Why Do Pregnancy Tests Still Show Positive After Abortion?

Why can pregnancy tests still detect pregnancy after an abortion procedure? Is this normal?

Hello doctor: I had an abortion on December 17 and underwent a health check on December 22.
The results still show a positive pregnancy test.
Is this normal?

Hei Hei Fei Nu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/12/29

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is possible; please return to the original physician for a follow-up appointment.

Reply Date: 2015/12/29

More Info

After an abortion, it is not uncommon for pregnancy tests to still show positive results for a period of time. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors related to the hormonal changes that occur in the body after a pregnancy ends.

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is primarily produced by the placenta and is what pregnancy tests detect to determine if a woman is pregnant. After an abortion, whether it is a medical abortion (using medication) or a surgical abortion, the levels of hCG in the body will gradually decrease as the body returns to its non-pregnant state.

Typically, hCG levels can remain elevated for several days or even weeks after an abortion. The exact duration can vary based on several factors, including how far along the pregnancy was at the time of the abortion, the individual’s hormonal response, and how completely the abortion was performed. In some cases, if the abortion was not complete, residual hCG may still be present, leading to a positive pregnancy test.

In your specific case, having a positive pregnancy test just a few days after the abortion (on December 22, following an abortion on December 17) can be considered normal. It is important to note that the body does not immediately return to baseline hormone levels, and it can take time for hCG to drop to undetectable levels. Generally, hCG levels should decrease significantly within a few days to weeks after an abortion, but it can take longer for some individuals.

If you are still experiencing positive pregnancy tests several weeks after the abortion, it may be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a blood test to measure your hCG levels quantitatively. This can help determine whether the levels are decreasing appropriately, which would indicate that the abortion was complete. If the levels remain high or continue to rise, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out any complications, such as retained products of conception or a new pregnancy.

In summary, it is not unusual for pregnancy tests to remain positive for a short period after an abortion due to the lingering presence of hCG in the body. However, if there are concerns about the duration of positive tests or any accompanying symptoms, such as excessive bleeding or pain, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and care.

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