually transmitted infections, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes.
It can be difficult to definitively identify if a chemical pregnancy occurred, but signs may include an unusually heavy period with intense cramping about a week later than expected, getting a period after an initial positive pregnancy test, receiving a negative test weeks after a positive one, or lacking pregnancy symptoms despite a positive test. If you suspect pregnancy or an early loss, consult your doctor, who can diagnose through blood tests measuring hCG levels or ultrasound to check for a developing fetus.
How is a Chemical Pregnancy treated?
Because chemical pregnancies happen so early, a woman’s body will typically pass the pregnancy naturally and recover quickly. Following a chemical pregnancy, there is no need to wait to try to become pregnant again if you feel ready. However, it’s important to discuss your goals for pregnancy with your provider. A chemical pregnancy doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with you or your bodying you can go on to have healthy and successful pregnancies in the future.
It’s important to note that while someone experiencing a chemical pregnancy or early miscarriage might physically feel ok, any pregnancy loss can be difficult emotionally. No matter the emotions you experience – whether you are relieved, devastated, worried, or just plain sad – they are all valid. Lean on your support system for comfort, and take the time you need to grieve and process your emotions.
Sources
- Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand.
- Australian Government: Department of health and aged care, pregnancy help when overseas.
- IVF Australia, International patients and IVF Treatments in Australia.
- Forbes Magazine, What is Chemical Pregnancy? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment.
- Australian Journal of General Practice