Abortion/Post-Abortion

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/30/2008


Question
Hi, I had a medical termination exaxtly 6 wks ago today (18th sept 08). I was almost 12 wks gestation. I have not yet had a period since. Last week i went to have my HCG levels monitered, on wed they were 45 and by fri they were 35, but the following wed i am still testing positive on pregnancy tests.  Could i have gotten pregnant whilst my levels are dropping or do they have to have fllen below 5 for you to get pregnant again? I am just confused as to whether its possible i've become pregnant again or not?

Answer
Dear Hana,
This is a great question. If your hCG levels are dropping, you are definitely not pregnant.  A urine pregnancy test turns positive at 5, so your hCG levels just have to drop below that or a urine pregnancy test will still be positive.  I do not think your pregnancy test has to be negative to be able to ovulate and get pregnant again, although I don't think the research has been done to really answer that question.  I have seen many women get pregnant right after an abortion, so I think you can ovulate with some hCG still circulating.  
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist,
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City

Abortion

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Doctor Early Options

Expertise

We are a group of family doctors who provide abortion care for over a decade. We can answer any health or medical related questions about early abortion, including the aspiration procedure, the abortion pill (RU486), or surgical abortion. We run a practice called Early Options, located in New York City: http://www.EarlyAbortionOptions.com. The practice is dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. There are other family doctors around the United States who practice a similar approach to early abortion care: see http://www.EarlyAbortion.com. Please do not ask "private" questions so that other women can learn from your experience. Please tell me what country you are from so that we can better help you.

Experience

Experience in the area: We are all board certified family doctors who have special training in early abortion and reproductive health. Dr. Joan Fleischman is the founder of Early Options (earlyabortionoptions.com) dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. Organizations: National Abortion Federation American Association of Family Physicians

Education/Credentials
Dr. Joan Fleischman, Founder M.D., Harvard Medical School M.P.A., John F. Kennedy School of Government

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.