Why Am I Still Testing Positive for Pregnancy After a Medical Abortion? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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After a medical abortion, it is not uncommon for individuals to continue testing positive for pregnancy for a period of time. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, primarily related to the hormonal changes that occur in the body following the termination of a pregnancy.

When a pregnancy is established, the body produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that is crucial for maintaining the pregnancy. After a medical abortion, it can take time for hCG levels to decrease back to pre-pregnancy levels. In many cases, it may take several weeks for hCG to return to zero, especially if the abortion was recent. This is why you may still be receiving positive results on pregnancy tests, both urine and blood tests, even after the procedure.

In your specific case, you mentioned that you had a medical abortion on July 22 and that a follow-up ultrasound showed no remaining embryo. However, your recent blood test indicated an hCG level of 450, which suggests that there is still some hCG present in your system. This could mean a few things:
1. Incomplete Abortion: There is a possibility that the abortion was not complete, and some placental tissue or products of conception remain in the uterus. This can lead to continued production of hCG. If this is the case, further medical evaluation may be necessary to ensure that the uterus is clear.

2. Hormonal Persistence: After a medical abortion, the body may take time to adjust and eliminate the hormones associated with pregnancy. It is not unusual for hCG levels to remain elevated for a few weeks post-abortion, particularly if the abortion was performed early in the pregnancy.

3. New Pregnancy: Although less likely, it is also possible that you could have conceived again shortly after the abortion, leading to a new pregnancy. This would typically be accompanied by other signs of pregnancy, such as missed periods or pregnancy symptoms.

Given your situation, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional blood tests to monitor your hCG levels over time. If your hCG levels are decreasing, it is a good sign that your body is returning to its pre-pregnancy state. However, if the levels remain stable or increase, further investigation may be warranted to rule out any complications, such as retained products of conception or a new pregnancy.

In summary, testing positive for pregnancy after a medical abortion can be due to lingering hCG levels from the previous pregnancy. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to monitor your situation closely and ensure that your body is recovering appropriately. If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever, seek medical attention promptly.