What Is Chemical Pregnancy? Is It Good or Bad
Pregnancy loss in the early stages can be caused by problems with the immune system or abnormalities in the embryo.
For some couples, achieving a successful pregnancy can be challenging. In these situations, couples may look into IVF and come across the term chemical pregnancy. This might prompt questions about distinguishing between a chemical pregnancy and IVF.
Couples experiencing infertility issues have the option of undergoing fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), both of which are medically endorsed methods that aid in artificial pregnancy. It is worth noting that chemical pregnancy following IVF and IUI procedures is a frequent method of achieving pregnancy among couples.
Many families experience instant joy upon receiving a positive pregnancy test result. Unfortunately, numerous couples struggle with infertility issues and turn to medical assistance in order to fulfill their dream of becoming parents.
The procedures can be laborious and require a variety of diagnostic tests, various hormonal medications, or surgical procedures. Nevertheless, these medical methods may not guarantee a successful pregnancy and have their own set of challenges. One common issue is known as “Chemical Pregnancy.” Keep reading this article ‘What Is Chemical Pregnancy? Is It Good or Bad’ to learn more about this condition, its potential causes, diagnosis, and preventive measures.
What Is IVF?
Before we explain chemical pregnancy, let’s first gain a better understanding of IVF.
IVF, also known as In Vitro Fertilization, is a method of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that utilizes hormone therapy to stimulate the growth of multiple eggs in the ovaries of a woman.
The eggs are retrieved and fertilized in a test tube with healthy sperm from a man. These fertilized eggs develop into embryos, which are cultivated for 2-5 days. The strongest embryos are then placed in the uterus. Pregnancy usually begins when these embryos implant in the uterine lining. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that around 2.3% of babies born in the United States each year are a result of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
What Is A Chemical Pregnancy?
Now that you have a basic understanding of what IVF is, let’s discuss the concept of a chemical pregnancy. What specifically defines a chemical pregnancy and how does it distinguish itself from a miscarriage?
A chemical pregnancy refers to a pregnancy loss and is commonly known by that name. Below is a short explanation of what a chemical pregnancy involves.
- A chemical pregnancy is a type of early miscarriage that occurs very early in the pregnancy. Many women experience chemical pregnancies without realizing it. It typically happens at the time your period is expected, or slightly after. This is typically around four to five weeks into the pregnancy.
- A chemical pregnancy occurs when the body produces the hormone hCG, which is a clear indicator of pregnancy.
- When women have a chemical pregnancy, their menstrual cycles typically begin shortly after receiving a positive pregnancy test.
- A chemical pregnancy typically does not present with distinct symptoms. It may feel similar to a delayed period.
Women with reproductive health problems like infertility, particularly those undergoing IVF, have a higher likelihood of experiencing a chemical pregnancy compared to others. In contrast, women who conceive naturally often mistake a chemical pregnancy for a late period as they may not have been aware of the pregnancy at all. On the other hand, women utilizing artificial reproductive methods such as IUI and IVF typically undergo testing (HPT or blood test) within 14 days after transfer, enabling them to detect an early pregnancy.
Chemical Pregnancy And IVF – Causes
Chemical pregnancies are common among women receiving IVF treatment. The following are the main reasons for experiencing a chemical pregnancy after undergoing IVF.
1. Defects in developing embryos
The primary reason for chemical pregnancy and miscarriage often stems from embryo abnormalities. This means that an abnormal embryo typically has an incorrect number of chromosomes, unlike a normal embryo. Factors such as structural, chromosomal, epigenetic, and metabolic issues can contribute to the development of abnormal embryos. Women who are older or have polycystic ovarian syndrome are also more prone to experiencing embryo abnormalities during in vitro fertilization (IVF).
2. Problems with the attachment of an embryo to the uterine wall
Many chemical pregnancies are a result of implantation failure or dysfunction. Various factors can contribute to problems with implantation, such as.
