The word “Chemical Pregnancy” is usually encountered by women during one of the most difficult situations in their lives. They begin to make inquiries like, “What is a chemical pregnancy, and why did it happen to me?”
Chemical Pregnancy is regarded as one of the most confusing forms of pregnancy loss. It happens to numerous women but it is hardly talked about. Sometimes, some women go through it without even knowing that they were pregnant for a short time.
In this article, you will learn all that you need to know about it, and what causes them. You who also learn the possible physical and emotional impacts it can have on you.
What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?
Very early pregnancy loss is called a chemical pregnancy. It takes place relatively soon after implantation when the pregnancy cannot be detected on ultrasound.
In medicine, doctors refer to it as when there is a termination of pregnancy before the first 5 weeks of pregnancy.
Lets look at it from this angle: The sperm fertilizes the female egg and forms the embryo. The hormone that your body produces which is called hCG, starts increasing. Then, for some reasons, the whole process stops suddenly. The embryo stops developing and that brings the pregnancy to an end.
You will be shocked that you were tested positive today, but suddenly negative the next day. Or you may be a little late and heavier than usual in your period.
The fact that a chemical pregnancy is emotionally difficult is that, in the view of most women, it is a real pregnancy. Although it was prematurely terminated, it can still give disappointment and doubts.
How Early Does a Chemical Pregnancy Happen?
The chemical pregnancies will typically occur after the third and fifth week of the pregnancy and in most cases prior to a scheduled ultrasound. A good number of them occur at a very young age, so that a woman does not even have the slightest idea that she had a pregnancy.
That is why it may remain unnoticed unless a woman actively tries to conceive and takes tests at an early stage. Some also only learn about it when a blood test reveals that there is a decrease in the level of hCG.
Why Is It Called a “Chemical” Pregnancy?
The name may sound cold, yet it implies the method of how the pregnancy is detected.
The diagnosis of the pregnancy is not based on a clinical examination or the ultrasound but on a biochemical test such as the hCG in the blood or urine. No embryo or gestation sac has been seen.
To know what it is, is to understand that the pregnancy existed even though the scan did not reveal this truth. It does not imply that it did not matter.
What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy?
There really is no universal reason that causes it. However, chromosomal abnormalities is most times the cause of it. When the embryo contains an incorrect number of chromosomes, then it is not able to mature in a normal way.
Other causes of chemical pregnancy include:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Uterine abnormalities
- Blood clotting disorders
- Infections
- Thyroid issues
- Poor quality embryos, particularly in IVF.
One should learn that a chemical pregnancy is hardly ever the fault of anybody. It is a natural process that the body goes through to show that something was not right.
Symptoms of a Chemical Pregnancy
Symptoms can be subtle. Most of the women believe they are experiencing a late or a heavier period. In case you did, pay attention to the next signs that it might have been the case. Such signs you need to look out for include:
1. Initial positive test with subsequent negative test in days.
2. Periodical bleeding that begins soon after a missed period.
3. Cramping similar to a period
4. Drop in hCG levels (if tested)
You might find the signs more evident in case you follow your cycle or undergo such fertility treatments. To others, the chemical pregnancy might not be noticed.
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How Is a Chemical Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Doctors detect when there is a sudden shard decline in hCG levels in the blood. That is when they suspect for a chemical pregnancy.
Even after a positive test, your doctor might rule it out until an ultrasound shows no evidence of pregnancy.
In women using fertility treatment, the chemical pregnancy can be closely followed due to frequent testing.
How Common Are Chemical Pregnancies?
Very common. Experts are estimating that chemical pregnancies constitute 50 to 70 percent of the early miscarriages. Other studies indicate that up to 1 out of every 4 pregnancies terminates before it is clinically identified.
A lot of women are not even aware that they did. When you know what it entails, then you can know how to common it is around the world.
Does a Chemical Pregnancy Mean Something Is Wrong?
In most cases, a chemical pregnancy does not mean your body can not birth babies.
In fact, it often shows that you can conceive. It means that pregnancy can start in your body and your cycle is working.
Your doctor is likely to recommend that you carry on more tests if it happens more often. However, a chemical pregnancy is not a very serious issue.
Can You Get Pregnant Again After a Chemical Pregnancy?
Yes. After it occurs, most of the women proceed to have healthy pregnancies. Some physicians even add that you can be a little more fertile during the next cycle, but studies are still going on.
You do not need to wait unless your doctor suggests otherwise. You may need to have time to heal emotionally.
When you properly understand what a chemical pregnancy is, then you stand a chance in combating it.
How To Cope With a Chemical Pregnancy Emotionally
A chemical pregnancy can be almost as much grief, even though it is untimely. You can be disappointed, have a vague understanding, or even feel anger. These emotions are valid.
Here are ways to cope:
1. Discuss it with someone, a friend or support group.
2. Give yourself space. Grieve if you need to.
3. Avoid comparing. Each experience is unique.
4. Ask questions. Knowledge can bring comfort.
When we ask about this type of pregnancy, we are not merely asking a question of biology. We are inquiring about the experience, the meaning, and the loss.
Chemical Pregnancy vs. Miscarriage: What’s the Difference?
In technical terms, a chemical pregnancy is a form of miscarriage. The terms are, however, used differently.
A chemical pregnancy occurs at a very early stage before anything is detected by the ultrasound.
Clinical miscarriage occurs in the later stage, after five weeks, and can be seen on an ultrasound.
You may feel the same about the loss. It is a question of how you go about it.
What You Might Not Know About Chemical Pregnancies
The following are some of the things you need to know with regard to a chemical pregnancy:
1. It can happen even with IVF. Even the embryos that are created in the laboratory may fail following implantation.
2. You may still feel symptoms. Even temporarily, hormones may lead to fatigue, nausea, or breast tenderness.
3. There may be little change of cycle. The following month, you might easily ovulate.
4. After one, you may request testing. Although it is not unusual, you have the right to ask questions.
5. It does not take away the experience. The fact that it was early does not imply that it did not matter to you.
Conclusion
Knowing what a chemical pregnancy entails can be emotional, but it can also bring you some relief. It is a premature loss of a pregnancy. It’s common. And it’s not something you have to be ashamed of.
You are not alone if you have experienced one. It is not that your body has failed. It actually means your body is making an attempt. And that matters.
In your grief, your second attempt, and even in your attempt to find meaning in it all, remember: your experience is valid. And the more we discuss what a chemical pregnancy is, the less one has to feel isolated.
You may leave a comment below in case you found this guide useful or wish to share your experience.
