Expert: Doctor Early Options - 2/20/2009

Question
Hi Dr. Joan,
I had a medication abortion three weeks ago (Jan 31st), on my check up date
a week later I was informed that not everything had cleared (still a sac of
some kind showing up on the ultrasound) and that they would like me to take
another dose (Feb 6th) the following week during my check up they said
everything was fine.  It is now the 20th and my boyfriend and I had sex for
the first time last night, afterwards I began spotting and today it is now
accompanied by some light cramping,  I have still been having some dark
mucus... but this spotting is bright red fresh blood. I also have started birth
control again right after the abortion for the first time in six months and will
take the last of my active pills in two days... so I suppose it could be the
upcoming period.  What do you think?

Answer
Dear Shannon,
It is common and normal to have spotting and brown blood after a medical abortion.  It often happens after sex, because sex stimulates the uterus to contract. You may continue to have irregular bleeding and not know if it is your period.  The most important thing is that you take your birth control pills as they were prescribed.  If you don't bleed, or if you don't know if it is your period, go ahead and start your next pack.  In the next months, your period will come back to normal.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City