What is a chemical pregnancy? And what are its reasons? Can it be prevented?
Have you ever heard of a chemical pregnancy? Is it different from a normal pregnancy? What are the reasons for its occurrence? Learn with us from the following article the most important information related to this pregnancy, the symptoms of its occurrence, the possible reason behind its appearance, and whether it can be treated or prevented? And many other information and questions that many women may ask regarding this topic.
What is a chemical pregnancy?
A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage that occurs in the first five weeks of pregnancy, shortly after implantation of the egg. This type of pregnancy occurs before the ultrasound can see the fetus, but not so early that a home pregnancy test can detect levels of hCG (chorionic gonadotropin) and give a positive pregnancy result.
This type of pregnancy is usually diagnosed after a positive pregnancy result is obtained, menstruation begins (menstruation), and sometimes it is diagnosed if the pregnancy is positive but the fetus cannot be seen during an ultrasound examination.
Symptoms of chemical pregnancy
Since a chemical pregnancy is considered an early miscarriage, many women may not experience any specific symptoms, and in most cases this pregnancy is discovered after the menstrual period comes after taking a pregnancy test and the result was positive. In some other cases, possible signs may appear, such as:
- Heavy or heavy periods (vaginal bleeding) than usual.
- Exposure to menstrual cramps more than usual.
- Decreased hCG levels.
It is worth noting that any bleeding that occurs after a positive pregnancy test does not necessarily mean the presence of a chemical pregnancy. Sometimes bleeding is a common sign associated with the implantation process, and this is considered normal if it occurs within 10 to 14 days after the fertilization process or pregnancy. Also, a chemical pregnancy does not last long enough for a woman to experience symptoms associated with pregnancy, such as nausea and feeling tired.
Causes of chemical pregnancy
The exact reason behind the occurrence of this type of pregnancy is unknown, but in most cases miscarriage may occur as a result of problems related to the fetus, and often it may occur as a result of insufficient sperm efficiency or insufficient egg efficiency.
Other possible causes of a chemical pregnancy may include:
- Having abnormal levels of hormones.
- The presence of abnormalities or problems in the uterus.
- The process of implanting the egg outside the uterus.
- The presence of an infection or inflammation, such as chlamydia or syphilis.
- A woman’s age over 35 may increase the risk of this type of pregnancy.
- Having some health problems such as blood clots and thyroid disorders.
- Low body weight.
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF).
How much pregnancy hormone chemical?
When the hCG or pregnancy hormone levels reach higher than 25 international units per milliliter, this usually indicates the presence of pregnancy, and in the first analysis you undergo, what is known as the initial or basic level is placed, and this level can range from small or high amounts (20 units international or 2500 international units).
And the doctor determines the basic level because hCG levels usually double every 2 or 3 days during the first 4 weeks of confirming pregnancy, and after 6 weeks these levels double approximately every 96 hours.
In the case of the risk of miscarriage, these levels are lower than the previous results, so the results do not double and rise very slowly, which indicates a lack of development or growth of the fetus and an increase in the possibility of miscarriage.
Are there complications of a chemical pregnancy?
A woman undergoing a chemical pregnancy usually does not have any physical complications, just a heavier than usual period. In rare cases, a woman may experience severe bleeding that may lead to anemia, which requires medical attention.
However, this type of pregnancy may be emotionally stressful for women, and as a result of this, women may experience symptoms of stress, anxiety, and mood changes. Some women may also experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the miscarriage, such as:
- Worrying or unwanted thoughts.
- nightmares.
- previous memories.
- Excessive sexual arousal.
- Avoid anything that might remind her of pregnancy.
Therefore, we advise you, dear woman, to take enough time to adapt to this experience and deal with this loss and feelings, just as there is nothing wrong with asking for help and support from those around you.
Chemical pregnancy treatment
Most chemical pregnancies do not require treatment, as this miscarriage occurs so early in the pregnancy that it only appears as a heavy period. In the case of exposure to this type of pregnancy more than once, you should consult a doctor who specializes in testicular problems to find out the cause and treatment.
It should be noted, dear readers, that this type of pregnancy cannot be prevented in most cases, and that the occurrence of this pregnancy does not indicate the presence of any fertility problems in the woman or the man, but it is advised to consult a doctor in the event of this pregnancy occurring to exclude any possibilities that may cause concern to the two partners. .
Can a chemical pregnancy be prevented?
It is not possible to prevent a chemical pregnancy, and most cases of this pregnancy occur when there is a problem in the DNA of the fetus that prevents the growth and development of the fetus. Despite this, and according to the available data, the fetus in the next pregnancy develops normally and without any problems.
Is a chemical pregnancy considered a pregnancy?
As we mentioned earlier, the chemical pregnancy ends early because the fetus stops growing, in the first five weeks, and no evidence of its presence appears on an ultrasound examination, unlike a normal pregnancy during which the development of the fetus can be seen through examinations, but this does not mean that the pregnancy Chemotherapy is not considered a true pregnancy.
Most women, when they discover that they are pregnant, increases their feelings of motherhood and makes them happy, and the news of losing this pregnancy is very painful for them, so how to see this experience and deal with it differs from one woman to another.
Does a normal pregnancy occur after a chemical pregnancy?
Exposure to a chemical pregnancy does not always mean that a normal pregnancy does not occur afterwards, and although there is no specific treatment for this type of miscarriage, there are different options that can help in the occurrence of a normal and healthy pregnancy after exposure to this problem. Some women can get pregnant again two weeks after the miscarriage if they try, but this does not happen in all cases.
The date of the menstrual cycle after a chemical pregnancy
In the case of exposure to this type of pregnancy and miscarriage, the period may return again within 4 or 6 weeks of the abortion.