Expert: Doctor Early Options - 3/6/2009

Question
I've always had regular periods. Last year I got pregnant. I had a medical abortion at 5 weeks into pregnancy. I took the second pill on 10/26 and the expulsion started after about 8 hours. Heavy bleeding and tissues passed within a few hours and normal bleeding continued for a few more days. On 11/06 I went for a scan and the doctor said everything was fine.

I had on-time, normal periods in December and January. My 3rd period after the abortion was due 02/24. By 27th I was so nervous I took the home pregnancy test with a bunch of sticks. They were negative so I was a little relieved, but later that day I had brown discharge. I had brown spotting again on 03/01 so my boyfriend took me for a blood pregnancy test that evening. It came back negative.

We normally use a condom but we've had unprotected sex once in February, using the withdrawal method. I'm scared I might be pregnant again (with a false negative) even though I haven't experienced the symptoms. Even if I'm not pregnant I'm still scared of what may be going on inside me. I've felt only one big cramp on 03/02. Pelvic pain has also subsided now and I no longer feel an oncoming period. Please give me some solid advice. Thank you so much.

Answer
Dear Hoda,
Everything you describe sounds completely normal, and there is nothing to be concerned about.  It is completely normal to have irregular periods for months after an abortion, and sometimes to skip a period.  It is also normal to have some cramping, as long as it subsides. The pregnancy tests are very reliable - blood tests are 100% accurate, urine tests are almost as good, so you are definitely not pregnant.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City