Biochemical pregnancy: What is it, causes, symptoms, what to do

Finding out you’re pregnant is a unique emotion, but what happens when the test is positive and then everything vanishes? Welcome to Newborn Tips, biochemical pregnancy is a little-known event but more common than you think. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms and how to best deal with this experience. Read on to learn more!

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Biochemical Pregnancy what is it?

A biochemical pregnancy is a very early pregnancy loss that occurs shortly after the embryo implants in the uterus, that is, it occurs within the first few weeks of gestation, before the gestational sac is visible on an ultrasound.

In these cases, the pregnancy test is initially positive due to the presence of the hormone hCG in the blood or urine, but shortly after the hormone levels decrease and the pregnancy does not continue.

Often, a biochemical pregnancy ends before it can be detected by ultrasound, and many women may not notice it, mistaking it for a late or heavier than usual menstrual cycle.

In any case, it is a fairly common event, especially in the first attempts at conception, and in most cases it does not affect the future chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Main causes of biochemical pregnancy

The causes are not always identifiable, but the most common factors include the following:

Chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo: The main cause is represented by genetic errors that prevent the correct development of the embryo. These errors may be caused by problems during fertilization or cell division
Endometrial problems and failed implantation: An unfavorable uterine environment can prevent the adhesion and development of the embryo, for example in the case of an endometrium that is too thin or chronic inflammation
Immunological disorders: Abnormal reactions of the immune system can attack the embryo, preventing its development
Thrombophilia (blood clotting problems): Diseases that promote the formation of clots can reduce the blood supply to the embryo, compromising its viability
Hormonal imbalances: Insufficient levels of progesterone, essential for maintaining pregnancy, can lead to implantation failure
Advanced maternal age: As the maternal age increases, the quality of oocytes tends to decrease, increasing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities
Uterine diseases: Polyps, fibroids or intrauterine adhesions can interfere with implantation of the embryo
Infections: Some infections (such as chlamydia, mycoplasma or ureaplasma) can compromise the success of implantation
External factors and lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, stress and exposure to environmental toxins can affect the quality of the eggs and the success of implantation

Can a chemical pregnancy be prevented?

It is not always possible to prevent this type of miscarriage, but if you follow some simple precautions (which we explain below), it can help reduce the risk in some cases:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle (with a balanced diet and without smoking or alcohol)
Undergo gynecological checks to identify possible uterine problems or infections
Monitor fertility with a gynecologist
Treat any underlying conditions (such as clotting disorders or hormonal dysfunctions)

But even more importantly, if you have had more than one repeated chemical pregnancy, it may be useful to do tests to identify any specific causes. If you suspect a genetic cause or thrombophilia, consult a specialist for further testing.

Also, if you have had a chemical pregnancy and are trying to conceive, it is advisable to talk to your gynecologist to assess whether specific investigations are necessary.

Chemical pregnancy: symptoms

In brief, symptoms may be very mild or confused with a normal menstrual cycle.

Typically, symptoms may include the following:

Positive pregnancy test followed by a negative test:

The test initially detects the presence of beta-hCG, but in the following days the hormone level drops rapidly, leading to a negative test.

Vaginal bleeding:

This may manifest as a slightly delayed menstrual period or more heavy than usual. The blood may be bright red, dark brown, or contain clots.

Abdominal cramps:

Similar to menstrual cramps or slightly more intense, due to the expulsion of uterine material.

Decrease in pregnancy symptoms:

If there were any early symptoms (such as breast tenderness or mild nausea), they may disappear quickly.

Absence of a gestational sac on ultrasound:

In a biochemical miscarriage, the embryo does not develop enough to be visible on a transvaginal ultrasound.

How to distinguish it from a normal menstrual cycle?

Overall, the menstrual flow may be heavier or last longer.

In fact, the appearance of pregnancy symptoms (even mild ones) before bleeding may suggest a biochemical pregnancy.

Furthermore, if you have had a positive pregnancy test and then your period arrives late and more intense, it could be this phenomenon in question.

What to do in case of suspected biochemical pregnancy?

First of all, if you have had a positive test followed by bleeding, you could monitor the beta-hCG with a blood test to check their progress.

On the other hand, medical intervention is not always necessary, but if the situation repeats, it is useful to consult a gynecologist for further information.

How common are biochemical pregnancies?

Biochemical pregnancies are much more common than you think, but they often go unnoticed because they are mistaken for a normal menstrual cycle that is slightly delayed or heavier.

Regarding the frequency of this event, it is estimated that between 30% and 50% of all conceptions end in a biochemical abortion, often before the woman realizes she is pregnant.

In fact, approximately 10-25% of pregnancies confirmed with an early test end in a biochemical pregnancy.

As such, the risk increases with maternal age, especially after 35-40 years of age, due to the greater incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the oocytes.

Why is it so common?

Many pregnancies do not implant correctly or the embryo has genetic abnormalities incompatible with development.

With the increasingly widespread use of early and sensitive pregnancy tests, biochemical abortions are being detected more often than in the past.

In particular, factors such as hormonal imbalances, uterine problems or immunological conditions can contribute to early pregnancy loss.

How much does stress affect a pregnancy?

Stress can affect fertility and the success of embryo implantation, but its role as a direct cause of biochemical miscarriage is not yet fully understood.

However, several studies suggest that high and prolonged levels of stress can increase the risk of miscarriage in the first weeks through various physiological mechanisms.

In the following lines we will answer the question that many women ask themselves: How can stress affect early pregnancy?

Alteration of hormones involved in pregnancy:

Chronic stress increases the production of cortisol and adrenaline, which can negatively affect the levels of progesterone, a hormone essential for the maintenance of the endometrium and pregnancy.

Therefore, low levels of progesterone can make the endometrium less receptive to the embryo and favor early detachment.

Effects on the immune system:

Even more, excessive stress can modify the immune response, making implantation of the embryo more difficult or increasing the risk of rejection.

Increased risk of circulatory and inflammatory problems:

For the simple reason that chronic stress is linked to increased inflammation and coagulation disorders, this can lead to a reduction in blood flow to the embryo in the very early stages of development.

Influence on lifestyle habits:

High stress situations can lead to unhealthy behaviors (smoking, alcohol, poor diet, insomnia), which in turn can compromise the quality of the oocytes and the success of implantation.

To get back to the point, can stress be the main cause of a biochemical abortion? In truth, stress alone is hardly the only cause, but it can be an aggravating factor in women who are predisposed or have other conditions (such as hormonal imbalances or uterine problems).

Overall, the main causes of biochemical pregnancy remain chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo and problems with the endometrium.

What to do to reduce the risk?

Adopt relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing
Do moderate physical activity, which helps reduce cortisol
Follow a balanced diet and sleep well
Avoid sources of excessive stress, especially during the period of conception and in the first few weeks

If you have had repeated biochemical miscarriages and suspect that stress may be a determining factor, you could evaluate with your gynecologist medical and psychological support to improve your general well-being.

The information contained in this article regarding Biochemical Pregnancy is provided for informational and educational purposes. It is essential to remember that each health situation is unique and requires a professional evaluation.

Finally, we invite all readers to always consult their doctor before making any decision regarding their health and that of the newborn. Our advice does not in any way replace the opinion of a qualified professional.

Newborn Tips, The Editorial Team