QuestionQUESTION: I had an abortion preformed at 21 weeks 5 days. I am now looking to start trying to concieve again. It happened on October 31, 2007. So is there a possibility becuase is was so late that it will affect the abitity to get pregnant, or could cause problem during the pregnancy?
ANSWER: This really depends on how the procedure went. If the abortion was uncomplicated (you did not have infections or other complications) and your doctor has now given you a clean bill of health, the abortion will not affect this new pregnancy in any way. You may have to wait a while before you can conceive again, because it takes about 4-5 months for your ovulation cycle to return to normal after an abortion (longer after a 2nd trimester abortion like yours). But you should have no problems with the actual conception itself, only with the timing of it.
Uncomplicated abortions have been shown to be very safe for future fertility. Your termination will not cause you to have premature labor or a higher risk of miscarriage, nor will it lead to fetal development problems in any way.
As long as you are emotionally ready to try conceiving again, you should do fine. Good luck, and take good care of your health!
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QUESTION: I did not have a follow up appointmet as I was supose to. I have went back to having my regular periods. No infection, or swelling or anything. Is there anything I should look for? Or should be aware of? Thank you
ANSWER: It might be a good idea for you to get a general health checkup since you did not have a follow up checkup (WHY? Follow-ups are very important, why did you not have one? Did you doctor not insist on it?). It's in any case a good idea to get a health checkup before you start trying to conceieve.
Otherwise you seem to have gotten over the abortion with no complications. From what you say, I don't see anything wrong with your health, but since I am not a medical professional, and it is impossible to make a diagnosis over the internet, I think you should definitely see a doctor.
Good luck!
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QUESTION: The abortion was preformed about 300 miles away from where I live, and there is no way ill ever go back there. So I had like a regular check-up at my normal family doctor. And i was supose to be my follow-up but they never mentioned anything about the abortion or did an u/s or anything to do with my tummy. And also I dont want to go to the doctor an be like hey im 17 years old can you make sure im ready to have kids again.. It just sounds kind of weird to me. Any suggestions?
AnswerYou're embarrassed to tell people that you want to have children? Why? It's really very strange that you are ready to BE a mother, but you're not ready to tell people about wanting to be one. I sincerely advise you to speak to someone you trust about your feelings regarding both the terminated pregnancy and the one you are hoping for now. Maybe if you sort out your emotional issues, you won't have these weird feelings of embarrassment.
Here's what you need to do before you can think of trying to have another child:
1. When you go to your regular doctor, you have to tell him/her that you had a second trimester abortion recently. You don't have to say why, you don't have to justify yourself, but it's VERY important that your doctor must know your complete medical history, and record it in your file.
(Your doctor is not allowed to make any comments about your abortion, except to find out more about the procedure itself. S/he cannot tell you it was a bad decision or good, s/he cannot tell you his/her own opinion about abortion, or make you feel bad in any way for having an abortion. Your doctor is also bound by an oath of confidentiality. S/he will never tell anybody about your medical history, and your file will never be shared with even other doctors without your consent.)
2. You must tell your doctor that you did not have a follow-up checkup after the abortion. It is very important that you get an internal exam right away. It doesn't sound like you had any complications or infections, but sometimes there is no way to know unless you look. Also, there is a chance that some of the tissue from the pregnancy is still remaining in your uterus, and this cannot be found without actually looking. It's important for your reproductive health to make sure everything is OK in there.
3. You must tell your doctor that you are trying to conceive again. Your doctor is not allowed to question your decision or try to persuade you not to have a baby, but he/she may recommend that you see a counselor (though you can't be forced to see one if you don't want to). But your doctor definitely needs to know you're trying to have a baby. There are specific tests your doctor needs to do to make sure you're back to your normal health after the abortion, and that you are ready to have a child again. Don't be embarrassed. Your age is as good an age as any to be having children, as long as you know this is what you want to do. But you have to be willing to tell the whole truth to your doctor.