- Endometrial polypsi
- Fibroidsi
- Surgical scarring
- Advanced maternal age
- PCOS
3. Problems with the immune system
At times, a woman’s immune system may mistakenly target a developing embryo rather than support its growth. This occurs when the immune cells cannot distinguish between healthy embryo cells and harmful cells associated with disease.
4. Various Other Issues
Other potential reasons for chemical pregnancy may involve:
- Infections (especially sexually transmitted infections)
- Thyroid issues
- Hormonal imbalance
- Endometriosis
- Unbalanced embryo chromosomal translocation
Conducting tests to prevent a chemical pregnancy
If you are facing multiple chemical pregnancies, it might be necessary to investigate further.
There are certain tests available that can assist in identifying the underlying reason behind recurrent chemical pregnancies.
1. Sonohysterogram, Hysteroscopy Or A Pelvic MRI
Any one of these examinations can assist in assessing the health of your uterus and identifying any irregularities. It is wise to have these tests done before starting IVF to prevent chemical pregnancies and early miscarriages.
2. Ultrasound Scan
An ultrasound scan is used to measure the thickness of the endometrial wall. If the lining is less than 8mm thick, it may be better to wait for it to become thicker before transferring the embryo.
3. Natural Killer Cell activity (NKa) Test
This initial test for the immune system can assist your doctor in determining whether your immune system is responsible for the chemical pregnancies.
4. Blood Tests
If you are currently going through IVF, likely, you have already had many blood tests done to check hormone levels like FSH and LH. However, there may have been changes in your body since your last tests, so it would be beneficial to have new tests done to better understand your recurring chemical pregnancies.
5. Molecular And Biochemical Testing
Your physician can also examine the molecular and biochemical aspects of your endometrium, which can assist in determining the likelihood of successful implantation.
6. Chromosome Testing
Due to advancements in medical science, physicians now can select the most viable embryo for transfer. Procedures such as Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) can assist in pinpointing genetically sound and normative embryos.
Strategies to avoid chemical pregnancy in IVF
After determining the specific cause, your physician will proceed with treating the condition. There are various treatment choices available for addressing recurrent chemical pregnancies such as:
1. Progesterone
Your doctor may recommend the use of oral or vaginal progesterone if your body is not producing enough progesterone, leading to early pregnancy losses.
2. Baby Aspirin
Baby aspirin functions as an anticoagulant and may aid in preventing chemical pregnancy in some women.
3. Antibiotics
If you are experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss due to an infection, antibiotics may be an effective treatment option.
4. Surgery
Abnormalities in the uterus can lead to chemical pregnancies. If this occurs, your doctor might recommend surgery as a solution.
Chemical pregnancy and IVF are common concerns for individuals using assisted reproductive technologies to conceive. A chemical pregnancy is an early miscarriage that can only be confirmed by a positive hormone test. Typically, chemical pregnancies are identified after IVF because early hormone tests are used to assess the success of the procedure. While ultrasound and other examinations may appear normal, early pregnancy loss can sometimes resemble a regular menstrual period and may be slightly delayed by a day or two. Factors such as embryo abnormalities, procedural complications, infections, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune issues can contribute to chemical pregnancies. In some cases, a chemical pregnancy may not show any noticeable symptoms, and hormone levels may remain within the normal range even when testing is conducted.
Key Pointers of ‘What Is Chemical Pregnancy? Is It Good or Bad’
- Chemical pregnancy is a miscarriage that often goes unnoticed by women in the early stages.
- Reasons for chemical pregnancy during IVF can include abnormalities in the embryo, issues with implantation, and problems with the immune system.
- Diagnosis of chemical pregnancy can be assisted by tests such as sonohysterogram, ultrasound, blood tests, and chromosome testing.
- Treatment options for recurrent cases may involve the use of progesterone supplements, embryo testing, and therapies for the immune system.
- Making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, lowering alcohol and caffeine consumption, and effectively managing stress can be beneficial in preventing chemical pregnancy.
