A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage that usually occurs before the fifth week of gestation
. It is diagnosed when a pregnancy is confirmed by a blood test or a home pregnancy test, but it cannot be seen on an ultrasound scan
. The embryo typically forms but stops developing extremely early in the pregnancy
. Some women may not even realize they have experienced a chemical pregnancy, as they might not have any pregnancy symptoms apart from a positive test
. Symptoms of a chemical pregnancy can vary between women, and some may not experience any symptoms at all
. However, some women do notice the following:
- A positive pregnancy test that can quickly turn negative
- Mild spotting a week before their period is due
- Very mild abdominal cramping
- Vaginal bleeding even after testing positive
The exact cause of a chemical pregnancy is not always clear, but it is thought to occur due to chromosomal problems with the developing baby
. These are considered 'one-off' problems and are not linked to the woman's health or lifestyle
. A chemical pregnancy does not usually require medical intervention or treatment
. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any bleeding during pregnancy, with or without pain
