Chemical pregnancy blood clot: Chemical pregnancy – The Miscarriage Association
What Is Chemical Pregnancy? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage that occurs when an egg is fertilized but doesn’t fully implant in the uterus. The pregnancy is lost before the fifth week.
Chemical pregnancies (also known as biochemical pregnancies) are very common.
What’s more, research has found that up to one in four pregnancies is lost even before a woman misses her period or has symptoms of pregnancy — these are chemical pregnancies.
The term “chemical pregnancy” refers to a positive result on a blood or urine test that gauges the presence of a hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to detect a pregnancy. But many women who have a chemical pregnancy don’t even realize they’re pregnant because the loss is so early; they may not have taken a pregnancy test,
had any pregnancy symptoms, or even missed a period. They may simply have a late period that’s a bit heavier than usual.
Common Questions & Answers
What is a chemical pregnancy?
A chemical pregnancy is a very early miscarriage.
It’s called a chemical pregnancy because it’s confirmed by a blood or urine test that measures the amount of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body.
What are the signs of a chemical pregnancy?
Many women who have a chemical pregnancy don’t realize they’re pregnant. The loss happens so early on, there might not be any symptoms. But you might experience a late period, cramps, and heavy period-like bleeding that sometimes includes clotting.
How do I know if I had a chemical pregnancy?
You may have period-like symptoms, but the only way to tell for sure whether you’ve been pregnant is a blood or urine test that detects the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG.
How long does chemical pregnancy last?
In a chemical pregnancy, the pregnancy is lost before the fifth week.
What is the most common reason for a chemical pregnancy?
Most miscarriages, including chemical pregnancies, are caused by chromosomal abnormalities that prevent the fetus from developing normally.
In assisted pregnancies, damage that occurs to the embryo during the freezing process may result in a chemical pregnancy.
Causes and Risk Factors of Chemical Pregnancy
Most miscarriages, including chemical pregnancies, are caused by chromosomal abnormalities that prevent the fetus from developing normally.
In an assisted pregnancy that uses frozen embryos, damage that occurs to the embryo during the freezing process may result in a chemical pregnancy; as many as 20 percent of pregnancies involving the transfer of frozen embryos result in a chemical pregnancy.
Other causes can include:
- An insufficient (too thin) uterine lining
- A problem with DNA in the sperm
- Low hormone levels
- Infections
- Pregnancy with an IUD in place
Meanwhile, certain conditions can put a woman at increased risk for a chemical pregnancy. These include being 35 or older, having an untreated clotting disorder or thyroid condition, or having another poorly controlled chronic medical condition such as diabetes.
How Is Chemical Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Sometimes a woman will take a home pregnancy test and get a positive result, but then she’ll have a late period or discover through a pregnancy test at the doctor’s office that there’s no pregnancy. Your doctor can confirm that you had a chemical pregnancy with a urine or blood test to check the level of hCG in your body.
In other instances, women may not even know they’ve been pregnant; they may think their period is simply late.
Prognosis of Chemical Pregnancy
In many cases, once your menstrual cycle normalizes after the early pregnancy loss, you can try to get pregnant again whenever you and your partner feel ready.
If you have a medical condition (such as diabetes or a thyroid disorder) that may have contributed to a chemical pregnancy, getting it properly treated may help improve your chances of conceiving a viable pregnancy in the future.
Treatment and Medication Options for Chemical Pregnancy
Very early pregnancy losses generally don’t require treatment, but if you think you have experienced one, be sure to tell your healthcare practitioner.
If a medical condition may have contributed to a chemical pregnancy, getting it properly treated can help you improve your chances of conceiving a viable pregnancy and having a healthy baby in the future.
Otherwise, once your menstrual cycle normalizes, you can try to get pregnant again whenever you feel ready.
Complications of Chemical Pregnancy
There aren’t usually any physical complications of chemical pregnancy, aside from cramping and sometimes heavier-than-usual bleeding. In rare instances, women may experience very heavy bleeding or hemorrhaging after a chemical pregnancy, which can lead to anemia; this requires medical attention.
RELATED: Early Pregnancy Loss May Trigger Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms
But keep in mind that any kind of miscarriage can be upsetting, especially if you were trying to conceive or were excited about a positive pregnancy test or went through fertility treatment. As a result, you may experience stress-related symptoms or mood changes.
