Name: Jeannette

Question: Dear Doctor Joan,

I recently had a surgical abortion three days ago. The clinic I went to (Woman’s Health Practice- Champaign Illinois) are treating me like I am fine. I had hardly no bleeding after the operation. They did not check on me in recovery nor check on my vitals. They never told me they retrieved the pregnancy or not as well. The doctor didn’t talk to me, she came in did the proceedure and left. I do have some discharge and painful cramps that come and go.

My concern is that they were unable to terminate the pregnancy. Or that something health wise is wrong with me. Also, I understand I cannot take an at home pregnancy test until two weeks for it may show up “pregnant” because the HGC Levels are still in my system up to two months after the abortion. That this will add more stress onto myself and my significant other.

I am a full time student and work full time as well. Summer classes just began and I am also leaving in 12 days to head to California. I would like to confirm that the proceedure went through okay and that the pregnancy was terminated. And that I am healthy.

What is your advice on this situation as to what I should do?

Thanks for all of your help!

Sincerely & Respectfully your,

J.

Dear Jeannette,
Thank you for your question about follow up after an abortion procedure.  I never like to hear these kinds of stories.  Your doctor should have discussed your procedure with you and explained to you what you should expect.  However, from what you tell me, there is nothing to be concerned about.  Minimal cramping that comes and goes responds to ibuprofin (800 mg) is normal.  If it keeps getting worse, is persistent, or does not respond to ibuprofen, you should see the doctor.  The bleeding you describe also sounds normal.  It is common to have minimal or no bleeding after a procedure.  Don’t be alarmed if the bleeding starts again in a few days.  Sometimes it comes and goes throughout the month.

I understand that you are concerned that the pregnancy was not terminated.  There are three ways to confirm this.  1) the clinic either evaluated the tissue on site or sent it to a lab.  This tissue documents that the pregnancy was terminated. You could call the clinic to find out those results.  The nurse should give this to you over the phone. 2) If you had pregnancy symptoms before the procedure, they should be going away by now.  Nausea typically starts to decrease within days.  This is usually very accurate.  3) You can get 2 blood tests, at least 48 hours apart.  You could do this at any doctor’s office.  They would check a “quantitative hCG” and compare the level to the second blood test 48 hours later.  The hormone level should be declining.

The easiest option would obviously be for the clinic to give you the results.  I hope they are accomodating to you so that you can be reassured before your trip.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan

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