Positive Pregnancy Test 12 Weeks Postpartum??

What is a chemical pregnancy?

I can’t tell you how many times I had to answer this question as I explained to family that I had experienced a loss. Some of them were so hyper fixated on finding out what a ‘chemical pregnancy’ was, that they forgot to show empathy.

So, here’s everything I’ve learned about chemical pregnancies….

• They make up 80% of early miscarriages

• They typically occur between 5-6 weeks of pregnancy

• An egg was fertilized and an embryo created, but the embryo stopped developing

• Your HCG levels may plummet very quickly

• You may experience heavy bleeding, blood clots, and intense cramping

Here’s my personal experience-

I received a positive on an at home pregnancy test and tested a total of about 10 times over a 4 day period (infertility really messes with your head when you see double lines). Each test came back positive, but the lines weren’t getting darker as I knew they should. On day 3, I began bleeding. On the morning of day 4, the line was almost gone. Heavy bleeding continued through day 4 into day 5.

I decided to call my OB to see what I needed to do and they requested that I go to the hospital for testing and an exam.

Upon arrival, I waited in triage for about 3 hours. Once in a room, they had me leave a urine sample which came back negative for any HCG. The NP said she suspected a chemical pregnancy and wanted to do bloodwork to confirm. She performed a pelvic exam before the bloodwork and could tell I had been bleeding a lot, but everything looked normal. My blood was drawn and about an hour later, the results showed my HCG levels were at a 5 mIU/mL. To be considered positive (pregnant), the levels need to be at least 25 mIU/mL. She confirmed it was a chemical pregnancy and said my body was doing exactly what it needed to do to dispose of the loss of pregnancy.

I was discharged and that was it.

Experiencing a loss at 6 weeks pregnant was a whirlwind of emotions. I only knew of the pregnancy for a few days so I felt ridiculous feeling sad. How could I mourn someone I had never met?? But, a loss is a loss. There is no set date of when or if you are allowed to mourn. Once I accepted that, I was able to process my emotions and begin to heal.

If you have or are experiencing a loss, I am praying for you. It is not easy, but you will get through it and come out stronger than when you went in. Orlando

*This is not medical advice. Please discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. This is information that I was provided during my personal experience, but your healthcare provider may advise of something different.*

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