what is the chemical pg window?

[mayakas]

Hi everyone, When are we in the clear for a chemical pg? I'm getting some conflicting info online. Some websites even say that it means you have fertilization, get a bfp, and then miscarry before implantation (but isn't implantation what causes Hcg to be produced for the bfp?). Some sites say it's miscarriage shortly after implantation. So at what point is it chemical and what point is it a plain old miscarriage? I know a woman can miscarry any time really, but when is it safe to get your heart set on the pregnancy ? I'm only 12dpo right now so it still feels very early.

good luck everyone!

[WifeofAnt]

DDCC - I *think* its miscarriage shortly after implantation. 12 DPO is still too early to be out of that window. Implantation doesn't happen in an instant (or a day) either. I think after a heartbeat can be seen then its not chemical anymore.

[jr'smom]

Personally I would never call it a chemical. A baby has started to form one way or the other, and to me it's a miscarriage whether early or late.

[maybebaby]

I have to agree, I don't use the term "chemical pregnancy" either. If your body is secreting hcg enough to show up on a pg test, then *something* is going on in there, it's trying to happen then doesn't for whatever reason. So early miscarriage just covers it imo.

[mamaw/two]

I've read that if bleeding begins at or before 18dpo it's a chemical. Personally, I don't like the term either. In order to get a bfp, implantation has to have occurred.

[saslewis11]

I had an early m/c last month at 15 dpo...My FRER's just started getting lighter and lighter. I even had a positive digi at 13 dpo.

I know for me, I will feel a lot better once we see a heartbeat....

[WifeofAnt]

DDCC again - I don't think the term 'chemical pregnancy' is supposed to be a put-down or anything. Some medical things are just worded like that. I believe it is supposed to mean that the only 'proof' of pregnancy was the chemical proof. It doesn't mean the loss is any less significant, its just a different way of classifying a miscarriage.

[BarefootinBrooklyn]

I had a "chemical pregnancy" before becoming pregnant with my daughter (almost 3 now) and it was still devastating. I got the positive right as we were headed out of state to visit familly for Christmas so of course we had to share the news when we got there...and then at my first OB visit there was nothing but an empty sac on the ultrasound. So cells start to divide, enough to produce the hormones to make the test positive, but nothing continues and you get a late heavy period without actually experiencing the passing of your embryo/fetus...I also didn't like that term. I felt like I'd lost the baby I'd dreamed up in those months before conception and in those days of beaming from the positive test.

In any case, I hope all our little tiny ones are in good growing shape--I think past 5-6 weeks we are out of the "chemical" point of things, meaning a loss would simply be called a miscarriage...hope that helps.

[javilu]

Originally Posted by WifeofAnt

DDCC again - I don't think the term 'chemical pregnancy' is supposed to be a put-down or anything. Some medical things are just worded like that. I believe it is supposed to mean that the only 'proof' of pregnancy was the chemical proof. It doesn't mean the loss is any less significant, its just a different way of classifying a miscarriage.

yep, this is what it means. the pregnancy can only be detected chemically, not "clinically" whatever that may mean. it's a fuzzy line around when it becomes detectable by ultrasound or palpation, etc., but yes, the "chemical" isn't meant to be dismissive, but just refers to how it can be detected/verified at this point. every pregnancy is a "chemical pregnancy" at some point!

(p.s. i have no business being here.)