Expert: Doctor Early Options - 1/31/2009

Question
I had an abortion on the 17 of december and was bleeding until the 6th of january which was normal. It went fine. I had unprotected sex January 9-11 and then again on January 15.... I have been very tired lately and have had mood swings also be craving food I dont usually eat. About 4 days ago I had a little pain in the left side of my uterus and I have had that ever since... But the pain is not like minstral cramps. And today I had very little spotting. I took a pregnancy test yesterday and it came back negitive. Could the spotting me my period or could I be pregnante and it just be to soon to show up on a home test??

Answer
Dear Courtney,
You can have irregular bleeding and spotting for several months after ending a pregnancy.  What you describe as far as the bleeding sounds completely normal. It may be your period, or not - in a way it doesn't matter.  Your period will come back to a regular cycle in the next months.   A pregnancy test will turn positive about 7-10 days after conception, so you are probably in the clear.  If you continue to feel "pregnancy symptoms" I would take another pregnancy test in a week.
As far as the pain, it could be ovulation, or it could be from the abortion, or it could be unrelated.  I would take ibuprofen around the clock for a few days, and see if it resolves.  If not, I would get it evaluated. It's unlikely to be from the abortion 6 weeks later, but it is possible.  
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
Earlyabortionoption.com
New York City