A biochemical pregnancy is an early pregnancy loss that occurs shortly after implantation. Biochemical pregnancies can account for 50 to 75 percent of all miscarriages.
Biochemical pregnancies occur before ultrasound can detect a fetus, but not too early for a pregnancy test to detect levels of BhCG, or beta human chorionic gonadotropin. This is a pregnancy hormone that the embryo creates after implantation.
The exact cause of a biochemical pregnancy is unknown. But in most cases miscarriage is due to problems with the embryo, possibly caused by poor quality sperm or eggs.
Other causes may include:
- Abnormal hormone levels
- Uterine abnormalities
- Implantation outside the uterus
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Being over 35 years of age increases the risk of a biochemical pregnancy
- Blood clotting and thyroid disorder
Read the full article on: What are recurrent miscarriages? – Causes, diagnosis and treatment ( 81).
Joel G. Brasch
M.D.
Gynecologist
Dr. Joel Brasch is the Medical Director of Chicago IVF, founded in 2005. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has over 25 years of direct experience in fertility treatment and reproductive care. He is also the Director of Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
