Expert: Doctor Early Options - 2/7/2009

Question
I had a medical abortion about 3 1/2 to 4 weeks ago.  I had heavy bleeding for about 4-5 hours after inserting the 2nd medication and then it just tapered off and was more like a normal period for about 2 1/2 weeks.  Then just some spotting until about 5 days ago.  I would have thought that this worked, but I have taken 2 First Response home pregnancy test (both came back positive) and this evening (about 3 1/2 to 4 weeks since the abortion) I took an Equate home pregnancy test and it is still positive.  I would like to know if it is normal to have a positive home pregnancy test for this long after a medical abortion?  I have lost all of my pregnancy symptoms and I feel fine, but every test I take, they come back positive.  What is going on?  I have not gone back to the place where I had my medical abortion b/c I live very far away, and I don't have any insurance, so I can't really afford to see a regular doctor and have a blood test done.  Do you think it's ok to wait maybe another week or so and try to take another one??  I just don't know what to do...

Answer
Dear Leslie,
It is definitely normal to have a positive pregnancy test 3-4 weeks after an abortion.  It is especially reassuring that your pregnancy symptoms have gone away, and that you bled more than period.  So, most likely the abortion pill worked.
That said, I would make the effort to get a blood test, to be 100% sure.  Since it has already been a month, it would be important to find out now if there is a problem.  You should be able to discuss this on the phone with the abortion clinic, without having to make it to a follow up appointment.  Often, they can call in a prescription to a lab near you, and you can get the blood test near you.  
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan