Chemical pregnancy – 10 things you should know

Chemical pregnancy – 10 things you should know

What exactly is a chemical (or biochemical) pregnancy? Like other pregnancy failures, it’s a clunky name that doesn’t really describe the situation (see blighted ovum – the most ineptly named miscarriage ever). So here are 10 things you should know about a chemical pregnancy.

1. A chemical pregnancy happens early. 

A chemical pregnancy is an early miscarriage. So early, in fact, that you may not know you had one. Or indeed that you were pregnant at all. A chemical pregnancy occurs when you’re four to six weeks pregnant – i.e. before you’ve had an ultrasound scan.

2. It’s chemical, but not for long. 

It’s called a chemical pregnancy because, however short-lived the pregnancy, your body produced a ‘chemical’ (i.e. a hormone) called HCG. You may have done a home pregnancy test and got a positive result. That’s the HCG telling your body implantation happened.

3. HCG goes down, and bleeding begins. 

A biochemical pregnancy follows a depressingly similar pattern. After your initial positive test (if you did one), you start bleeding. And/or you do a second test a little later and the result is negative. The HCG has nosedived. It’s a very upsetting situation if you had knowledge of the pregnancy.

4. Fertility patients are tuned in. 

Women having fertility treatment know more about chemical pregnancies than couples who conceive naturally. That’s because they test 12 to 14 days after their embryo transfer. They’re majorly on the case, watching every moment. Whereas non-IVF patients may just think their period is late.

Interesting fact. A 2015 study found that biochemical pregnancies were less likely after IVF treatment than in natural pregnancies. This may be because ‘better’ embryos are selected.

5. Symptoms confuse – or lack of them. 

A chemical pregnancy doesn’t always have symptoms. You may have some cramping. Or a discharge. Or a little bleeding before the longer withdrawal bleed. Or no symptoms at all.

6. Chemical pregnancies are chromosomal, and common. 

Around 50 per cent of first-time pregnancies end in a chemical pregnancy. It’s the most common form of miscarriage. The cause is usually a chromosomal abnormality in the embryo. Hormonal imbalances and blood-clotting problems can also cause a chemical pregnancy.

7. The future is bright.

Research shows that many women have successful pregnancies after a chemical pregnancy. You’re not jinxed. Repeated early miscarriages, however, merit further investigation. And you’re more likely to have a chemical pregnancy at 40 than 25.

In terms of fertility treatment, other embryos can still lead to a successful pregnancy. As a 2013 study on assisted conception and biochemical pregnancies suggested, a biochemical pregnancy is ‘a dark cloud with a silver lining’.

8. Optimise your health – it may help. 

Generally speaking, you can’t guard against a chemical pregnancy. That said, a good diet and regular exercise are a good idea if you’re trying to get pregnant. Stop smoking, reduce alcohol and cut out caffeine. And limit stress. (Easier said than know, we know.)

9. Bleeding means something, or nothing.  

Implantation bleeding (if you have this) happens a week or two before bleeding from a chemical pregnancy (if you have that). Don’t confuse the two. And don’t think early bleeding always means a miscarriage – it often doesn’t. Bleeding happens in countless pregnancies, but the majority still get to live birth.

10. Scan early, and test more than once.  

Always have an early scan (at seven weeks) to confirm a suspected chemical pregnancy or other form of miscarriage. Your bleed, and falling HCG scores, will give a good indication the pregnancy has failed. So do two or three consecutive blood tests, 48 hours apart, for a stronger indication of a biochemical pregnancy. But the early scan will be conclusive.

A final thought. A miscarriage is always devastating, whenever it comes. A chemical pregnancy was still a hoped-for pregnancy and you have every right to feel extremely upset. Just remember: chemical pregnancies are surprisingly common. A successful future pregnancy is usually perfectly possible. Don’t give up – you will get there.