Some women find that early pregnancy loss can trigger post-traumatic stress symptoms, such as intrusive or unwanted thoughts about the pregnancy loss, nightmares or flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance of anything that reminds women of their loss.
Be sure to give your body and your mind ample time to recover from the loss.
Whatever your feelings are, accept them and allow yourself time to fully process them, perhaps with support from friends, family members, or support groups.
Fertility and Getting Pregnant: What You Need to Know
A fertility and infertility guide for people who want to get pregnant, this covers fertility factors including age, body weight, endometriosis, and diabetes…
By Stacey Colino
What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Women with prolonged hyperemesis gravidarum have a greater risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and eclampsia.
While there is no proven cause, new theories…
By Deborah Shapiro
Getting Pregnant After 35: What to Know
Age-related declines in fertility are most pronounced in women over age 35. Infertility is a threat for older couples trying to conceive and have babies…
By Lindsey Konkel
Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, and Fertility: What to Know
It’s difficult to learn why a particular miscarriage occurred. Common miscarriage causes include a chromosomally abnormal pregnancy; other factors like…
By Stacey Colino
What Is Implantation Bleeding?
There can be many reasons for bleeding in early pregnancy, and not all of them are cause for concern. It could simply be a sign that a fertilized egg …
By Meryl Davids Landau
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Other Fertility Treatments
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you may need fertility help.
Learn about fertility clinic tests and treatments that may help you get pregnant…
By Stacey Colino
What Is a Chemical Pregnancy: Early Miscarriage
What Is a Chemical Pregnancy: Early Miscarriage
- Health Conditions
- Featured
- Breast Cancer
- IBD
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
- Acid Reflux
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Cold & Flu
- COPD
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol
- HIV
- Hypertension
- IPF
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriasis
- Skin Disorders and Care
- STDs
- Featured
- Discover
- Wellness Topics
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Skin Care
- Sexual Health
- Women’s Health
- Mental Well-Being
- Sleep
- Product Reviews
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Sleep
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- At-Home Testing
- CBD
- Men’s Health
- Original Series
- Fresh Food Fast
- Diagnosis Diaries
- You’re Not Alone
- Present Tense
- Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- No More Silence
- Future of Health
- Wellness Topics
- Plan
- Health Challenges
- Mindful Eating
- Sugar Savvy
- Move Your Body
- Gut Health
- Mood Foods
- Align Your Spine
- Find Care
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
- OB-GYN
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
- Weight Management
- Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
- Are You a Workaholic?
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
- Health News
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Drugs A-Z
- Health A-Z
- Health Challenges
- Connect
- Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psoriasis
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.
D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Valencia Higuera — Updated on February 17, 2023
Chemical pregnancy facts
A chemical pregnancy is an early pregnancy loss before ultrasounds can detect a fetus. A doctor can confirm it by testing blood for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which an embryo creates after implantation.
Chemical pregnancies may account for 50% to 75 % of all miscarriages.
Experiencing a miscarriage just one or two weeks after a positive pregnancy test can be devastating.
Symptoms of a chemical pregnancy
A chemical pregnancy can have no symptoms. Some women have an early miscarriage without realizing they were pregnant.
For women who do have symptoms, these may include menstrual-like stomach cramping and vaginal bleeding within days of getting a positive pregnancy result.
It’s important to note that bleeding after a positive pregnancy test doesn’t always mean a chemical pregnancy. Bleeding is also common during implantation, which is when the embryo attaches to the uterus.
This process can rupture or damage tiny blood vessels along the uterine lining, resulting in the release of blood. Spotting often appears as a pinkish or brownish discharge. This is normal 10 to 14 days after conception.
A chemical pregnancy doesn’t usually last long enough to cause pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea and fatigue.
This type of miscarriage differs from other miscarriages. Miscarriages can occur at any time during a pregnancy. But they are more common before the 20th week. A chemical pregnancy, on the other hand, always occurs shortly after implantation. Since most often the only symptom is menstrual-like cramping and bleeding, some women assume they’re having their menstrual cycle.
