Expert: Pat G - 4/30/2010

Question
QUESTION: 3 months ago i had a surgical abortion at almost 9 weeks. I still hav some bloating in my stomach like i got when i was pregnant, thought it would go away with exercise but it hasnt yet, is this normal? also i never went for my checkup afterwards because i felt fine and havnt had any other problems

ANSWER: Hello, kelli,

The fact you didn't go for your checkup afterwards isn't all that unusual. That said, I simply don't have enough information to answer your question yet. Is this bloating from fat or fluid? Has your diet changed? If so, in what way? Are you drinking or eating anything with artificial sweeteners?

Having an abortion isn't normal. So what happens afterward isn't either. A woman might well take off excess weight by breastfeeding, but obviously, you can't do that. If you can answer my questions, I might be able to tell you more. Take care.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I dont think its from fat because i havnt really gained any weight, its just that my stomach kind of sticks out and it wasnt like that before. No, my diet hasnt changed. I;m just wondering whether i should be worried about it?

Answer
Hello, kelli,

By 9 weeks, the stomach will have started to grow slightly larger in some women. It takes awhile for this to return to a pre-pregnant state. If you want reassurance that you are OK, and it's nothing to worry about, it would be wise to see a doctor. Nobody will be able to tell you what the problem is over the internet. Please don't think that you need to be super-thin. This can lead to eating disorders, and that can cause serious problems. Eat a sensible diet, and see how it goes for three months or so. If a woman has a little fat, she will look more attractive; a woman normally has a higher bodyfat content than a man. If you do go see a doctor, find a decent one. Don't go to anyone who does abortions or believes in them. They are unlikely to be very helpful. Good luck!