Expert: Pat G - 2/21/2011

Question
On December 21, 2010 I had a surgical abortion. On Jan. 4, 2011 I went to my 2wk check up an the doctor said everything looked good, an that i should start my "regular" period anywhere from 4-6wks. I had sex on Jan. 13 & 20. This week should be my 6th wk, i took a pregnancy test 3days ago (Feb. 17) an it showed up negative. Should i be worried? Could i be pregnant again? An if i am an i get another abortion could that ruin any possible future pregnancies?

Answer
Hello, Julie,

It seems unlikely you are pregnant at this point.

As for getting an abortion ruining any possible future pregnancies, you are already greatly at risk. Surgical abortion can cause all kinds of problems with future pregnancies. It makes a woman much more likely to have a tubal pregnancy, which is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency surgery. This increases by 400%. It can cause a woman to have repeat miscarriages, or very early birth. Very early birth is a leading cause of some serious birth defects, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, mental retardation, blindness, and deafness. Abortion weakens the cervix so that it can no longer hold the weight of a full term baby. The remedy is for the doctor to do something called cerclage. This fastens the cervix shut. Surgical abortion also can cause complications at the time of birth. Some women have placenta previa. This is caused when the baby cannot fasten higher in the uterus because of scar tissue. The risk is that the placenta can be torn loose during labor, which can cause both mother and baby to hemorrhage to death. The remedy is Caesarian section. It can also cause prolonged labor, which may also require Caesarian section.

In addition to these problems, you are now at greater risk of breast cancer and auto-immune disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. To help prevent breast cancer, you should take Vitamin D3 the rest of your life. A good dose is 5000IU a day. You will need your blood tested periodically to make sure you don't get too much. You should also avoid mammograms, which can cause or spread breast cancer. Get thermograms instead. If this was your first pregnancy, and a close relative has had breast cancer, you are almost certain to get it. Try to eat healthy as well; it will help. Antioxidants such as Resveratrol are helpful.

If you don't want to be in fear of pregnancy, you should stop having sex. If you are married, you can learn how to tell when you are fertile. But it's not in your best interests to have sex if you are not married. Talk to your partner and see if he is willing to respect your body and protect you from these risks.

Obviously, if you are pregnant, you shouldn't even think of abortion. You deserve better. There are organizations throughout the United States that can help you with whatever problems you face. This web site will help you locate one in your area:

http://www.optionline.org/

Please take care of yourself and let me know how you are doing.