Positive Pregnancy Test After Miscarriage: What Does It Mean?

Question
Hi there,
I miscarried about 3 weeks ago and was about 6 weeks along.  I took progesterone and chlomid(50 mg) to get pregnant as I have PCOS and was successful on my first try.  I have continued to have breast tenderness, increasing nausea and swelling, so I took a pregnancy test and it was positive.  My HcG levels 3 weeks ago were 93, then two days later were   lower, but I don't know the exact number.  My doctor is currently on maternity leave and I have no one monitoring me in any way, but i just read that I should be having my Hcg levels checked again...I'm not sure what my follow up should be, or if I am possibly still pregnant?

Thanks so much,
Val Besserer

Answer
Hi Valerie, and thanks for Writing :)

Well, there are 2 things that could be going on with you. You could still be feeling the symtoms of your pregnancy, even though its termintated. It can take up to 6-8 weeks, for your body to return to normal. Your hormones, are all over the place right now, so it can leave you with typical pregnancy symptoms. Remember, PMS can mimic pregnancy as well, so its really a hard call. Your pregnancy test may have came back positive, because you are still carrying enough of the HCG hormone in your system, to give you a positive reading, even if your not pregnant.

Second scenario, is that maybe you have become pregnant again. If you have had intercourse, recently its certainly a viable possibility. Especially, after taking chlomid, because it stayes in your system for period of time. So if you have been sexually active, then you might just be pregnant again.

One thing for sure, is that you have to have another BETA HCG test done to determine if you have become pregnant again, or if you still have a low count due to the previous miscarriage.

You can have this test done, with your family doctor. If you dont have a family doctor, you can go to any walk in clinic, and request to have it done.

I do think its essential to have it done, so you know for sure what is going on with your system, so you can do the appropriate things.

The blood test is conclusive, and will indicate completely, if your pregnant again, or if this is just a hormonal imbalance.

Hope this is of some help, and if you have any more questions, please dont hesitate to write back.

-Kristy