What is a Chemical Pregnancy and How Do You Move Forward?
Chemical pregnancy. The moment you notice it, your heart, that large lump feeling, catches in your throat.
It was just a few days ago that your pregnancy test was positive, but now… you’re bleeding.
Fear sets in.
After a few web searches from good ole Dr. Google and text messages to friends, you find the term “chemical pregnancy” for the first time.
- What is a chemical pregnancy?
- How can you know if it’s happened to you?
If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test within the past few days or weeks and are experiencing any of these symptoms, keep reading:
- Heavy bleeding
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Passing vaginal tissue
- Spotting or mucus
It’s important to note here that some women experience none of the above symptoms and may not even realize that they’re pregnant when a chemical pregnancy happens.
Table Of Contents
What is a Chemical Pregnancy?
It sounds scary, and it can be heartbreaking.
But simply, a chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that happens within the first few weeks of pregnancy.
It is different from other miscarriages, as it usually occurs shortly after implantation.
You might even assume that you’re experiencing a normal menstrual cycle.
First thing - breathe.
Research indicates that 70% of all conceptions end in miscarriage according to this article.
Chemical pregnancy accounts for 50-75% of all miscarriages, most of which occur during the first thirteen weeks.
In fact, the pregnancy is often early enough that an ultrasound can’t yet detect the gestational sac or developing placenta.
With the advancement in test accuracy, we’re able to detect pregnancy sooner than ever.
Here’s what’s happening on the inside: when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus, cells that would someday become placenta produce a pregnancy hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin).
The level of hCG triggers the pregnancy test to return positive.
Signs of a Chemical Pregnancy
The most common signs are:
- Heavy bleeding
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Passing vaginal tissue
- Spotting or mucus
- Mild to severe back pain
Before you worry, keep in mind that light implantation bleeding can actually be a sign that you are pregnant; however, any bleeding should be reported to your doctor.
What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy?
There are several things that can cause a chemical pregnancy, and most of them you can’t control.
image source: SayingGoodbye.org
It’s important not to blame yourself or play the tormenting “what if?” game.
The most common causes are:
- Issues within the uterine lining
- Abnormal hormone levels
- Luteal phase defect (you can read more about that here)
- Infection
- Implantation outside of the uterus
- Being over the age of 35
If you have a thyroid or clotting disorder, you’re naturally at a higher risk.
While we’re at it, let’s bust some myths.
Sex, moderate exercise, and working outside the home in a safe environment are not proven to cause miscarriage. Don’t be afraid to live.
How to Prevent a Chemical Pregnancy
While in many cases this is outside of your control, there are some things that you can do to set your body up for success.
Here are some recommendations for you:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy
- Manage stress (yeah, I know…)
- Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol
- Limit or eliminate caffeine
If you experience recurring chemical pregnancies, treatment from your doctor may include Progesterone, baby aspirin, antibiotics, or a surgery that corrects a uterine abnormality.
Women who have experienced a previous miscarriage have a 25% chance of having another.
Does Age Really Impact the Chance of Miscarriage?
It’s true - as we age, the chance for a miscarriage increases.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 35 years and under - 15% chance of miscarriage
- 35 - 45 years - 20-35% chance of miscarriage
- 45 years and older - up to a 50% chance of miscarriage
When is it Safe to Try Again?
Take heart.
Just because you experienced a chemical pregnancy, it doesn’t mean that you’re unable to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
While you can become pregnant as soon as two weeks after an early miscarriage, talk to your doctor.
It may be best to wait through your next menstrual cycle before trying to conceive.
Moving Forward: Know You Will Always Be A Mother
image source: fernandezhannah50: read her story here
You’re not alone.
You’re pretty awesome, but even Superwoman needs someone to share the burden.
Consider finding a support group or talking to a counselor.
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Not sure where to go next?
- If you’re experiencing signs of a chemical pregnancy, talk to your doctor
- Remember not to blame yourself - many things can happen naturally that are out of your control
- Set yourself up for success by keeping your risk factors low and making healthy choices
- Stress less - taking care of your body is important
- Learn about one woman’s experience here.
References:
http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/chemical-pregnancy/
http://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/chemical-pregnancy#2
http://www.everydayhealth.com/chemical-pregnancy/guide/
http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/luteal-phase-defect
