Positive Pregnancy Test After Abortion Pill: Understanding the Situation

Question
hiya
I am a little concerned and no one seems to be able to help i had an abortion (pill) at 6-7 weeks pregnant i was told all products was passed this was on the 20/12/08. I have not had a period since. I did a pregnancy test on the 19/01/09 and it came back negative as i had still not come on i did another on the 3/2/09 which came back positive i have done 3 all saying positive i went to hospital had a scan an products still remain but the lining of my womb is thickening im not sure whats happening as they couldnt tell me if i was actually pregnant or if it was just the product. Please help asap i am finding it had to come to terms with it all. i have been also having a brown discharge and today passed a lil blood but the discarge has increased loads.
Many Thanks
Natasha

Answer
Dear Natasha,
There are a few explanations for you having a positive pregnancy test.  1) it could be that you have retained tissue that hasn't completely passed, and your initial pregnancy test was not accurate; 2) you are pregnant again; 3) your more recent pregnancy tests are not correct.
In this situation, you really need to draw blood tests to sort all of this out.  You will need to get a QUANTITATIVE BhCG, and then if it is positive, repeat it in 48 hours, to see if it is going up, going down, or staying the same.  This will give you the answer you need.
The most likely scenario is that the lining of the pregnancy did not completely pass.  This is very common and is nothing to worry about.  It will pass eventually, and your periods will come back to normal.  There is no increased risk of infection or any other significant problems with retained tissue.  
I hopt this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City