In vitro fertilization
A chemical pregnancy can also happen after in vitro fertilization (IVF). An egg is removed from your ovaries and mixed with sperm. The embryo is transferred to the uterus after fertilization.
IVF is an option if you can’t conceive because of:
- damaged fallopian tubes
- ovulation problems
- endometriosis
- uterine fibroids
- other fertility issues
A blood test is usually given within 9 to 14 days after IVF to check for a pregnancy, depending on the clinic you use.
Blood test results will be positive if implantation took place. But sadly, abnormalities with the embryo may cause a chemical pregnancy shortly thereafter.
A miscarriage after IVF can be heartbreaking, but it’s also a sign that you can get pregnant. Other attempts at IVF may be successful.
Causes of a chemical pregnancy
The exact cause of a chemical pregnancy is unknown. But in most cases the miscarriage is due to problems with the embryo, possibly caused by a low quality of sperm or egg.
Other causes may include:
- abnormal hormone levels
- uterine abnormalities
- implantation outside the uterus
- infections like chlamydia or syphilis
Being over the age of 35 increases the risk of a chemical pregnancy, as does certain medical problems. These include blood clotting and thyroid disorders.
Unfortunately, there are no known ways to prevent a chemical pregnancy.
Treatment for a chemical pregnancy
The takeaway
A chemical pregnancy doesn’t mean your body is unable to have a healthy pregnancy.
If you learn the reasons for an early pregnancy miscarriage, you may be able to receive proper treatment. This can correct the underlying cause.
Speak with your doctor and discuss your options. Your doctor can also provide information on support groups or counseling services. These can be critical if you need emotional support after a miscarriage.
Last medically reviewed on June 26, 2017
- Parenthood
- Pregnancy
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Chemical pregnancy. (n.d.).
montereybayivf.com/understanding-infertility/chemical-pregnancy/ - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). In vitro fertilization.
mayoclinic.
org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716 - Tobah YB. (2016). Is implantation bleeding normal in early pregnancy?
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/implantation-bleeding/faq-20058257 - Trout SW. (2016). Chemical pregnancy.
pregnancycorner.com/loss/chemical-pregnancy.html
org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Feb 17, 2023
Written By
Valencia Higuera
Edited By
Nizam Khan (TechSpace)
Jun 26, 2017
Written By
Valencia Higuera
Edited By
Nizam Khan (TechSpace)
Medically Reviewed By
Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Valencia Higuera — Updated on February 17, 2023
Read this next
- What Does a Miscarriage Look Like?
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Bleeding in pregnancy could be a sign of miscarriage.
Learn what miscarriage bleeding looks like, plus other signs of pregnancy loss, including how…READ MORE
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Levels and Miscarriage: What You Need to Know
Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, PA-C
HCG levels during miscarriage typically fall or don’t rise appropriately. But does that mean you’re having a miscarriage if your hCG levels don’t…
READ MORE
- Can Taking Prometrium Vaginally Prevent Miscarriage?
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
Progesterone is known as the “pregnancy hormone.” Without enough progesterone, a woman’s body can’t continue to grow a fertilized egg. If you’ve…
READ MORE
- Is There a Link Between Endometriosis and Miscarriage?
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Does endometriosis increase your risk for miscarriage? We explain the connection.
READ MORE
Learn what miscarriage bleeding looks like, plus other signs of pregnancy loss, including how…Coagulogram / “9 months”
Back to list
Coagulogram / “9 months”
During the 9 months of pregnancy, the expectant mother has to take a considerable number of tests.
Why is this needed and what do their results mean?
Coagulogram is a study of the blood coagulation system. A coagulogram allows you to identify the features of a clotting disorder in a pregnant woman and some complications of pregnancy and, therefore, to conduct the correct treatment.
In the normal course of pregnancy, the activity of the blood coagulation system as a whole increases. This is a natural process associated with the appearance of the uteroplacental circulation. It is due to the fact that the body of a pregnant woman is preparing for an increase in blood volume during childbearing and for possible blood loss during childbirth.
A coagulogram should be taken once a trimester, and in the presence of deviations in hemostasis indicators (a set of components of blood vessels and blood, the interaction of which maintains the integrity of the vascular wall and stops bleeding in case of damage to the vessels) – more often, as directed by a doctor.
