Expert: Doctor Early Options - 1/22/2008

Question
I went to the doctors dec 17 and took a pill there, and four pills oraly at home on the 18th.. I had a follow up visit 3 days later and the baby was gone. The doctor told me everything looked okay. I bled heavily for about a week then a medium bleeding until 3 days ago. Which has been 1 month. The bleeding I am having now is fairly light. Since I have been bleeding continuously since my abortion how will I know when I start my period??

Also, I started taking birth conrtol on the 31 of december and was having unroptected sex with no pull out method 3 days after my abortion and before the pills. And still am continuing to have unprotected sex.. I dont think I'm pregnant but there's always a chance I am.. When I go to the doctors to get my woman exam to start the pills ( Since the doctors gave me a month supply and now I have to get an exam to actually get more months supplys ) Should I ask them to take a blood test to find out if I'm pregnant?
Sorry for suck the long message..
- Elizabeth

Answer
Dear Elizabeth,
The bleeding you are describing is completely normal, and of no concern.  It is always difficult to know when you get your period after a medical abortion. It is great that you started on birth control.  You should be able to check a pregnancy test now.  If you did conceive right after the abortion, it should be positive by now. If it is faint positive, don't panic, it is likely from the prior pregnancy.  If the pregnancy test is negative, just keep taking the birth control as directed, and ignore the bleeding.  
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan