Biochemical pregnancy – characteristics, symptoms and causes of early embryo miscarriage

Biochemical pregnancy is considered by some medics as a physiological phenomenon, during which the woman’s body cleans itself of a defective embryo. At this stage, there is no attempt to sustain it. However, there is no contraindication for a woman to become pregnant again soon.

What is a biochemical pregnancy?

A biochemical pregnancy is called a miscarriage at a very early stage of pregnancy, specifically before the 6th week. In general, it is usually the loss of a pregnancy before or shortly after implantation of the embryo in the uterus. Very often such a pregnancy is called a biochemical miscarriage, because its presence can only be determined by a test that determines the level of pregnancy hormone in the blood.

Many women are unaware of the existence of pregnancy, because in the initial stage it does not manifest itself with any characteristic symptoms. The only notable symptom is the absence of menstruation, which does not always prompt the patient to take a pregnancy test. It is, in addition to testing the level of pregnancy hormone in the blood, the only way to confirm that fertilization has occurred.

Biochemical pregnancy – causes of miscarriage 

Biochemical pregnancies are quite common, occurring in about 60 or even 70% of patients. Most of them live with the knowledge that they had delayed menstruation. The most common cause of miscarriage at this early stage is embryonic malformation, but the loss can also occur due to other factors, such as sudden physical exertion, inappropriate lifestyle and addictions. Abnormalities in the structure of the reproductive tract or scarring from abdominal or genitourinary surgeries can also be a reason for biochemical pregnancy.

How does a biochemical pregnancy manifest itself?

A woman who became pregnant and lost it before the sixth week does not experience any particularly characteristic symptoms. The only symptom that can indicate fertilization is the absence of menstruation. If the patient is trying to have a baby, she will certainly take a urine pregnancy test or a test to determine serum levels of chorionic gonadotropin. When it turns out to be a biochemical pregnancy, she may be disappointed.

Biochemical miscarriage is manifested by sudden bleeding or spotting from the genital tract, despite confirmation of pregnancy. A woman feels as if she is having a more intense period. Spotting or bleeding is accompanied by abdominal pain. In such situations, it is not necessary for a woman to stay in a hospital ward. The gynecologist only orders her to repeat the chorionic gonadotropin test. When the hormone drops to very low levels, it is known that a pregnancy loss has occurred.

Risks of biochemical pregnancy

Being biochemically pregnant is not life-threatening, so the woman is not required to stay in the hospital or be given any medication. The exception is when spontaneous cleansing has not occurred and a uterine curettage procedure must be performed. Therefore, it is worth checking this as soon as the pregnancy hormone drops. A woman who has not cleared on her own may develop an intrauterine infection, which not infrequently involves lengthy drug therapy or surgery. It is professionally referred to as a retained miscarriage.

If the patient has the need, she should see a psychologist. Some ladies spend years trying to have a baby and find it hard to tame the emotions that are normal after a loss. In the case of repeated biochemical pregnancies, it is worthwhile to perform specialized tests, on the basis of which the cause of continuous failures will be determined.

See also: When is lower abdominal pain in pregnancy a cause for concern?