You might still feel pregnant after a D&C (dilation and curettage) because hormone levels, specifically human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), take time to return to normal after pregnancy.
Here's a breakdown of why you might experience lingering pregnancy symptoms:
-
Hormone Levels: The primary reason is that your hormone levels, particularly hCG, haven't yet returned to pre-pregnancy levels. hCG is produced during pregnancy, and it takes time for your body to clear it out after the pregnancy ends. The higher your hCG levels were before the D&C, the longer it might take for them to decrease.
-
Gradual Resolution: Pregnancy symptoms will gradually resolve as hCG levels decline. The exact timeframe varies from person to person, but it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for hCG levels to drop significantly enough for symptoms to subside.
-
Successful Removal of Tissue: If all pregnancy-related tissue was successfully removed during the D&C, pregnancy symptoms should gradually resolve. Your doctor typically confirms successful removal through follow-up blood tests to monitor hCG levels. If hCG levels don't decrease as expected, it could indicate retained tissue.
-
Individual Variation: The duration of lingering symptoms varies depending on factors such as:
- Gestational age at the time of the D&C.
- Individual metabolism.
- Pre-pregnancy hormone levels.
-
What to Expect: You might experience symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
-
Follow-up is important: It's important to follow up with your doctor for blood tests to monitor your hCG levels and ensure they are decreasing appropriately. This confirms that the D&C was successful and rules out any complications, like retained tissue.
In summary, feeling pregnant after a D&C is usually due to lingering pregnancy hormones. The symptoms should gradually decrease as your hormone levels return to normal. Consult your doctor if you have concerns or if your symptoms persist for an extended period.
