A miscarriage that happens within a week or so of the due menstrual period is called a chemical pregnancy. As many as 8 out of 10 women have either experienced one or will experience one in their lifetime. These early miscarriages are overlooked as a heavy menstrual bleeding and or a period that lasts a little longer than usual. Chemical pregnancies are fairly common and many times a woman will discover that she has indeed experienced an early miscarriage.
Most women discover they are having an early miscarriage if they are charting their fertility signs and are actively trying to become pregnant. Many women can attain a positive home pregnancy test as early as 10 days post ovulation and some tests can even detect pregnancy earlier. Because of the sensitivity of some home pregnancy tests, a woman who knows exactly when she ovulates can test even before the menstrual period is due.
There are numerous different reasons why chemical pregnancies occur:
- Low progesterone
- Insufficient uterine lining
- Genetic problems
- Immune issues
- Possible obstructions in the uterus, such as fibroid tumors (depending on their location)
Many tests can be run to determine why chemical pregnancies occur, though sometimes a reason will be found.
Some steps can be taken to help prevent future chemical pregnancies once it has been established that a woman has suffered an early miscarriage. After two or more miscarriages most doctors will begin testing to find the reason for the miscarriages. Some doctors will begin these tests sooner.
Possible treatments include heparin, aspirin, immune testing, genetic counseling, progesterone and other drugs such as Clomid.
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