Expert: Norman Solberg - 7/19/2010

Question
I started taking birth control in jan. And recently stopped this month on the 12. I stopped because I thought I was pregnant because I missed my pill more than 2 days. Well I got my regular period for 5 days but still had all the symptoms of a pregnacy, but 5 days after my period eneded I started spotting, what could this mean? Could I be pregnant and be haveing a miscarriage, am I just pregnant or is it because I stopped taking my birth control?

Answer
It's hard to know.  I assume you didn't do a pregnancy test.  Usually after stopping the pill, it's normal for a period to come, but unusual that you'd spot after the period.  Because of the spotting and the symptoms of pregnancy, I think that pregnancy may be likely.  I would start with a pregnancy test.  If it's positive, you'll know it's a possible miscarriage.  If it's negative, then it's hard to be sure, because with an early miscarriage, the test may be negative.  Give it some time, and see your doctor if the spotting persists.  Best wishes.