42 Comments
  • Marina Guccione
    Posted at 21:52h, 02 May Reply

    I had done 1 fresh IVF cycle in Dec. – Jan. 2016 with negative results. I have 2 children (7 y.o. and 1 y. o.) conceived naturally, so I know I am normal. But now, I am concerned that either stimulation medications or something affected my reproductive system, and now I am experiencing chemical pregnancies, 2 in the row. My guess is that the stimulation medications irritated my eggs, and now my eggs are abnormal. I wish I’ve never done it, but I can’t change my past. I will be 36 in June 2016. If you have any knowledge about this please help.

    • Mvp
      Posted at 00:45h, 14 September Reply

      Hi
      So sorry for your situation im on the same boat. I have a child conceived naturally and after 3 years ttc have gotten two chemical pregnancies. Did you find out your issue? Im 36 too.

  • Marina Guccione
    Posted at 21:52h, 02 May Reply

    I had done 1 fresh IVF cycle in Dec. – Jan. 2016 with negative results. I have 2 children (7 y.o. and 1 y. o.) conceived naturally, so I know I am normal. But now, I am concerned that either stimulation medications or something affected my reproductive system, and now I am experiencing chemical pregnancies, 2 in the row. My guess is that the stimulation medications irritated my eggs, and now my eggs are abnormal. I wish I’ve never done it, but I can’t change my past. I will be 36 in June 2016. If you have any knowledge about this please help.

    • Mvp
      Posted at 00:45h, 14 September Reply

      Hi
      So sorry for your situation im on the same boat. I have a child conceived naturally and after 3 years ttc have gotten two chemical pregnancies. Did you find out your issue? Im 36 too.

  • Sara
    Posted at 23:34h, 05 December Reply

    Did either of you find out what the issue was or had any success since. I have a 3 year old conceived naturally and have been ttc a second for two years. Had lots of tests but couldn’t find anything wrong. I had 1 failed cycle of IVF and then in the second cycle we had a chemical pregnancy. They are now testing me for natural killer cells and thrombiotic clotting to see if that is preventing the pregnancy devloping further.

  • Sara
    Posted at 23:34h, 05 December Reply

    Did either of you find out what the issue was or had any success since. I have a 3 year old conceived naturally and have been ttc a second for two years. Had lots of tests but couldn’t find anything wrong. I had 1 failed cycle of IVF and then in the second cycle we had a chemical pregnancy. They are now testing me for natural killer cells and thrombiotic clotting to see if that is preventing the pregnancy devloping further.

  • Marie P
    Posted at 06:30h, 01 February Reply

    I think it’s our age. I will be 35 in 2 months…I just experienced a chemical pregnancy. I have 3 natural born children, youngest is nearly 12. Our age along with all the new chemicals in our food, clothing, household goods, air quality, everything. I hope you all are feeling better. We were not planning a child however I am still very sad.

    • Susan
      Posted at 07:48h, 08 June Reply

      I’m very much on the similar boat. Turning 35 in 2 months, have 2 beautiful boys conceived naturally and just had a biochemical miscarriage with the third. It quite a toll on you emotionally and traumatic with the initial shock of knowing it. However we all have to believe in a bigger purpose and God’s purpose in our lives. Our bodies are created so beautifully that it knows what it should reject had there been an abnormal fusion. Still hoping for another successful pregnancy.

  • Marie P
    Posted at 06:30h, 01 February Reply

    I think it’s our age. I will be 35 in 2 months…I just experienced a chemical pregnancy. I have 3 natural born children, youngest is nearly 12. Our age along with all the new chemicals in our food, clothing, household goods, air quality, everything. I hope you all are feeling better. We were not planning a child however I am still very sad.

    • Susan
      Posted at 07:48h, 08 June Reply

      I’m very much on the similar boat. Turning 35 in 2 months, have 2 beautiful boys conceived naturally and just had a biochemical miscarriage with the third. It quite a toll on you emotionally and traumatic with the initial shock of knowing it. However we all have to believe in a bigger purpose and God’s purpose in our lives. Our bodies are created so beautifully that it knows what it should reject had there been an abnormal fusion. Still hoping for another successful pregnancy.

