What happens when a fertilized egg does not implant, i.e. the process of conception is only part way complete? Such a situation where the fertilized egg does not implant is known as chemical pregnancy. It is possible that if a test of pregnancy is taken after fertilization happened; it will turn out to be positive. However, it will turn out to be negative a few days later. The situation is difficult and leaves the couple devastated – if they thought they were pregnant, the truth of the matter is that they have just had a miscarriage. Chemical pregnancy is not even known to most women in most of the cases and they may be under the impression that their period is just a little late and a bit heavy.
Signs and Symptoms of a Chemical Pregnancy
When a chemical pregnancy happens, women may not experience the symptoms of pregnancy since the fertilized egg has not properly implanted. Some women however, based on their previous pregnancies to some extent, have indicated that they feel pregnant. There may be mild cramping in the abdomen as well as spotting just prior to the time that women think that they have got their period. And, the period may be a tad late.
Causes of a Chemical Pregnancy
The real cause of chemical pregnancies is not known; however, it has been attributed to abnormal chromosomes within the fetus and, in addition, poor quality of the egg or the sperm, abnormal division of cells in the fetus and / or abnormalities of a genetic nature in either the mother or the father may be the cause for abnormality of the chromosomes. Around 50 percent to 60 percent of miscarriages in the first trimester have been attributed to abnormality of chromosomes. There are other possible causes to chemical pregnancies as well – infections such as Cytomegalovirus, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Genital herpes, Rubella, Toxoplasmosis are some of them. Other factors may include abnormal anatomy of the uterus namely unicornate uterus or separate uterus. Also possible factors are abnormal levels of hormones within the mother as in low levels of progesterone, illnesses of a systemic nature as in untreated thyroid disease etc.
Treatment of a Chemical Pregnancy
There is no specific treatment for chemical pregnancies and in most cases follow-up tests to ensure that the hCG level of the woman has returned to levels that are non-detectable is important. For all that they have gone through with a chemical pregnancy, women thankfully are not impacted much and most of them go on to have normal pregnancies following a chemical pregnancy. The most difficult part of a chemical pregnancy is the aspect of coping with the news at that time – it is extremely difficult when you think you are pregnant and you realize you are not. Instead of celebrating a pregnancy, you realize you have had a miscarriage.
Physicians can arrange for genetic counseling for those couples who have undergone several early miscarriages and the couple is recommended to wait at least one regular menstrual cycle after a chemical pregnancy to ensure that they are both physically and emotionally ready as well to conceive again.