Pregnancy Tests After Miscarriage: What to Expect

Pregnancy test response after miscarriage?

Hello Doctor, I am over 4 weeks pregnant.
On March 24, I took RU486, and on March 25, I took Misoprostol.
During my follow-up on March 31, the ultrasound showed that my endometrium was still thick, so I was prescribed another 9 tablets of Misoprostol (3 tablets per meal) for one day.
By April 6, during my follow-up, it was confirmed that everything was completely cleared.
The doctor mentioned that my menstrual period would arrive in April.
However, on April 25, my period still hadn't come, and a pregnancy test showed a faint second line.
Could this be a residual reaction? After being cleared completely, I had intimate relations until the end of the month, but we used protection (condoms were used during intercourse, and there was no ejaculation inside).
Please share your insights, I would greatly appreciate it!

Miss Yan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/26

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I am over 4 weeks pregnant.
On March 24, I took RU486, and on March 25, I took Misoprostol.
During a follow-up appointment on March 31, the ultrasound showed that the endometrium was still thick, so the doctor prescribed another day of 9 tablets of Misoprostol (3 tablets per meal).
At the follow-up on April 6, the examination indicated that everything was completely cleared.
The doctor mentioned that my menstrual period would come in April.
However, on April 25, my period still hadn't arrived, and a pregnancy test showed a faint second line.
Could this be a residual effect? Answer: It is likely a residual effect.

Reply Date: 2017/04/26

More Info

In your situation, it is understandable to have concerns regarding the results of your pregnancy test following a miscarriage and the use of medications like RU486 and Misoprostol (the medication you referred to as 喜客潰). After a miscarriage, it is common for the body to take some time to return to its normal hormonal levels, and this can affect the results of pregnancy tests.

When you experienced a miscarriage and subsequently took the medications, your body was likely undergoing significant hormonal changes. The presence of a faint second line on your pregnancy test could indicate a few possibilities:
1. Residual hCG Levels: After a miscarriage, it can take time for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to drop back to zero. If you had a miscarriage and your body has not yet cleared all of the hCG, this could result in a faint positive line on a pregnancy test. Typically, hCG levels should decrease significantly within a few weeks after a miscarriage, but this can vary from person to person.

2. New Pregnancy: If you engaged in intimate relations after your miscarriage and used protection, the likelihood of a new pregnancy is lower, but not impossible. If the condom was used correctly and there was no ejaculation inside, the chances of conception are significantly reduced. However, no contraceptive method is 100% effective, and if there was any failure in the method, it could lead to a new pregnancy.

3. Testing Sensitivity: The sensitivity of the pregnancy test you used can also play a role. Some tests are more sensitive than others and can detect lower levels of hCG. If you are testing too early or if your hCG levels are still in the process of declining, this could lead to a faint positive result.

Given that your doctor indicated that your uterus was clear and that you should expect your period in April, it is important to monitor your symptoms and test results closely. If your period does not arrive within a week or two, or if you continue to see a positive pregnancy test, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test to measure your hCG levels, which can provide a clearer picture of what is happening in your body.

In summary, a faint line on a pregnancy test after a miscarriage can be due to residual hCG from the previous pregnancy or a new pregnancy. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to discuss your concerns. They may suggest repeat testing or an ultrasound to assess your situation more accurately. Remember to take care of your emotional and physical health during this time, as navigating through a miscarriage can be challenging.

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