Chemical pregnancies are usually caused by chromosomal abnormalities. Other possible causes include exposure to toxic chemicals or structural problems of the cervix, placenta, or uterus. Many women who have a chemical pregnancy never even knew they were pregnant, as the bleeding from the pregnancy loss often occurs around the same time as their expected menstrual period. But since home pregnancy tests are now quite sensitive, some women find out that they’re pregnant very early—even before their expected period, making it possible for more chemical pregnancies to be discovered. Ectopic pregnancy, which is estimated to occur in between 1.3% and 2.4% of all pregnancies, can be a life-threatening emergency. If you experience severe cramping or abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. Again, chromosomal and maternal structural abnormalities are thought to be the cause of many early miscarriages. Other contributing factors may include chronic illness, hormonal irregularities, alcohol and drug use, smoking, other environmental factors, extremes in maternal weight, advanced maternal age, and infection. With a blighted ovum, you may experience pregnancy symptoms, despite not having a viable pregnancy. A blighted ovum can be a missed miscarriage, treated with a dilation and curettage (D&C), or it may end naturally. While the majority of miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities, this specific type of pregnancy loss requires close follow-up with your obstetrician after treatment to ensure all of the pregnancy tissue is removed from the uterus. Risk factors for cervical insufficiency include genetic disorders, cervical trauma, and complications after having had a dilation and curettage (D&C). Note that a D&C alone does not increase risk, but complications from the procedure can. Termination of a desired pregnancy for medical reasons, which is also called therapeutic or selective abortion, is a divisive issue for some and a delicate, heart-wrenching matter for parents to consider when prenatal screening results in the diagnosis of a condition with a poor medical prognosis. Only you (in consideration of advice from your doctor) know what the right decision is for you and your family.