  • Amy
    Posted at 12:32h, 26 June Reply

    It’s not to do with age, I’m 24 and this was my first time pregnant. It’s just unlucky if it happens to you but hopefully we will conceive and be successful soon

  • Amy
    Posted at 12:32h, 26 June Reply

    It’s not to do with age, I’m 24 and this was my first time pregnant. It’s just unlucky if it happens to you but hopefully we will conceive and be successful soon

  • Magsplus
    Posted at 20:19h, 13 July Reply

    I am over weight, 42yo, with three healthy kids but have had many early loss:( In the last two months I have had two consecutive ones and at this moment I am 21days past ovulation(had my squinters at 9/10dpo and big fat positives at 11/12dpo then negatives) but no spotting/ cramping/ period still nauseous. It’s like NOTHING I have experienced. Normally I get the loss symptoms within a day maybe two of BFN but there is nothing. I am frustrated and weepy.
    I know why I have had so many losses after lots of testing they found I have a blood clotting problem called Lupus anticoagulant syndrome (not Lupus that most people think of) with low S protein. The ob says take an baby aspirin from O on and if the little bean is viable we can start the heprin injections after 8 weeks but they never seem to make it past. Just sharing my journey and wishing you all loads of sticky baby dust.

    • Toni
      Posted at 04:33h, 19 December Reply

      Have you gone to see a hematologist? I have anticardiolipin antibody which makes me susceptible for blood clots. I do IVF now and everyone they have me start lovenox before the embryo transfer and I continue it throughout my pregnancy. My hematologist is much more cautious than my fertility specialist high risk doctor and obgyn so if you haven’t seen one yet I would highly recommend it!!

  • Magsplus
    Posted at 20:19h, 13 July Reply

    I am over weight, 42yo, with three healthy kids but have had many early loss:( In the last two months I have had two consecutive ones and at this moment I am 21days past ovulation(had my squinters at 9/10dpo and big fat positives at 11/12dpo then negatives) but no spotting/ cramping/ period still nauseous. It’s like NOTHING I have experienced. Normally I get the loss symptoms within a day maybe two of BFN but there is nothing. I am frustrated and weepy.
    I know why I have had so many losses after lots of testing they found I have a blood clotting problem called Lupus anticoagulant syndrome (not Lupus that most people think of) with low S protein. The ob says take an baby aspirin from O on and if the little bean is viable we can start the heprin injections after 8 weeks but they never seem to make it past. Just sharing my journey and wishing you all loads of sticky baby dust.

    • Toni
      Posted at 04:33h, 19 December Reply

      Have you gone to see a hematologist? I have anticardiolipin antibody which makes me susceptible for blood clots. I do IVF now and everyone they have me start lovenox before the embryo transfer and I continue it throughout my pregnancy. My hematologist is much more cautious than my fertility specialist high risk doctor and obgyn so if you haven’t seen one yet I would highly recommend it!!

  • San3983
    Posted at 13:40h, 26 December Reply

    I m 34 hubby is 40 we have been Married for 15 years and been TTC for last 14 years had one failed ivf in October and just had another ivf go this month
    I m currently 10dpt 3dft and I have been home testing since yesterday I have checked on 6 different hpt they all came back positive but I have an extremely painful lower backache on my left side and I m worried and concern that this gonna end up in chemical although I have been taking aspirin before starting this cycle but still not sure if it’s gonna work or not plz help me if anyone knows anymore details about chemical pregnancies baby dust to all x

  • San3983
    Posted at 13:40h, 26 December Reply

    I m 34 hubby is 40 we have been Married for 15 years and been TTC for last 14 years had one failed ivf in October and just had another ivf go this month
    I m currently 10dpt 3dft and I have been home testing since yesterday I have checked on 6 different hpt they all came back positive but I have an extremely painful lower backache on my left side and I m worried and concern that this gonna end up in chemical although I have been taking aspirin before starting this cycle but still not sure if it’s gonna work or not plz help me if anyone knows anymore details about chemical pregnancies baby dust to all x

  • Cristina
    Posted at 01:24h, 11 March Reply

    I am 19. I wasn’t trying to become pregnant but I have had one successful pregnancy before and I found out I was pregnant again. I should have been around 6 weeks when I started to feel dull cramps which I thought were implantation cramps. But I had a really sharp pain and went to E.R. I did more lab work two days later. They did an ultra sound and could see gestational sac but nothing in it. I was then told my hormone levels went from 267 to 126 over two days and that I had just had a chemical pregnancy. I have now started cramping badly and bleeding a bit..but I have no idea what else to expect. Please help!

