A chemical pregnancy can leave you with a lot of questions and emotions. What causes it? Did I miss the signs and symptoms? Can I get pregnant again after a chemical pregnancy?
You don’t have to process your thoughts and feelings on your own. Bakersfield Pregnancy Center is here to answer your questions and provide the care you deserve. Keep reading to learn more about chemical pregnancy and where you can find support after experiencing one.
What is a Chemical Pregnancy?
A chemical pregnancy is an early miscarriage that occurs within the first five weeks of pregnancy. The embryo does form and can implant into the lining of the uterus, but then it stops developing and is eventually miscarried. Chemical pregnancies occur so early that many don’t even realize it’s happened[1].
The name “chemical pregnancy” comes from the hormones in your body that cause a positive pregnancy test. Within those first five weeks, the embryo will cause your body to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophic (or hCG). This is the first indication that you’re pregnant, as it’s too early to experience any other pregnancy symptoms. However, once the embryo stops developing, your hCG levels drop[1].
What are the Symptoms of Chemical Pregnancy?
The only way to know for sure whether you’re experiencing a chemical pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test[1]. However, some common symptoms of chemical pregnancy include[1]:
- A positive pregnancy test without the normal signs of early pregnancy
- An unusually heavy period with more painful cramps
- Your period comes about a week later than normal
- A positive pregnancy test, followed by your period.
- A positive pregnancy test, followed by a negative pregnancy test a few weeks later
What Causes Chemical Pregnancy?
No one knows exactly what causes chemical pregnancy. Healthcare experts believe that sometimes it could be a problem in the embryo’s DNA or genetic makeup. Other times, the embryo can’t implant into the uterus properly and stops growing. Therefore, your hCG levels drop and your next pregnancy test comes back negative[1].
How Common Are Chemical Pregnancies?
Unfortunately, chemical pregnancies are very common. About a quarter of pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage before the first twenty weeks, about 80% of which happen very early[1]. Many women experience a miscarriage without even realizing it[1].
You are more likely to experience a chemical pregnancy if[1]:
- You have an STI
- You have a thyroid disorder, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or diabetes
- You have an atypically-shaped uterus
- Your hormone levels are too high or low
- You’re 35 or older
Can You Get Pregnant After a Chemical Pregnancy?
Having one chemical pregnancy does not mean that you won’t be able to have healthy pregnancies in the future. In fact, many women who have had chemical pregnancies are able to carry future pregnancies to term with no issues[1]. However, if you have repeated chemical pregnancies, you may need to speak to a fertility specialist[1].
Miscarriage Counseling in Bakersfield, CA
After a chemical pregnancy, you may feel all kinds of emotions. Some women feel relieved, as they weren’t ready to have children. Others were ready for children and consider their chemical pregnancy a deep loss.
You don’t have to walk through your experience alone. If you need a safe place to process your feelings or simply ask questions, please contact Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. We offer miscarriage counseling, so you can find hope, healing, and a community that cares for you after a chemical pregnancy. Schedule your appointment online today!
You might wonder if home pregnancy tests provide accurate results. Regardless of
how you feel about being pregnant, there are a few things you should know about home pregnancy tests.
Keep reading to learn more.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
About 10 days after conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg), the embryo implants into a woman’s uterus. Her body then releases the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to sustain the pregnancy.[1] Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of HCG in the urine.
When is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
Although the body produces HCG at implantation (10 days after conception), HCG may not be detectable in the urine until about 14 days after conception. So, most home pregnancy tests recommend testing once you’ve missed your period. If taken before a missed period, the test could be negative even though a woman is early in her pregnancy.[2]
How Accurate are Pregnancy Tests?
Every home pregnancy test works differently, so women should read and follow the instructions that come with the test. When used correctly, home pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate.[3]
If taken too early, used improperly, or improperly read, the test could be negative. After a negative home test, women should wait a few days and then retest.
Where Can I Get a Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests are available over the counter (without a prescription). Some women find that digital tests are easier to read.[4] Regardless of the type used, carefully read the instructions. Some women prefer going to a clinic to confirm pregnancy.
You can schedule a free pregnancy test at Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. Give us a call at (661)326-1907 to get started.
Sources
- Chemical Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2021, December 11).https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22188-chemical-pregnancy#management-and-treatment