Post D&C Pregnancy: hCG Levels, Ovulation & Future Pregnancies

Question
I had a D and C on the 20th Feb 07 I was 11 weeks pregnant but their was no baby and the sac had started to collapse. I had no pregnancy symptoms with this miscarriage nor with my other three children. It is now the 25th Feb and a HPT is still showing positive.  How long will it take for my hCG levels to reach below 5?  Will I ovulate if my hCG levels are higher then 5?  Can you fall pregnant if you are still showing hCG levels in your system?  I am wanting to fall pregnant straight away.

Answer
Dear Nicole,

It can take about 4 - 6 weeks before you can expect the levels to return to a non-pregnant range after a pregnancy loss has occurred. This can vary by how the loss occurred (spontaneous miscarriage, D & C procedure, abortion, natural delivery) and how high the levels were at the time of the loss. Doctors usually will continue to test hCG levels after a pregnancy loss to ensure they return back to <5.0.

Ovulation CAN occur 14 days after a miscarriage, however this also can vary quite a bit. It can take up to 6-7 weeks for a regular cycle pattern to return. If you ovulate, you can conceive. Whether it is recommended that you do so before having a regular cycle is another issue.

The general recommendation is that you try to have three normal cycles before getting pregnant again after any pregnancy. This allows all of your hormones to get back to a normal state and gives your body a chances to recover before undergoing the stresses of another pregnancy. Some doctors only want to see one normal period before you become pregnant again - you should consult your own doctor to get his/her recommendation for you to make sure you give the next pregnancy the best chance for success.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well.

Brenda