Chemical Pregnancy Defined
Chemical pregnancy is the clinical term for the spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, of an immature fertilised egg. For example, if a woman achieved positive results on a home pregnancy test one week after conception, then had her period on schedule and got a negative result on a subsequent home pregnancy test, it would be said to have been a chemical pregnancy. The term can be understood to mean that the fertilised egg never got further than the basic chemical stage - i.e., did not develop into an embryo - before it was lost. Generally, chemical pregnancies are those that were detected by a home pregnancy test but lost before the heartbeat could be detected at approximately two months.
Your average home pregnancy test can give a positive result as early as three or four days before your period is even due. However, testing too early also has potential for false negatives, and seeing a positive result on a home pregnancy test only to 'lose' the fertilised egg several days later can cause undue stress and emotional disturbance. If you're serious about conceiving, you should try to be patient and resist the urge to try a home pregnancy test until after your period is already late. This way you're more likely to get accurate results, and the egg will have already successfully implanted itself in the endometrial lining. There is still the chance of experiencing a chemical pregnancy, just as any pregnancy can result in a miscarriage, but at least you've already experienced one of the biggest clues to pregnancy - the late or missed period.
Chemical pregnancies are more common than you may realize. Studies indicate more than half of all first-time pregnancies result in loss of the fertilised egg, either through chemical pregnancy or via miscarriage. Certain illnesses or medications may increase the chance of experiencing chemical pregnancy.
Possible Causes of Chemical Pregnancy
Current medical science believes chemical pregnancies are a natural way of weeding out weak or damaged embryos. Chromosomal problems are usually to blame. In some cases it's a matter of the mother's biology. A home pregnancy test can determine whether or not there is a fertilised egg, but it can't detect whether the egg is solidly implanted. Thin or weak endometrial lining, abnormalities within the uterus, fibroids, low hormone levels, and some infections can cause recurring chemical pregnancies.
Dealing with Chemical Pregnancy
There is no way of preventing a chemical pregnancy, unless it is caused by a temporary condition such as interference from a medication or an infection. Recurring chemical pregnancies, which you may notice as repeatedly positive home pregnancy test results followed by a normal or heavier than usual period, should be discussed with your doctor. Treatment might include vitamin B6 supplements, progesterone cream to alleviate a hormonal imbalance, or baby aspirin. Your doctor may also choose to examine your reproductive system for symptoms of disease or deformity.
Chemical pregnancies can be difficult to cope with. The best strategy is not to pin all your hopes on one positive home pregnancy test result. Keep in mind the home pregnancy test could be flawed; nothing in life is guaranteed. Remain hopeful throughout your attempts to conceive and any successful conceptions, but remember that sometimes nature doesn't work out as planned. While a chemical pregnancy can be an upsetting event, you can try again.