Blood for analysis is taken from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach.
Basic parameters of the coagulogram
Fibrinogen is a protein, a precursor of fibrin, which forms the basis of a clot during blood coagulation. Normal values are 2.0-4.0 g/l. Fibrinogen is a sensitive indicator of the presence of inflammation and necrosis (necrosis) of tissues, the main plasma protein that affects the value of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). It increases with increasing fibrinogen concentration. During pregnancy, starting from the end of the first trimester, there is a natural increase in plasma fibrinogen content and reaches maximum values (up to 6 g/l) on the eve of childbirth. This is due to the appearance of an additional circle of blood circulation – uteroplacental.
APTT – activated partial thromboplastin time, normally 24-35 s. This is the clotting time, depending on the presence of clotting factors. The definition of APTT, along with other indicators, is used in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which is discussed below.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/why-are-there-blood-clots-in-my-period-2721935_final-b4d12209f16a4e558194b7d49383aafc.png)
In pregnant women, a shortening of the APTT to 17-20 s is noted due to an increase in the amount of fibrinogen.
Lupus anticoagulant – normally should not be produced in a pregnant woman. This is a group of antibodies (IgM and IgG) to the outer shell of platelets. The presence of these antibodies is accompanied by an increase in APTT. These antibodies appear in autoimmune diseases (when the work of the immune system is directed against its own organs), in the pathology of pregnancy (preeclampsia – a complication that worsens the condition of the mother and fetus and is manifested by an increase in blood pressure, the appearance of edema, protein in the urine). For such patients thromboses of arteries and veins are characteristic. Pregnancy against the background of such a pathology is often complicated by spontaneous abortion, placental infarction, and fetal death.
Thrombin time (TV) – normal – 11-18 s. This is the time of the last stage of blood coagulation: the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen under the action of thrombin.
Given that during pregnancy, the content of fibrinogen increases, therefore, the thrombin time lengthens, but remains within the specified limits. The definition of TB is used to detect defects in the production of fibrinogen (for example, fibrinogen may increase with liver pathology) and to assess the anticoagulant activity of the blood.
Prothrombin – normal values - 78-142%. This indicator is defined as a percentage, as it allows you to determine the activity of the prothrombin complex of the patient’s plasma in comparison with the measured prothrombin time of the control plasma. One of the most important indicators of the coagulogram, characterizing the state of the blood coagulation system, is the time of the second stage of coagulation – the formation of thrombin from prothrombin. An increase in this indicator in pregnant women may be with premature detachment of the placenta.
How the blood coagulation system “works”
The process of blood coagulation consists of several stages.
At the first stage, in case of mechanical or chemical damage to the wall of a blood vessel, a special substance is released – thromboplastin, which triggers coagulation reactions. The second stage is the activation of coagulation factors – special proteins that are normally always present in the blood, which ensure the formation of a blood clot at the site of damage to the vascular wall. The third stage is the activation by thrombin (a natural component of the blood coagulation system, which is formed in the body from prothrombin) of the inactive fibrinogen protein, turning it into active fibrin, which forms the basis of the clot. In fibrin networks, platelets and other blood cells get “entangled”, platelets contract the clot, compress it and form a mature thrombus that closes the defect in the vascular wall.
In contrast to the coagulation system, the anticoagulation system works in the body. The coordinated work of these systems allows you to maintain a normal state of blood.
Antithrombin III – normal values - 71-115%. It is a protein of the anticoagulant system, a thrombin inhibitor. It has a depressing effect on the processes of blood coagulation. The amount of antithrombin III is determined by inhibition (binding of thrombin in the control sample). Its decrease can lead to thrombosis. For expectant mothers, the determination of this indicator is important when using anticoagulants – drugs that reduce blood clotting. These drugs are used during pregnancy with an increase in blood clotting, since this condition leads to the threat of abortion, the formation of placental insufficiency, etc. A decrease in the level of antithrombin III by 50% of the norm indicates the risk of thrombosis.
D-dimer – normal – less than 248 ng/ml. This is an indicator of thrombus formation (the process of thrombus formation, which consists of the three successive stages described above) and fibrinolysis (dissolution of fibrin). The determination of this indicator is important in clinical practice for the diagnosis of thrombosis.
