Expert: Shan Yi Sheng - 2/10/2010

Question
Hello - I had a medical abortion about 3.5 weeks ago, at which time I was a bit over 5 weeks pregnant.  I did attend the follow-up appt. and it was determined via ultrasound that I passed everything and was no longer pregnant.  However, I am still experiencing sore, enlarged breasts and cramping and took a pregnancy test today which came back positive right away.  Is it possible that the abortion didn't work despite the ultrasound looking "clear"?  Thank you for any insight.

Answer
HI Anna,
because your pregnancy was very young the chance of the medical abortion not working is very small.
As the uterus is often still filled with bloodcloths the ultrasound can be  unclear.
Up to 3 weeks the pregtest can stay positive as pregnancy hormones after an abortion  disappear from the bloodstream very slowly.
But in your case it is very strange that it is so quickly and paramount positive.
I do not like these medical abs. There is often something wrong and unclear. With a suction curettage everything is over in a few minutes.
I think you might very well still be pregnant.
If the pregtest is positive in a weeks time you can be sure you are. It that case you should be 8-9 weeks by now, This is easily felt in a bimanual exam and seen on the u.s.

I'm sorry for the bad news.
Dr Shan


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