A chemical pregnancy – also called a biochemical pregnancy – is an early pregnancy loss. It all looks good initially: the pregnancy produces sufficient HCG levels. Then the pregnancy ends prematurely. A fetal heartbeat isn’t detected. Bleeding may happen. It’s suddenly all over – a devasting moment for all would-be mums.
There’s a descriptive problem, too. ‘Chemical’ sounds rather cold and scientific. But for all women – trying naturally or via IVF – a chemical pregnancy is a bitter blow. It’s the loss of a future life. You may feel deep grief, nor simply sadness or frustration. Chemical it may be, but traumatic is an apter word.
Here are 10 key things you should know about chemical pregnancies – based on the best studies and clinical data we’ve found.
1. A chemical pregnancy happens very early
A chemical pregnancy usually takes place four to five weeks into a pregnancy, after implantation but before an ultrasound.
Many women never realise it happened. Without early testing, any bleeding may suggest a late period. Fertility patients are more likely to suspect something: they’re used to tracking every aspect of their treatment. They test two weeks after embryo transfer, so any bleeding or symptom loss rings alarm bells.
Less so for women who conceive naturally, as they’re generally less date-specific in terms of monitoring every moment of their pregnancy.
2. A positive pregnancy test, implantation, and false hope
A pregnancy test detects human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone the body produces after your implantation date. It’s an exciting moment, But hopes are quickly dashed.
In a chemical pregnancy, the hormone level falls because the pregnancy stops developing normally. Repeated home pregnancy tests may see lighter lines or a result that goes from positive to negative quite quickly.
If you have consecutive HCG blood tests – perhaps two or three days apart – a lower second score probably means it’s a chemical pregnancy.
If you’ve had fertility treatment, follow your clinic’s advice and don’t stop your medication until the clinic says so. Bleeding on its own doesn’t always mean the pregnancy has failed. And irregular HCG scores don’t always mean a chemical pregnancy. Speak to a doctor before assuming anything.
3. Bleeding and cramps don’t always point to a chemical pregnancy
Possible chemical pregnancy symptoms include:
- Menstrual-like bleeding.
- Bleeding that’s heavier than a normal period.
- Mild to moderate cramping.
- Small clots.
- Pregnancy symptoms fading.
Some women have no symptoms at all. As discussed, bleeding alone can’t confirm a miscarriage or early pregnancy loss. Bleeding could still mean an ongoing pregnancy. Or it might mean an ectopic pregnancy or another pregnancy issue.
That said, bleeding and cramps around four to five weeks could be a bad sign – so speak to your doctor or IVF clinic. And seek immediate medical assistance for severe or one-sided abdominal pain, dizziness or fainting. These might indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
4. IVF makes chemical pregnancies easier to detect
After IVF treatment, patients usually get precise instructions on when to test. So, fertility patients are more focussed on their symptoms and outcomes. IVF patients are alert to anything out of the ordinary. Therefore, chemical pregnancies are more likely to be noticed after a fertility cycle than after spontaneous conception.
Between 10% and 20% of natural pregnancies end with a chemical pregnancy. This is broadly similar to IVF stats, It’s a myth than IVF pregnancies are more likely to end with one. Chemical pregnancies are simply detected more often after fertility treatment.
IVF patients should keep hopeful. A chemical pregnancy doesn’t mean treatment was, or is, pointless. An embryo was created. It implanted. This is a significant achievement. You can still have a successful pregnancy in the future.
5. The cause of a chemical pregnancy? It’s often unknown
Many early pregnancy losses are due to chromosomal issues within the embryo. These typically occur during egg or sperm formation, or as the new embryo grows. A chemical pregnancy, like other miscarriages, isn’t caused by exercise, sex, food/nutrition, or something you did or didn’t do.
Certain medical factors could make a chemical pregnancy more likely. These include uterine anomalies, thyroid or TSH issues, diabetes or antiphospholipid syndrome. Most of these can be fixed or controlled. A thorough medical assessment before trying to conceive is a good idea.
The important point is that a chemical pregnancy isn’t usually your fault. Most of the time, there’s no clear cause.
6. Diagnosis of a chemical pregnancy needs more than one hCG result
A single low HCG score can’t diagnose a chemical pregnancy. Two tests, 48 hours apart, give a better steer on what’s happening.
Compare both scores. If your second HCG level falls significantly, and/or no pregnancy is seen on an ultrasound scan, it may be a chemical pregnancy. If the level rises slowly, or hovers around the same level, further investigation is needed.
Your doctor or clinic will advise. If you paid for the blood tests privately, always ensure your doctor reviews the results. Not all results are automatically sent to your doctor, so always check.
And a note about the scan. This may not be conclusive if you have it at four or five weeks gestation. A fetal heartbeat isn’t usually seen at this point anyway. Be guided by your doctor or clinic on what to do.
7. Blastocyst quality isn’t necessarily linked to chemical pregnancy outcomes
IVF patients know all about blastocysts. These are day-five or day-six embryos that have been graded for their visual quality. So, do good-quality blastocysts result in fewer chemical pregnancies?
Yes and no. Generally, day-five blastocysts were linked to lower chemical pregnancy rates compared to day-six blastocysts. But embryo grade, that study said, didn’t significantly affect the chemical pregnancy rate. PGT-A testing was found to reduce the miscarriage rate, which includes chemical pregnancies.
Despite fertility patients noticing chemical pregnancies more often, a clear causal link between blastocysts and chemical pregnancies is hard to find. We know that day-five embryos may lead to more live birth rates than cleavage stage embryos. But a study into this didn’t report conclusive miscarriage data.
