What you need to know about chemical pregnancy
September 22, 2021
What is a chemical pregnancy? The term is often used in the context of medically assisted procreation. It is therefore a very early "miscarriage" which can go unnoticed when it occurs outside the MAP process. What are the causes and how can you tell if you have experienced a chemical pregnancy?
Chemical pregnancy means the cessation of embryonic development which takes place before the 5th week of pregnancy, i.e. very shortly after the implantation of the embryo. When implantation is complete, the body starts to react by producing the hormone Beta-HCG. The pregnancy test taken at this time will therefore be positive. Shortly afterwards, the level of Beta-HCG will decrease as a result of the cessation of embryonic development.
How do you recognize a chemical pregnancy?
Because it occurs before the “classic” signs of pregnancy such as nausea, chemical pregnancy often goes unnoticed. However, you can identify it.
If your pregnancy test is positive, but a few days later you have your period (or a negative test), this can be explained by a chemical pregnancy. Some women may also experience abdominal cramps or bleeding.
What should be done during a chemical pregnancy?
This process does not require medical treatment and the embryo will be discharged naturally.