Every woman’s body responds differently to abortion, and according to the National Library of Medicine, complications following an abortion can still occur even when all protocol is followed.
Because you don’t know what complications you could experience, it is vital to consider all of the risks before choosing to have an abortion.
Some bleeding following a medical abortion is expected. Continue reading to learn when to seek help and what other complications you should consider.
Bleeding After A Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, or the “abortion pill,” uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone is administered first to block progesterone. Then, misoprostol is given to create uterine contractions, which causes the pregnancy to be expelled through the vagina.
As the body passes the pregnancy, the woman will experience cramping and bleeding. For most women, heavier bleeding is encountered for one to two days, becomes lighter, and typically stops after two to three weeks.
Following an abortion, you should seek immediate medical attention if you’re soaking through two pads within an hour.
Failing to seek medical help can lead to serious implications. One cause of severe bleeding following a medical abortion is the occurrence of an incomplete abortion. An incomplete abortion occurs when some of the pregnancy tissue remains inside the uterus.
When left untreated, incomplete abortion can cause bleeding, which may lead to hospitalization and could be life-threatening.
Other Complications of Medical Abortion
Extensive bleeding is just one of the complications to be aware of when considering medical abortion.
Following a medical abortion, you should also seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- No bleeding 24 hours after taking misoprostol
- No period for two months after taking the abortion pill
- You have pregnancy-like symptoms
Get Help Today
Trying to make a pregnancy decision may feel like just too much to bear.
While you may feel overwhelmed, know that abortion is a life-changing decision that should not be rushed.
Options Care Center is here for you. We’ll help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision that is best for your health and future.
We offer no-cost medical-grade pregnancy testing and follow-up ultrasound scans. After learning more about your pregnancy, our trained staff can answer your questions and discuss your options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