8. A future pregnancy can still succeed after a chemical pregnancy
A single chemical pregnancy, upsetting as it is, doesn’t mean future embryos will suffer the same fate. Many women go on to conceive successfully after a chemical pregnancy, spontaneously or via fertility treatment.
An older, but still relevant study into biochemical pregnancies after assisted conception was optimistic. It found that patients whose first IVF cycle ended in a chemical pregnancy had good prospects for success in future cycles. This onus, the researchers said, is on clinics to offer patients support after the psychological distress of a chemical pregnancy. Reassurance should be part of that.
But ask your clinic to diagnose the pregnancy loss in the context of your medical situation. There may be factors that need addressing. In most cases, however, there won’t be.
9. You can’t usually prevent a chemical pregnancy, but optimise your fertility health anyway
Underlying medical issues aside, there’s little you can do to stop a chemical pregnancy. However, in the broader context, a healthy lifestyle in the months before conception is still sensible for fertility patients and those trying naturally.
The following will do no harm:
- Don’t smoke.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Ensure good levels of folic acid.
- Keep caffeine below 200 mg daily.
- Share your full medical history with your doctor or clinic.
- Take your fertility meds as instructed.
Healthy habits don’t guarantee every embryo will make it to a live birth. But doing your best to optimise your conception chances, without overdoing it, is a good tactic.
Keeping physically healthy might reduce feelings of shame and blame should you be unlucky enough to experience a chemical pregnancy. You did all you could. Owning your health can set you up to bounce back.
10. Repeated chemical pregnancies? It’s time to review
After a single chemical pregnancy, many clinics recommend no change. But after two or more losses, a more thorough assessment may be wise. Chemical pregnancies aren’t assessed in the same way everywhere. Check your country’s approach, and your clinic’s. You may need to push for a deeper evaluation.
Above all, allow yourself to acknowledge the loss. You don’t have to dismiss a chemical pregnancy because it happened early. Your pregnancy mattered. You matter. Physical recovery may be swift but emotional recuperation takes time. Take as long as you need – but stay hopeful for the future.
Frequently asked questions
What is a chemical pregnancy?
A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage detected through HCG levels in blood or urine. The pregnancy ends before an ultrasound checks it. The term describes how the pregnancy was detected. It doesn’t reflect the devastation it can cause.
How long does a chemical pregnancy last?
Timing varies. A positive test result may be followed by falling HCG levels and bleeding usually within days. Your clinic may continue blood tests until the result is confirmed as negative and/or or the pregnancy location and viability is established in a scan.
What does chemical-pregnancy bleeding look like?
It may resemble a normal period or be heavier, with stronger cramps and small clots. Some women experience only light spotting, or no bleeding at all. Symptoms alone can’t distinguish a chemical pregnancy from other causes of early-pregnancy bleeding. Always contact your clinic for personalised advice.
Can a chemical pregnancy be mistaken for implantation bleeding?
Yes. Light, early bleeding has several possible causes, but implantation can’t be diagnosed based on bleeding. If you have a positive test followed by bleeding, your clinic may request more HCG tests and/or an ultrasound scan to clarify what’s going on.
Can HCG rise after a chemical pregnancy?
HCG levels usually fall when you have a chemical pregnancy. No single pattern safely excludes an ectopic pregnancy. Repeat HCG tests are important when scores are abnormal. If you experience pain, dizziness or unusual bleeding, you might have an ectopic pregnancy – so seek medical help right away.
Does a chemical pregnancy count as a miscarriage?
Medically, it’s known as an early pregnancy loss. However, clinics, studies and health authorities view biochemical losses differently. Many do regard chemical pregnancies as miscarriages. Emotionally, you’re entitled to see it as a miscarriage – regardless of the terminology.
How soon can I try again after a chemical pregnancy?
Many women can try again quickly, provided they feel physically and emotionally ready. The timing of another IVF cycle also depends on your protocol, medication and bleed pattern. Ask your clinic for the best approach.
Does a chemical pregnancy mean my remaining embryos are abnormal?
No. One embryo’s outcome doesn’t establish the potential of your other embryos. Each embryo is different. Your age, prognosis, embryonic history and medical situation provide are more relevant than the status of one specific embryo.
Can a euploid embryo cause a chemical pregnancy?
Yes. PGT-A testing (which confirms if an embryo is normal – i.e. euploid) can reduce some chromosome-related risks. But it can’tguarantee implantation, an ongoing pregnancy or a live birth. Testing doesn’t assess every biological factor involved in implantation and pregnancy.
I think I’m having a chemical pregnancy – when should I contact my IVF clinic?
Contact your clinic after any positive HCG test result followed by bleeding, a negative second test result, or unexpected pain. Keep taking prescribed medication until your clinic advises otherwise.
23 Responses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!!
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
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!
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
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!
I had chemical pregnancy,now after how much time I can try to conceive??
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.
I have 4chemical pregnancies in 2 years of ttc! Tests are clear
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
I’m 30.. I have 2 boys 5 and 8 been trying with my 54 year old husband for 3 years now.. I’ve had 8+chemicals now I’ve had 2 c-sections… idk if it’s his sperm or my body… but I’m sad and idk the effect of this on me… calling doctor tomorrow to try to see.
Are any of you girls overweight or obese?
I have had 4 healthy children. 9, 7, 5 and 3.
But in the last year have had miscarriage at roughly 10 weeks. Very very painful, horrifying experience. And then two chemical pregnancies now in the last 4-5 months. I am obese though now and have been well before my three miscarriages. So wondering if any of you girls are also very overweight or obese?