Expert: Pat G - 9/16/2009

Question
Hi Pat,
Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.  So here's the concern, I took the RU-486 about 3 1/2 weeks ago.  My bleeding has virtually stopped, but now I have very swollen and tender breasts (even more so than when I was pregnant).  Please tell me this is just another post abortion pill symptom and not a symptom of being pregnant again.  I've read that it's very easy to get pregnant after the abortion pill, and although my boyfriend and I have been careful in the last couple weeks, I'm still a bit anxious.
Thank you,
Rachel

Answer
Hi, Rachel,

I haven't seen any statistics on how likely pregnancy is after a pill abortion. Another thing: if you were having sex, or he came near your vagina, you weren't being careful. I know they tell you otherwise, but condoms don't work. The people who claim they do will make money if a woman gets pregnant and seeks abortion, and they're not that truthful because it would hurt their bottom line.

How far along were you?

Have you taken a pregnancy test? It is rare for anyone to provide an abortion just with RU-486 anymore, because it doesn't work well. But the second pill they sometimes give is very dangerous for a woman. At least they apparently didn't give you that. You might still be pregnant from the first time. In fact, it is much more likely that you are pregnant from before than that you are now, simply because you wouldn't have any significant symptoms from a new pregnancy at this point. It takes time for a woman's hormones to get to the point where she's fertile again. If the pregnancy test is positive, it's a virtual certainty that you are still pregnant from before. There is only a very narrow window during which these pills will work anyway. And although there is a slight chance that your baby could have been harmed by the RU-486, the chances are your baby is fine. Don't go to someone who won't give you a chance, but who says, they absolutely must complete the abortion. Any kind of abortion is dangerous and could kill you. There are treatments that can help if you are still pregnant, to help safeguard you both. No guarantees. But the guarantee that you will suffer permanent damage to your reproductive system is much greater from an abortion than from carrying to term. If it turns out that the drug DID work, you could still miscarry later. If you do not carry to term, there is also long term risk, such as breast cancer. If this is your first pregnancy, and you have breast cancer in your family, it is a virtual certainty. It hits a woman while she is still young, and it's a deadly form that kills 1/4 of its victims.

If you need help, you can find it by locating an organization in your area that will provide help. They provide counseling, financial help, medical care, baby supplies, and help with adoption. To find one near you, go here: http://www.pregnancycenters.org/

Please take care of yourself, and don't do anything further to cause harm. I will be here, and I would like to hear how things go.