HCG Levels After Abortion: Is Pregnancy Possible?

After the complete elimination of HCG following a miscarriage, if a pregnancy test is taken two weeks later and the second line is faint, it may indicate residual HCG levels or a potential new pregnancy?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend underwent an abortion on December 19.
Two weeks later, during her follow-up appointment, the pregnancy test showed only one line, indicating that the procedure was successful.
After that, we had sexual intercourse twice without contraception, but there was no ejaculation.
As of today, January 27, her period still hasn't arrived, and during the follow-up urine test, the second line was very faint and barely noticeable.
Is it normal for hCG levels to increase after being expelled, or is there a possibility of pregnancy?

Wuming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/27

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, there is still a chance of pregnancy.
It is recommended to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/01/27

More Info

After an abortion, it is common for the body to take some time to return to its pre-pregnancy state, including the normalization of hormone levels such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In your case, it seems that your girlfriend underwent a successful abortion on December 19, and two weeks later, she had a follow-up appointment where a pregnancy test showed only one line, indicating that hCG levels were likely low or undetectable at that time.
The presence of hCG in the body is typically associated with pregnancy, as it is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. After an abortion, hCG levels should gradually decrease and return to zero. However, it is important to note that it can take several weeks for hCG levels to drop completely, depending on how far along the pregnancy was before the abortion.
In your situation, the fact that your girlfriend had two instances of unprotected intercourse after the abortion raises the possibility of a new pregnancy. The faint second line on the urine pregnancy test could indicate a few scenarios:
1. Residual hCG from the Previous Pregnancy: If the abortion was recent, it is possible that some hCG is still present in her system. This residual hCG can sometimes lead to faint lines on a pregnancy test, especially if the test is taken too soon after the abortion.

2. New Pregnancy: If the faint line is due to a new pregnancy, it would suggest that implantation has occurred, and hCG is being produced again. However, the faintness of the line could indicate that the hCG levels are still low, which is common in early pregnancy.

3. Testing Timing: The timing of the test is crucial. If it was taken too early, it might not detect the hCG levels accurately. It is generally recommended to wait at least a week after a missed period to take a home pregnancy test for more reliable results.

Given these factors, it is advisable for your girlfriend to follow up with her healthcare provider. A blood test measuring the exact hCG levels can provide more clarity. Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests and can detect lower levels of hCG, making them a better option for confirming pregnancy status shortly after an abortion.

If the blood test shows rising hCG levels, it would indicate a new pregnancy. If the levels are decreasing, it would suggest that the body is returning to its baseline state post-abortion. Additionally, an ultrasound may be recommended to confirm the presence of a new pregnancy and to rule out any complications from the previous abortion.

In summary, while it is possible for hCG levels to still be present after an abortion, the faint line on the pregnancy test could indicate either residual hCG or a new pregnancy. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and to determine the next steps. Regular follow-ups and monitoring will help ensure both your girlfriend's health and the potential new pregnancy's viability.

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