Are you more fertile after a biochemical pregnancy?

No, fertility does not increase after a chemical miscarriage.

Can sperm cause biochemical pregnancy?

Yes, sperm can contribute if it has an abnormal number of chromosomes or DNA fragmentation.

What to Expect During a Chemical or Biochemical Pregnancy

Going through a chemical or biochemical pregnancy can bring up a mix of emotions that may feel hard to put into words. You might take a pregnancy test and see a positive result, only to find a few days later that the test shows negative. It can feel confusing to process something that happens so quickly and often without clear answers.

You may start to wonder how your body will react to this kind of early pregnancy loss and what changes you should expect in the days and weeks that follow. These thoughts are completely natural, and many people find themselves looking for clarity and reassurance at this stage. Understanding what usually happens during a chemical miscarriage can make the experience feel a little less uncertain.

What is a Chemical Pregnancy?

A chemical pregnancy is when a pregnancy ends very early, usually within the first five weeks before an ultrasound can detect a foetus. It happens after a fertilised egg implants in your uterus and starts producing the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is the hormone that a pregnancy test is designed to detect. However, the embryo stops developing soon after, leading to a miscarriage.

This kind of pregnancy loss is actually very common. Experts suggest that about 50 to 75 per cent of miscarriages are chemical pregnancies. In many cases, you might not even realise it has happened because it can feel just like a period that came a little late or a bit heavier than usual.

If you’re not testing actively, you might never know a pregnancy occurred at all. But if you’re trying to conceive or going through treatments like in vitro fertilisation (IVF), you’re more likely to notice it because of the frequent early testing.

Signs and Symptoms of a Chemical Pregnancy

Chemical pregnancy miscarriage symptoms can be easily mistaken for a normal period. This is what you can expect:

You might see a positive result on a pregnancy test, but when you check again a few days or a week later, it shows up negative.
Your period may come about a week later than you were expecting.
The bleeding can be heavier than your usual period and may even include small clots.
You might feel cramps that are more painful than what you usually get with your period.

Causes of a Chemical Pregnancy

The exact reason for a chemical miscarriage is not always clear, and it is important to know that it is never your fault.

These could be the main causes:

Chromosomal abnormalities: The most common cause is when the egg or sperm has an incorrect number of chromosomes, leading to an embryo that can’t grow normally.
Implantation issues: Sometimes, the embryo doesn’t implant properly in the uterine lining.
Hormonal imbalances: Low levels of hormones like progesterone can make it harder for the pregnancy to continue.
Uterine irregularities: Conditions like fibroids or a thin uterine lining may interfere with implantation.
Infections or medical conditions: Issues like untreated diabetes, thyroid problems, or infections can play a role.
Age-related factors: Being over 35 increases the chance of chromosomal issues.
Clotting disorders: Untreated blood clotting issues can contribute.
Low body weight: Very low body weight may affect implantation.

Chemical Pregnancy Diagnosis

Diagnosing a chemical pregnancy usually involves looking at both test results and your medical history.

These are some of the things your doctor might do:

hCG blood tests: They will check your hCG levels through a blood test. A second test a few days later showing lower levels can confirm a chemical pregnancy.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound may show no gestational sac or embryo, indicating the pregnancy hasn’t progressed.
Medical history: Your doctor will also ask about the date of your last period and any symptoms you have noticed to piece together what’s happened.

Trying Again After a Chemical Pregnancy

The good news is that a chemical miscarriage doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy pregnancy in the future. In fact, many people conceive successfully soon after.

These are some steps you can take to prepare for the next time:

Try again when you feel ready: It is possible to ovulate as soon as two weeks after the loss. This means you could try to conceive again soon if you feel physically and emotionally ready.
Get regular check-ups: Early prenatal care allows your doctor to keep an eye on your health and address any concerns right away.
Stay active: Aim for about 30 minutes of exercise on most days to keep your body strong and healthy.
Avoid harmful substances: Stay away from alcohol and tobacco, and make sure you are drinking enough water.
Focus on health: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. If you are planning to conceive, taking a prenatal vitamin can also be helpful.

If you have experienced more than one chemical pregnancy, your doctor may suggest tests to check for issues like hormonal imbalances, uterine problems, or clotting disorders.

Can You Prevent a Chemical Pregnancy?

Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to prevent a chemical pregnancy. It happens because of random chromosomal abnormalities, and these are not something you can control. What you can do is take steps to support your overall fertility and health. Working closely with your doctor can help you feel more prepared for future pregnancies.
Going through a chemical pregnancy can feel very upsetting, especially if you were hopeful after seeing a positive test. It is important to remember that this experience is quite common and it does not mean you cannot have a healthy baby in the future. When you feel ready to try again, know that many people go on to have successful pregnancies after a chemical one.
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FAQs on What to Expect During a Chemical or Biochemical Pregnancy

Are you more fertile after a biochemical pregnancy?
No, fertility does not increase after a chemical miscarriage.
Can sperm cause biochemical pregnancy?
Yes, sperm can contribute if it has an abnormal number of chromosomes or DNA fragmentation.