What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

A chemical pregnancy, also known as a very early miscarriage, occurs when a pregnancy is lost shortly after implantation. This results in bleeding that occurs around the time of her expected period. The woman may not realize that she conceived when she experiences a chemical pregnancy.

Real Life Example

Consider a woman who has been trying to conceive. She takes a home pregnancy test that comes out positive, but a few days later, she experiences heavy bleeding similar to her regular menstrual period. She visits the doctor who confirms that the bleeding is due to a miscarriage. This is a typical example of a chemical pregnancy.

Chemical Pregnancy Explanation

In a chemical pregnancy, the egg is fertilized and implants in the uterus. The body begins to produce hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the hormone that pregnancy tests detect to give a positive result. However, for some reason, the pregnancy does not continue. The levels of hCG decrease and the lining of the uterus is shed, similar to a menstrual period. This is why chemical pregnancies often go unnoticed.

Similar Examples

Other types of early miscarriages that are similar to chemical pregnancies include blighted ovum and early embryonic loss. In a blighted ovum, a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but the resulting embryo either stops developing very early or doesn’t form at all. Early embryonic loss is where the embryo forms but stops developing very early on.

Free Consultation with Dr Vijaya

If you have further questions about chemical pregnancies or any other pregnancy-related concerns, Dr Vijaya, a seasoned Gynaecologist, offers free consultations. You can reach her on the contact number: 07941057551 to book an appointment.