    • Amy
      Posted at 11:05h, 03 April Reply

      Hi, I’m the same age as you and I’ve been going through this as well I did a test a few days ago come back positive and then I started cramping and now I’m bleeding heavily I’m waiting for a phone call off my doctor I wasn’t trying for a baby but it’s horrible when things like this happen because I’d of been quite happy to of had a happy healthy baby. Just hoping nothings wrong with me this is the first time I’ve been through something like this. Hope you’re okay babe and if you ever need someone to speak to quite happily contact me and we can share details and at least we can speak to eachother about it xx

  • Cristina
    Posted at 01:24h, 11 March Reply

    I am 19. I wasn’t trying to become pregnant but I have had one successful pregnancy before and I found out I was pregnant again. I should have been around 6 weeks when I started to feel dull cramps which I thought were implantation cramps. But I had a really sharp pain and went to E.R. I did more lab work two days later. They did an ultra sound and could see gestational sac but nothing in it. I was then told my hormone levels went from 267 to 126 over two days and that I had just had a chemical pregnancy. I have now started cramping badly and bleeding a bit..but I have no idea what else to expect. Please help!

    • Amy
      Posted at 11:05h, 03 April Reply

      Hi, I’m the same age as you and I’ve been going through this as well I did a test a few days ago come back positive and then I started cramping and now I’m bleeding heavily I’m waiting for a phone call off my doctor I wasn’t trying for a baby but it’s horrible when things like this happen because I’d of been quite happy to of had a happy healthy baby. Just hoping nothings wrong with me this is the first time I’ve been through something like this. Hope you’re okay babe and if you ever need someone to speak to quite happily contact me and we can share details and at least we can speak to eachother about it xx

  • Lori
    Posted at 08:45h, 07 October Reply

    Same boat. One naturally conceived child now age 5. One success with ivf, now 13 months. And did ivf 2 more times, both times getting one healthy genetically tested embryo and both times resulting in chemical pregnancies. I have no diagnosed health issues. Devastated!

  • Lori
    Posted at 08:45h, 07 October Reply

    Same boat. One naturally conceived child now age 5. One success with ivf, now 13 months. And did ivf 2 more times, both times getting one healthy genetically tested embryo and both times resulting in chemical pregnancies. I have no diagnosed health issues. Devastated!

  • priyanka
    Posted at 12:54h, 15 October Reply

    I had chemical pregnancy,now after how much time I can try to conceive??

    • Jen
      Posted at 12:16h, 27 October Reply

      I had a chemical pregnancy Sept 28 and just found out I’m pregnant again the other day! You’re more fertile now than ever so go for it!! No waiting period for a chemical pregnancy. I just hope this isn’t going to be another cp.

  • priyanka
    Posted at 12:54h, 15 October Reply

    I had chemical pregnancy,now after how much time I can try to conceive??

    • Jen
      Posted at 12:16h, 27 October Reply

      I had a chemical pregnancy Sept 28 and just found out I’m pregnant again the other day! You’re more fertile now than ever so go for it!! No waiting period for a chemical pregnancy. I just hope this isn’t going to be another cp.

  • Hania
    Posted at 20:29h, 19 February Reply

    I have 4chemical pregnancies in 2 years of ttc! Tests are clear

  • Hania
    Posted at 20:29h, 19 February Reply

    I have 4chemical pregnancies in 2 years of ttc! Tests are clear

  • Kay
    Posted at 02:08h, 01 December Reply

    I had a chemical pregnancy early 2019. It is now November 2019 and i pregnant again !!! 6 weeks it doesn’t affect your chances of a successful pregnancy but it does cause worry and sadness but stay positive and know you can try again and have your baby

  • Kay
    Posted at 02:08h, 01 December Reply

    I had a chemical pregnancy early 2019. It is now November 2019 and i pregnant again !!! 6 weeks it doesn’t affect your chances of a successful pregnancy but it does cause worry and sadness but stay positive and know you can try again and have your baby

  • Jen
    Posted at 12:55h, 01 December Reply

    I have had 5 chemical pregnancies and a 10 week miscarriage within the last year. My husband and I keep trying but I’m wondering if something is wrong. We have 2 children, 8 and 3 and are trying for a third.

