QuestionHello Dr Joan,
I had an abortion for the first time in my life this past Friday, which was one of the hardest things in my life to do. I did not want to have an abortion but being a single mother of three kids now ages 6, 3 and 7 months, I was told by my family I had no choice. When I went to my appt the doctor at the clinic told me I was going to have the dilation and aspiration curettage procedure but I was very early in my pregnacy, just barely five weeks. He advised me there is a possiblity of them missing the baby and I might have to have it re-done when I come back for my two week check-up, which scares me to death since I did want this done in the first place. My question is, after the procedure, I bled very little. I did pass two small blot clots but that was it. The following day, there was barely anything to whip and today there is nothing. Is is possible for this to happen after an abortion? I've been told it is typical for woman to bleed several weeks and that is pretty much what I am reading on the website but I do not see anything close to my story and what if my abortion was un-successful. How much damage could they have done to my baby if I decide I am not strong enough to have them do it again.
Sincerely,
Lost & Confused
AnswerDear Debra,
This sounds very difficult for you. It is very hard to end a pregnancy when you're not clear on your decision. The good thing is that you did it very early, before the pregnancy had established itself. It's too early to even know if the pregnancy would have been viable.
To answer your questions, the bleeding sounds normal for a 5 week aspiration procedure. Often there is only spotting for a couple of days, and then it is over. You do not need to wait for 2 weeks to know the outcome of the procedure. You could find that out today, by getting a simple blood test. By this time, it should already be obvious. You need to get a QUANTITATIVE HcG. If your results are under 2500 - the procedure was successful. If your results are over 2500, email me again. You can get this blood test at the clinic, or at any lab in your neighborhood, with a prescription. If you have any trouble with this, call our office, and ask for Dina. She can help you get what you need.
At five weeks, there is no baby, only a small fluid filled bubble (early amniotic sac where the pregnancy will grow). The pregnancy itself is only cells that have not yet started to form an embryo. Generally, it is not thought that a procedure where the sac is missed would cause any damage to the pregnancy, if you wanted to continue. Let's discuss this more once you know the outcome of the procedure.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
