Expert: Shan Yi Sheng - 2/10/2010

Question
Hi;
I had a surgical abortion on Jan 13, 2010. The clinic promptly placed me on birth control pills after procedure. I have already finished my first month supply of birth control pills ( I am on the 3rd day of sugar pills). I have not had my period yet. I went in a couple weeks ago for discharge (antibiotics were precribed and I completed them). When I was there, I did a standard urine test and it came back positive for pregnancy. I was reassured by the doctor that this was normal since my hormones are still unbalanced.  I don't know if I'm experiencing PMS and my period is on its way, or if my sensitive feelings are coming from the combination of the hormones from the birth control pills and my pre-existing hormones from the terminated pregnancy.My question is, when can I expect to get my period? When should I be concerned?

Answer
Hi Adrianna,
if you are on the birthcontrol pills you are earlier back in the normal period sceme. So it was wise to start with them promptly. Indeed pregnancy hormone levels stay in the blood for a prolonged time, up to 3-4 weeks.
Do not worry. I think everything is fine. Go on with the contraceptive pill.
You may be a bit irregular with your periods anyway, but the normal sceme is soon coming back.
bests,
Dr Shan