    • Jamye
      Posted at 03:20h, 06 January Reply

      I dont know if you still get on here. Did you ever find the problem? I’m in the same situation i have two sons 12 and 6 and I had a missed miscarriage at 11weeks and 5chemicals and have had alot of testing done but so far everything has came back good.

  • Jen
    Posted at 12:55h, 01 December Reply

    I have had 5 chemical pregnancies and a 10 week miscarriage within the last year. My husband and I keep trying but I’m wondering if something is wrong. We have 2 children, 8 and 3 and are trying for a third.

    • Jamye
      Posted at 03:20h, 06 January Reply

      I dont know if you still get on here. Did you ever find the problem? I’m in the same situation i have two sons 12 and 6 and I had a missed miscarriage at 11weeks and 5chemicals and have had alot of testing done but so far everything has came back good.

  • Marilyn Winning
    Posted at 10:47h, 06 December Reply

    Hi I’m 46 and I have had several miscarriages and found out I was pregnant again then on the 5th week I started spotting ,a few days later I did a pregnancy test and I had a positive then tested again a few weeks later and negative so think I must of had a chemical miscarriage though I still feel pregnant

  • Marilyn Winning
    Posted at 10:47h, 06 December Reply

    Hi I’m 46 and I have had several miscarriages and found out I was pregnant again then on the 5th week I started spotting ,a few days later I did a pregnancy test and I had a positive then tested again a few weeks later and negative so think I must of had a chemical miscarriage though I still feel pregnant

  • mona
    Posted at 08:05h, 12 December Reply

    i experiencing it now.1 days back nov 10th i do pregnancy tets since i am delayed for i think 4days and the result is positive but one line was so fainth..then the ext day i had brown discharge and it takes 2 days but after the last drop of my wee only.then today nov 12th i experience abdominal cramps and heavy bleed.ist a chemical pregnancy?im 34 yrs old and im really desperate to have a baby.pls help me

  • mona
    Posted at 08:05h, 12 December Reply

    i experiencing it now.1 days back nov 10th i do pregnancy tets since i am delayed for i think 4days and the result is positive but one line was so fainth..then the ext day i had brown discharge and it takes 2 days but after the last drop of my wee only.then today nov 12th i experience abdominal cramps and heavy bleed.ist a chemical pregnancy?im 34 yrs old and im really desperate to have a baby.pls help me

  • Parker RuthСѓ
    Posted at 10:39h, 12 October Reply

    Like a lot of pregnancy things, there’s no clear cause. The important thing is that they’re common, and not an indication of you or your partner’s ability to conceive—it’s not your fault, and it’s not your partner’s fault.  Many women experience no symptoms, and don’t know that they’ve experienced a chemical pregnancy. For others, it can feel like menstruation and involve some vaginal bleeding. Some common symptoms include getting your period after a positive pregnancy test, light spotting (this can be a result of implantation bleeding, so it doesn’t necessarily mean chemical pregnancy), and menstrual-like cramps. 

  • Parker RuthСѓ
    Posted at 10:39h, 12 October Reply

    Like a lot of pregnancy things, there’s no clear cause. The important thing is that they’re common, and not an indication of you or your partner’s ability to conceive—it’s not your fault, and it’s not your partner’s fault.  Many women experience no symptoms, and don’t know that they’ve experienced a chemical pregnancy. For others, it can feel like menstruation and involve some vaginal bleeding. Some common symptoms include getting your period after a positive pregnancy test, light spotting (this can be a result of implantation bleeding, so it doesn’t necessarily mean chemical pregnancy), and menstrual-like cramps. 

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