Pregnancy After a Chemical Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

It’s not uncommon to test positive for pregnancy, only to test negative a few weeks later without any significant symptoms or events. When this occurs, it is referred to as a chemical pregnancy. It is often self-diagnosed by a fall in hCG levels.

A chemical pregnancy, also known as a biochemical pregnancy, happens when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn’t develop properly leading to an early miscarriage; and this often happens within the first five weeks of conception. Although it can be a heartbreaking and disappointing experience, it is also a sign that your body is capable of achieving pregnancy. Many women who experience a chemical pregnancy go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future.

How common is a chemical pregnancy, and how do you diagnose it?

Biochemical pregnancy often goes unnoticed because it is a miscarriage that happens very early in pregnancy, so, if you are wondering why it happened to you, it is because of how common chemical pregnancy is.

In this type of pregnancy, the loss usually occurs before symptoms such as missed periods, may even develop. The discovery is typically not by any major event but detected through a blood test or home pregnancy test that measures pregnancy hormones. So, if you experience a miscarriage and your pregnancy test eventually turns negative, you have probably experienced what is called chemical pregnancy.

Home pregnancy test kits work by measuring the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in blood or urine, a hormone produced by the placenta after conception. hCG is detectable in the blood as early as 11 days after conception. A few days after which it will be detectable in the urine. An hCG level above 25 mIU/mL will test positive on any home kit. The level will double every 2-3 days until the end of the 12th week at which point it then plateaus with a concentration of 288 IU/mL before it begins to fall. A fall in hCG level before the 12th week of pregnancy can be an indication of a chemical pregnancy, miscarriage, or abnormalities in child development.

Here’s a table below showing you the general ranges for hCG levels during pregnancy (in weeks since last menstrual period):

• 3 weeks LMP: 5 - 50 mlU/ml
• 4 weeks LMP: 5 - 426 mlU/ml
• 5 weeks LMP: 18 - 7,340 mlU/ml
• 6 weeks LMP: 1,080 - 56,500 mlU/ml
• 7 - 8 weeks LMP: 7,650 - 229,000 mIU/ml
• 9 - 12 weeks LMP: 25,700 - 288,000 mlU/ml
• 13 - 16 weeks LMP: 13,300 - 254,000 mlU/ml
• 17 - 24 weeks LMP: 4,060 - 165,400 mill/ml
• 25 - 40 weeks LMP: 3,640 - 117,000 mlU/ml

Kindly note that hCG levels can vary from one pregnancy to the other. Some women could have slightly higher or lower levels beyond this range above and still go on to have a healthy pregnancy. What is important to note however, is the pattern of hCG change in early pregnancy.

Gabrieuskall

Pregnancy test

How fast does the hCG level drop after miscarriage at 5 weeks?

At week 5, the hCG level should be as high as 7340 mIU/mL. HCG in the body typically begins to decline after a chemical pregnancy and this value halves every 1 to 2 days after a pregnancy loss. For most women, it takes weeks to fall below the chemical pregnancy hCG level, which is a drop to below 5 mIU/mL, and is considered a negative pregnancy result.

If you have experienced chemical pregnancies and feel anxious or scared about trying to conceive again, don’t worry. Below are some helpful tips to guide you as you work towards achieving a healthy pregnancy after a chemical pregnancy.

1. Engage in regular, stress-free intercourse

"How long after a miscarriage can you have sex?" This is a common question that people ask after a biochemical pregnancy or miscarriage. Medically, the recommended time is one to two weeks after bleeding stops. Regular stress-free intercourse is key when trying to conceive after a miscarriage or chemical pregnancy. Intimacy will therefore help regulate your hormones and increase your chances of conception during your fertile window.

2. Track your ovulation to identify your fertile window

Tracking your ovulation is key to understanding your body’s fertile window, especially when trying to conceive after a miscarriage or chemical pregnancy. Some people also ask if they are fertile to carry pregnancy after a miscarriage. By monitoring ovulation and HCG levels you will be surprised by how super fertile you are after miscarriage. This will help plan when the right time to get intimate is Luckily, there are varieties of apps that developers have built to help track the ovulation period easier.

Julia Lazebnaya

Track your ovulation

3. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support fertility

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is essential when trying to conceive, especially after a miscarriage or chemical pregnancy. Focus on nutrient-rich foods to support fertility and regulate hormones. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, and too much caffeine, as these can affect HCG levels and ovulation. Making these changes can improve your chances of pregnancy after a miscarriage and overall reproductive health. Some women experience a lack of appetite at this point; it is a necessity that measures and techniques are put in place to ensure their proper feeding.

4. Regulated Exercise

Engaging in regulated exercise is a powerful way to support fertility, especially after a miscarriage or chemical pregnancy. Moderate physical activity helps improve blood circulation and regulate hormones which helps in preparing your body for pregnancy. As much as it is important to exercise regularly, it’s essential to avoid overly intense workouts, as they can disrupt hormone levels and hinder fertility. There are other fun and light activities like yoga, walking, or light strength training, which reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, regulated exercise can help you recover and increase your chances of conceiving after a miscarriage.

5. Consult with a healthcare provider to address any underlying issues

It is important to consult a healthcare provider when trying to conceive after a miscarriage or chemical pregnancy. They can assess your overall health, check HCG levels, and identify any underlying issues that may cause a recurrence. Your provider can also guide you on how soon to try again, whether you're more fertile after a miscarriage, and offer personalized advice for a healthy pregnancy journey. Following the advice of a healthcare provider ensures you receive adequate, timely, and important information as you go through the process of getting pregnant all over again.

6. Take prenatal vitamins

Prenatal vitamins like folic acid are important to keep the pregnancy healthy and ensure proper growth. Taking prenatal vitamins is essential when trying to conceive after a miscarriage or chemical pregnancy. Folic acid supports healthy fetal development and can prevent neural tube defects. These vitamins also replenish nutrients your body may have lost, helping regulate hormones and improve fertility.

Conclusion

Conceiving after a chemical pregnancy can be a tough journey due to the emotional trauma that comes after it in most cases, but with the right steps, a healthy pregnancy is possible. By avoiding things that are harmful to your health, maintaining a balanced lifestyle and consulting your healthcare practitioner, you can prepare your body and mind for the next steps. Stay positive, be patient, and prioritize your well-being as you move forward. Many have successfully conceived after similar experiences, and you can be one too.