Pregnancy or Retained Tissue? Your Symptoms After Miscarriage

Is it a new pregnancy or retained products of conception?

On March 6, I underwent a medical abortion, and on March 16, the bleeding was very minimal.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, and we used a condom midway.
On March 19, I returned to the obstetrics and gynecology department for a follow-up.
An ultrasound revealed a small amount of retained blood clots, and a urine pregnancy test showed a faint line.
I would like to know if this indicates a new pregnancy or if it is a residual effect.

yoyo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/19

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On March 6, I had a medical abortion, and on March 16, the bleeding was very minimal.
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, and we used a condom partway through.
On March 19, I went for a follow-up appointment in obstetrics and gynecology, where an ultrasound revealed a small amount of retained blood clots.
A urine pregnancy test showed a faint line.
I would like to know if this indicates a new pregnancy or if it is a residual effect.
Answer: It is a residual effect.

Reply Date: 2017/03/19

More Info

After experiencing a miscarriage, it is not uncommon to have lingering symptoms or concerns about what is happening in your body. In your case, you mentioned having a medical abortion on March 6 and then experiencing very light bleeding on March 16. Following this, you had sexual intercourse with your boyfriend, during which a condom was used part of the time. On March 19, during a follow-up visit to your obstetrician, an ultrasound revealed some retained tissue, and a urine pregnancy test showed a faint line.

The faint line on the pregnancy test could indicate a couple of possibilities. First, it may suggest that there is still some residual pregnancy hormone (hCG) in your system from the recent miscarriage. After a miscarriage, it can take time for hCG levels to return to zero, and this can sometimes result in a positive or faintly positive pregnancy test even weeks after the event. The retained tissue noted during your ultrasound could be contributing to this lingering hormone presence.

On the other hand, if you had unprotected intercourse after the miscarriage, there is also a possibility of a new pregnancy. However, given that you mentioned using a condom part of the time, the likelihood of conception would depend on whether the condom was used correctly and whether any sperm was able to enter the vagina.

To clarify your situation, it is essential to consider the following steps:
1. Follow-Up Testing: It would be prudent to have a follow-up blood test to measure your hCG levels. This can help determine whether the levels are decreasing as expected after a miscarriage or if they are rising, which could indicate a new pregnancy.

2. Ultrasound Examination: If there is still retained tissue, your doctor may recommend further monitoring or treatment to ensure that your uterus is clear. Retained tissue can lead to complications, including infection or prolonged bleeding.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any symptoms you may experience, such as unusual bleeding, pain, or signs of infection (fever, foul-smelling discharge). If you notice any concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

4. Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current situation. They may also recommend additional tests or examinations to clarify your condition.

In conclusion, the faint line on your pregnancy test could be due to residual hCG from your recent miscarriage or a new pregnancy. The retained tissue noted in your ultrasound is a significant factor that needs to be addressed. It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for appropriate testing and management to ensure your health and well-being.

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