In pregnant women, starting from early pregnancy, the level of D-dimer in the blood gradually increases. By the end of the gestation period, its values \u200b\u200bcan be 3-4 times higher than the initial level – this is a variant of the norm. Significantly higher levels of D-dimer are observed in women with complicated pregnancy – preeclampsia, as well as in pregnant women with diabetes, kidney disease.
Platelets are blood cells involved in hemostasis. Platelets are formed in the bone marrow. The norm of platelets is 150-400 thousand / μl. A moderate decrease in the number of platelets (up to 130 thousand / mkl) can sometimes be observed in healthy pregnant women. Thrombocytopenia – a significant decrease in the number of platelets – may result from a decrease in platelet production, increased destruction or consumption. Platelet production is reduced with malnutrition. Platelet consumption is increased in DIC.
The balance between the coagulation and anticoagulation systems is maintained through the interaction of platelets, coagulation factors and the fibrinolysis process.
Violation affecting any of these links can cause serious complications of pregnancy. Among these complications, the most dangerous is DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation). This syndrome develops due to the activation of the coagulation system, on the one hand, and the fibrinolysis system, on the other.
DIC in pregnant women can be caused by various reasons. Among them:
- premature detachment of the placenta – detachment of a normally located placenta before the birth of a child. In 80% of cases, this disease is accompanied by bleeding from the genital tract, sometimes a hematoma forms behind the placenta. Bleeding is associated with a decrease in plasma concentrations of coagulation factors, fibrinogen and platelets;
- Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but dangerous complication that develops during complicated childbirth, due to the entry of amniotic fluid into the mother’s bloodstream, pulmonary vessels, which leads to acute respiratory failure and shock. DIC develops as a result of a massive intake of tissue thromboplastin into the bloodstream – a substance that triggers the process of blood coagulation;
- endometritis – inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus – developed after childbirth, may be complicated by a fulminant form of DIC.
DIC develops as a result of a massive intake of tissue thromboplastin into the bloodstream – a substance that triggers the process of blood coagulation; Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is one of the causes of pregnancy termination of various terms. APS is a complex of symptoms characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis. Pregnant women with antiphospholipid syndrome are at increased risk of miscarriage and spontaneous abortions due to impaired increase in the number of placental vessels with the development of fetoplacental insufficiency – a violation of the basic functions of the maternal placenta, leading to serious violations of intrauterine development of the fetus, as well as due to vascular changes. To diagnose APS, in addition to increasing thrombus formation, antibodies to phospholipids (the outer shell of membranes) are determined.
Nona Hovsepyan, doctor of the Independent Laboratory INVITRO
Swelling of the legs during pregnancy: the main causes
Many pregnant women, especially in the later stages, have swollen legs. They swell and increase in size. This is due to the accumulation of excess interstitial fluid in the tissues. However, it is also worth checking the condition of the veins, especially if they swell and spider veins appear on the skin. To do this, in our clinic you can do an ultrasound scan in Cheboksary.
Physiological causes of edema
Fluid in the legs is normal, especially in the 3rd trimester. This happens because the adrenal glands produce more hormones that stimulate this process. It also happens due to the accumulation of sodium in the vessels. This chemical element delays the excretion of fluid from the body.
Another cause of edema is an enlarged uterus, which compresses blood vessels and affects blood flow from the legs to the heart.
As a result, fluid accumulates in the veins and enters the surrounding tissues.
Blood volume increases by about 40% during pregnancy. Due to the changed hormonal situation, vascular resistance also decreases. The veins are dilated, the blood can no longer drain in sufficient quantities to the pelvic area. The pressure of the stomach causes venous “back pressure” in the legs. As a result, water can more easily leave the bloodstream and enter the intercellular spaces of the connective tissue. Two thirds of pregnant women suffer from physiological edema.
Other causes of swelling of the legs
It can also be due to diseases. In deep vein thrombosis, blood clots form in the veins, often in the legs. Pregnancy increases the risk of this condition: the body makes more proteins that help blood clot. This is to prevent excessive bleeding during childbirth. Changes during pregnancy can cause blood to pool in the veins, thereby contributing to the formation of blood clots.