Does increased hCG levels after taking abortion pills indicate incomplete abortion?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had delayed periods, and my pregnancy test showed positive. I took abortion pills orally at an interval of five to six hours each. I got heavy bleeding for nearly a week. After the bleeding stopped, I went for a blood test, and it showed a positive pregnancy with an hCG value of about 5000 IU/L. The same day I got slight bleeding. Is my abortion complete? What am I supposed to do next?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

You have taken an abortifacient and had bleeding for a week, and immediately after that, your serum beta hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) was 5000 IU/L. It is better to have an abdominal scan to exclude any findings for molar pregnancy or any retained products of conception for which you might need evacuation. Serum beta hCG can be positive for more than two weeks after miscarriage or delivery. Beta hCG reduces gradually, but high-level needs to monitor sometimes to exclude molar pregnancy. Repeat beta hCG after 48 hours.

Thank you.