Pregnancy after treatment
A biochemical pregnancy is one confirmed by a positive hCG test but which ends before anything can be seen on a scan. The hCG level is often low and then falls. It is a genuine early loss, most often caused by a chromosomal problem in the embryo, and it can be painful to experience even though it happened early.
Also known as: chemical pregnancy, very early loss
Related South Africa guides
Sources
- ESHRE guidelines and patient information
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.