| The pregnancy hormone, HCG (human chorionic gonadatropin), can remain in the body for up to 60 days after an abortion. Similarly, HCG levels can be measurable for weeks after childbirth. This can lead to pregnancy tests with false positive results.
Women who are concerned about the accuracy of pregnancy tests during the weeks after abortion may want to take a few tests a few days apart. That can help them see if the levels of HCG are increasing or decreasing. Women who use home pregnancy tests and who are still concerned that pregnancy is continuing or another pregnancy has occurred can consult their clinicians to test for the precise levels of HCG. After at least two tests, the clinician will be able to tell whether the HCG is rising — a continuing or new pregnancy — or whether it is falling — no pregnancy.
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