Expert: Pat G - 1/28/2011

Question
Dear Pat
I saw some of your postings and I simply had to write to you as I am very impressed with your degree of knowledge in this area. In October, I had a medical abortion (D&E) at 17 weeks.  I got my period 5 weeks later...my periods are coming regularly (27-28 days) however, they are light and extremely short (1-2 days).  I am not on the pill and not pregnant either.  I am very worried that something went wrong (perhaps asherman's syndrome???).  My recovery went well....didn't bleed too much...no blood cloths or anything like that and I did go to my two week check up.  My periods before my pregnancy lasted 3-4 days and I am 28 years old.  I would love to get pregnant again and have been actively trying with no success   
:-(.My previous pregnancy (which, was my first) I got pregnant right away. Do you have any tips/recommendations for me? Should I be worried??? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!!
Thank you so much!
Isabella

Answer
Hello, Isabella,

Thank you very much for the kind words about my knowledge.

As for Asherman's syndrome, it's a possibility. Only a doctor would be able to tell you for sure. He may have to take a look inside to see if there is scar tissue or adhesions. Scar tissue can be caused by the abortionist scraping too deep, or by infection because of the abortion.

I would definitely get checked out if I were you. A 17 week abortion is pretty doggone late. The amount of dilation they need to do is considerably more than for an early abortion. The more dilation, the more likely there is serious damage to your cervix. A weakened cervix can cause repeat miscarriages or very early birth. Very early birth is a leading cause of certain birth defects such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, mental retardation, and others. In such a case, the doctor can try to prevent this by doing cerclage. This will fasten the cervix shut so that you can carry the weight of the baby. Abortion can also cause problems at the time of birth. Two major risks are placenta previa or prolonged labor. Both may require that you have a Caesarian section.

You can also learn to tell when you are fertile. This will tell you when your activity will most likely produce pregnancy. When a woman is fertile, she produces mucus that she can observe when wiping in the bathroom. The mucus is transparent and slippery, and stretches like a raw egg white. For more information, go to this web site:

http://www.fertilityuk.org/

Normally, it wouldn't really be a matter of concern unless a woman tries for a year without getting pregnant. At that point, further medical investigation can be undertaken, though in some cases it will be expensive.

I hope things work out for you. Keep in touch.