A very early miscarriage that occurs within the first five weeks of pregnancy is known as a chemical pregnancy. It happens when an embryo develops, possibly even implantation in the lining of the uterus might occurs, but then stops growing abruptly. Because chemical pregnancies start so early, many women who miscarry are unaware of it. In today’s article we are going to talk about What is a Chemical Pregnancy and How it is Diagnosed, I am going to give you an easy-to-follow guide when dealing with a chemical pregnancy. Ready? Let’s go.
What is Exactly a Chemical Pregnancy?
As I stated before a chemical pregnancy is an early miscarriage that typically takes place before the pregnancy reaches five weeks and before most women are even aware that they are pregnant. The presence of chromosomal abnormalities in the growing fetus is what leads to chemical pregnancies. Chromosomes are individual units of DNA that contain the instructions necessary for the development of a baby. Due to the abnormal chromosomal information the fetus stops growing, therefore, the pregnancy stops.
Risk Factors for a Chemical Pregnancy?
A chemical pregnancy can happen to anyone. If you are trying to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may be more likely to notice a chemical pregnancy because these pregnancies are watched more closely. But IVF by itself is not a risk factor for chemical pregnancy.
Your chances of having a miscarriage early or a chemical pregnancy go up if you have any of the following:
- Advanced maternal age, meaning 35 years or older.
- Anormal shaped uterus.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- You have a disease that is spread by sexual contact (STD).
- Thyroid, diabetes, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) issues.
- Genetic abnormalities in the embryo.
- Lack of proper implantation in the uterus.
- Low body weight.
Chemical Pregnancy Symptoms Include:
- A period heavier-than-usual.
- Worse menstrual cramping.
- HCG levels are decreasing after the first blood test, instead of going up (HCG is the pregnancy hormone).
- After a positive pregnancy test, there is a lack of usual pregnant symptoms such as morning sickness or breast pain.
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How a chemical pregnancy is Diagnosed?
When a woman’s period begins immediately after a positive blood test or pregnancy test that indicates the woman is pregnant, that is more likely a chemical pregnancy. If this is the case, the physician will likely want to perform another blood test in order to determine her HCG levels. A miscarriage of a chemical pregnancy will be diagnosed if the pregnancy hormones in the blood are found to be dropping rather than going up, as this would indicate that the pregnancy is ending prematurely. A chemical pregnancy can also be diagnosed if a pregnancy test comes back positive, but the fetus cannot be seen on an ultrasound, meaning that the vaginal ultrasound doesn’t show any signs of an intrauterine pregnancy.
What Treatment Exists for Chemical Pregnancies?
There is no treatment or cure available for chemical pregnancies. However, the good news is that a significant number of women that suffers a chemical pregnancy on the past end it up having normal pregnancies after all. Your primary care physician may recommend that you see a fertility expert if you experience recurrent chemical pregnancies.
Even while you are aware that you have a strong probability of having a healthy pregnancy in the future, this does not mean that you do not require assistance in processing the end of your current pregnancy. Everyone’s experience of miscarriage is unique to themselves.
How can a Chemical Pregnancy be Prevented?
A chemical pregnancy can happen to any woman, and really there is no way to prevent it. Primarily because most chemical pregnancies are likely caused by DNA defects that prevent the embryo from developing and growing normally. However, there are certain things you can do to minimize the risks of having one:
- Practice safe sex to avoid getting STDs from different sex partners.
- Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. When it comes to pregnancy low weight is an issue as well as obesity. When you keep a healthy weight, you’ll also have a greater chance of keeping normal levels of hormones in your body.
- Avoid if it is possible start a family at an older age.
- Before getting pregnant visit your doctor to check for uterine abnormalities, PCOS, thyroid or any other endocrine issues etc.
- As well as managing any chronic conditions you might have, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- And avoid smoking, using illegal drugs and other risky behaviors.
When to Seek Professional Attention?
If you are having trouble processing the loss of your pregnancy or would need some advice on how to improve your chances of getting pregnant in the future, you should get in touch with your healthcare practitioner. Questions you could ask include:
- When should I make an appointment with a fertility doctor?
- When should I start trying to get pregnant again, and how long should I wait before doing so?
- In order to increase my chances of having a safe pregnancy, what adjustments should I make to my lifestyle?
- Do you have any recommendations for testing that I may take to see whether there is a more fundamental problem that impacted my pregnancy?
Related Posts you might want to read!
C-Section Recovery Tips to Heal Faster.
Postpartum depression. Causes, symptoms and prevention.
How to Get Rid of Loose Skin After Pregnancy Without Surgery.
Final Thoughts about Chemical Pregnancy.
Unfortunately, there is a high rate of miscarriage in the early weeks of pregnancy. There is no way to stop a chemical pregnancy from taking place, and there is also no way to treat one after it has already taken place. It is important to keep in mind, however, that healthy pregnancies frequently follow chemical pregnancies. Take as much time as you feel you need to absorb your loss of pregnancy or plan your future moves, regardless of how you are feeling about it. Talk to a therapist if you feel like you need help coping with the loss or disappointment. And as you plan the next stages in your treatment, discuss any fertility concerns you may have with the healthcare expert who is treating you. Also, make contact with the people in your support network. But in the end, you are the greatest person to determine what you require and what lies ahead for you.
I hope this article helps.
Zadi, xo
Disclaimer: The medical information on this post is for educational and entertainment use only. Under no circumstances, this information is to replace your doctor’s advice or to treat any disease. For proper care, always visit your doctor.
