If you think you’re pregnant, then experience a late period or negative pregnancy test, you may have had what is known as a chemical pregnancy. If you have gone through, or are currently experiencing this kind of pregnancy loss, it can be an emotional time. Here is what to know about this early form of miscarriage.
What Is a Chemical Pregnancy?
A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage that usually happens before five weeks gestation. When a chemical pregnancy occurs, the embryo typically forms but stops developing extremely early in the pregnancy. Many who experience a chemical pregnancy may not know they miscarried, or that they were even pregnant. Chemical pregnancies are very common. In fact, of the 25% of women who miscarry before they reach the 20-week mark, 80% happen very early in pregnancy.
What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy?
While the exact cause of a chemical pregnancy isn’t typically known, reasons can include a problem in the genetic makeup or DNA of the embryo, or an issue implanting into the uterine lining. In either case, the embryo’s development stops, which in turn ceases the production of the hCG hormone that maintains a pregnancy.
While it’s impossible to know who will experience a pregnancy loss, risk factors for early miscarriage include those who:
- Are ages 35 or older
- Have an atypically shaped uterus
- Have problems with hormone levels
- Have an STI
- Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Have diabetes
What Are the Signs Of a Chemical Pregnancy?
While it can be difficult to know whether you’ve experienced a chemical pregnancy, signs include:
- Experiencing a heavier, more intense period with more intense cramping about a week later than usual
- Having a positive pregnancy test then getting your period
- Having a positive pregnancy test, then a negative one in the weeks following
- Having a positive pregnancy test, but no signs or symptoms of pregnancy
If you think you’re pregnant, or may have experienced an early pregnancy loss, it’s important to contact your doctor. If you’ve experienced a chemical pregnancy, they may be able to diagnose it using blood tests to measure your hCG levels, or an ultrasound to view if a fetus is growing.
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 body and 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’re 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.