A chemical pregnancy can be described in a more simple way, as it is something that a lot of people do not learn about. This type of diagnosis refers to those pregnancies that have a very short duration, about one or two weeks after conception and implantation followed by the absence of any gestational tissue on gel. In the following article, we are going to describe the phenomenon called chemical pregnancy its clinical aspects and pathogenetic mechanisms some more and that do’s and don’ts when you think it may have happened to you.
What is Chemical Pregnancy?
A chemical pregnancy is also called a miscarriage in the earliest stages of pregnancy which is usually about a month after the last period. Such pregnancies may be defined as those in which the pregnancy is within the uterine cavity however, for some reason the pregnancy hormone does not progress further. This word chemical is used to refer to the kind of pregnancies where it is possible to detect the hCG in the blood that is rising but the pregnancy is cannot in any form be seen whether in ultrasound or anything else.
How Often Does a Chemical Pregnancy Occur?
Pregnancy losses of the biochemical kind in most instances are common and may even constitute about fifty to seventy-five percent of all pregnancy losses. Many women may not even know that they have had a chemical pregnancy because such a pregnancy might occur before they actually are aware of their pregnancy. In most instances the loss is so early that it may be in fact interpreted as a late or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Signs of a Chemical Pregnancy
The signs and symptoms of a chemical pregnancy can be very close to the symptoms associated with a missed period or the symptoms of an early pregnancy. Some of the most recognized signs are:
Positive home pregnancy test: Most women often get the first indication of a chemical pregnancy when they obtain a positive home pregnancy test because the body is already producing hCG.
Light bleeding or spotting: This occurs mostly, in most women, around the time, when a period is expected but is often lighter or irregular than the usual period.
Cramping: May occur light cramping or discomfort in the abdomen and is similar to milk cramps.
hCG levels decrease: When a positive test is done, the levels of hCG in the system normally start to fall. A physician can draw blood to confirm this drop and this means the pregnancy is not developing any longer.
In most instances, certain women may not show any signs at all, particularly in situations when the chemical pregnancy is found after the labyrinth of a missed period years later or through a positive test that turns negative later on.
Identifying Chemical Pregnancy
The diagnosis of chemical pregnancy is a blood test protocol. For instance, if you have taken a home kit test which is positive but there is some bleeding, the doctor will perform an hCG blood test. In the case of a chemical pregnancy, hCG levels will rise but to a certain extent and will fall after, such showing that the pregnancy is not advancing.
Ultrasound imaging may not be recommended for a chemical pregnancy, as it usually happens prior to the existence of a gestational sac in an ultrasound.
What Happens After a Chemical Pregnancy?
If you have suffered from a chemical pregnancy, it’s usually physically and psychologically draining. This is what comes after a complicated pregnancy:
Physical recovery: Physical recovery is expected in most cases, and one is likely to get their next menses in 4-6 weeks after the abortion. A few women may experience lighter or irregular menses the first few months after the event.
Emotional aspect: Though a chemical pregnancy comes even before it is possible to detect the embryo, and most women would not have cared about being pregnant, it can be heartbreaking. Allow yourself some time to heal your heart and mind before you go seeking help from your family and friends or even professionals for that matter.
Pregnancy in the future: A chemical pregnancy usually does not influence a woman’s ability to conceive again. After a chemical pregnancy, most women are likely to have normal pregnancies in the future. However, if there are several early losses, your doctor may want to assess for other causes and offer management.
Is it Possible to Avoid a Chemical Pregnancy?
Chemical pregnancies cannot be avoided with absolute certainty as many causes are related to chromosomal aberrations or even factors out of one’s reach. Still, it is possible to enhance the overall prospects of success in pregnancy by eating well, controlling anxiety, and practicing reproductive health.
If you intend to get pregnant, you should:
- Have a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Do not take up smoking, do not engage in binge drinking or use drugs.
- Use pregnancy support supplements, such as prenatal vitamins and folic acid.
- Make an appointment with your physician if there are any problems related to fertility and ability to conceive.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A chemical pregnancy is very common; however, some women usually want to check with a doctor if they have such issues like recurrent pregnancy losses or if any other signs that cause worry appear. In such situations, the doctor prescribes more investigations to establish whether there is a cause such as hormonal issues, uterine factors, or others that could be preventing conception.
Conclusion:
Experiencing a chemical pregnancy may appear confusing and distressing given that it takes place very early in the gestation period. It however does not typically affect future chances of conception, but may still be frustrating leading to a feeling of void. If you believe you have undergone a chemical pregnancy, it is crucial that you seek an expert’s opinion to rule out a chemical pregnancy and how to proceed from there. Most importantly, be assured that chemical pregnancies are frequent and many women who experience them go on to carry a healthy pregnancy to full-term afterwards.
In case you have gone through a chemical pregnancy but are planning to conceive again, it is advisable to exercise patience, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and ask for help whenever necessary so as to attain your goal of becoming a parent.
