Expert: Dr. Harriet Johnson - 10/29/2009

Question
I had a surgical abortion performed at 7 weeks of pregnancy.  It has now been 8 weeks since the abortion,  already got my period twice since the procedure but spot lightly pink and have some cramping every now and then.  Is this normal?  I also see me upper abdomen growing a bit, I haven't gained weight and have taken pregnancy tests that come back negative.  Could my pregnancy have continued after the abortion?  I went to 2 checks ups and was told that there was nothing there on the ultarsound.I should also let you know that I have not had unprotected sex since my abortion.  I have 3 kids and wonder if my physical symptoms indicate pregnancy or something else.

Answer
Hi Jane,

If the ultrasounds have ruled out left over tissue then your pregnancy hasn't continued. I am putting it down to your hormones, after an abortion your hormones take a while to return to normal, causing your period to be different. You don't need to worry about this as it will correct itself.