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Confused after abortion
Dear Anai,
I had an abortion five weeks ago. Three weeks following the abortion, I began feeling pregnant. Roughly five days ago I tested positive with a home pregnancy test. I made an appointment to see my doctor for a follow-up pregnancy test, that came out negative.
My breasts are swollen and my lower back hurts, similar to the symptoms I encountered during my last pregnancy. Is it possible that I am pregnant now and the test at my doctor's office was wrong?
I really would love to have this baby. Your reply is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Peachie
Dear Peachie,
It is a difficult call because after any pregnancy - whether live birth, stillbirth, miscarriage or abortion, one still sees positive home pregnancy tests for up to eight weeks following the birth or loss.
The only way to determine if you are in fact pregnant right now would be to ask for a blood test. If your levels are up, you will be asked to return the following week to see if those initial levels have doubled. If that happens, you are pregnant. If the levels stay the same or drop, you may have been recently pregnant again or just have lingering hCG hormone in your bloodstream from your last pregnancy.
Your body feels pregnant as long as the hormone is present. In the next few weeks, you should begin noticing your body going back to the normal state it was prior to this pregnancy, as well as your period stabilising once again. It takes time, so be patient.
Any changes or difficulties should be addressed to your doctor. As with anything, consult with your doctor for further tests and advice.
Thank you for writing!
Anai Rhoads
© Copyright 2003 Anai Rhoads.
©2003 Anai Rhoads. All rights reserved.
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