Expert: Pat G - 8/20/2009

Question
last year i found out i was pregnant and unfortunately got an abortion. now I'm finding myself possibly pregnant now but all urine and blood tests have been negative. last menstrual period was in June and now its almost the end of august. I'm scheduled an ultra sound the 24th (today being the 19th) i have no symptoms but slight cramps, & my breasts are just starting to become sore, but no frequent urination. could the low levels of hormones and the little symptoms possibly be from getting an abortion a year ago?

Answer
Hello, Kristen,

I would say it is next to impossible that your low level of hormones have anything to do with an abortion a year ago, especially if you have been having periods.

It's possible that you have a nonviable pregnancy. This means that you will miscarry at some point. There might be a placenta and nothing else. Probably the ultrasound will tell you something. I had a somewhat similar thing happen to me. I first noticed symptoms in July (just the initial symptoms, nothing more), and at the end of September, I had a hemorrhage. The baby didn't live. I have learned recently that approximately 1/4 of pregnancies will end naturally.

Let the doctor investigate whatever he feels is important. You should find out. Also, suggest that you might be tested for breast cancer. I don't recommend mammograms, but there are some other methods that are much more effective.

Breasts that are just starting to become sore, and slight cramps, could mean a variety of things. But one thing I would like to ask you about is your diet. Did you recently become a vegetarian? Are you getting enough protein and animal fat? Your body needs animal fat to make the hormones necessary to regulate your period. If you are exceptionally thin or exercise a lot, this could also cause you not to have periods.

One more thing. You can learn to tell if you are ovulating or not. More accurately, you can learn if you become fertile each month. You can't be using any hormones and you must chart faithfully. But to find out more, go here:

http://fertilityuk.org/

From the sound of things, you never want to have an abortion again. So if you become pregnant under adverse circumstances, let me know, because I can point you to some resources. If you need to talk about how you are feeling about your abortion, I am here for you.

Let me know if there is anything helpful you can tell me that might give us a clue. Take care of yourself, and let me know how you do.