Expert: Doctor Early Options - 2/2/2009

Question
dr.joan,
I had my last monthly periods on 12th Dec 08 (starting). And the next month I had waited for until 20 Jan and on 21 Jan , I did the pregnancy test. The result came positive. I have taken 200mg Mefipristone on 24th Jan(evng) and 25th Evening bleeding started(like normal periods) and after 38hrs had 200mcg misoprost(2tabs). After having the second tabs, i felt severe pain and heavy bleeding. On 29th Jan, I have noticed some clotted blood came out like quite big quantity. And the bleeding continued for nearly one week - until 01 Feb. And on 2nd Feb, I did the pregnancy test and the result came positive.

Now I am confused.... Later I have noticed in some sites says that to wait nearly 3 days after the bleeding stops...  
Now please instruct me how many days I have to wait?
1. If I want to go for urine test,
2. If I need to check through blood test
3. If I need to test through Ultra sound...

And When will be the next periods occurs?

Thanking you for your immediate reply.

Answer
Dear Anna,
Everything you describe sounds completely normal.  Bleeding after a medical abortion can last for weeks to months.  It is common and normal for the bleeding to last for weeks to months after the abortion pill. The bleeding can be daily, or it can come and go, or there can be spotting.  There can be clots (small or big, red blood, or brown blood.  This is all normal.

A urine pregnancy test will remain positive for at least 2-4 weeks after the abortion pill, so it is not helpful.  It is always important to have a follow up when you do the pill, to make sure it worked.  The good news is the bleeding you describe sounds like the pill worked.  However, you can still have heavy bleeding and a continuing pregnancy.  The best thing to do would be to go back to whoever gave you the pills and either get blood tests or an ultrasound.  This will confirm that the pregnancy is over.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan