The Cleveland Clinic lists the following symptoms of incomplete abortion as:
- Vaginal bleeding: Defined as bleeding that is heavier than a normal period, or bleeding that persists for more than two weeks after a procedure, may indicate an incomplete abortion.
- Severe cramping: If the cramping is accompanied by heavy bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.
- Abdominal pain: Especially if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
- Fever: Often an indicator that an infection is present.
- Foul-smelling discharge: Can occur as a result of an incomplete abortion.
- Back pain: Especially if it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
What is an Incomplete Abortion and How is it Treated?
An incomplete abortion occurs when the contents of the uterus are not completely expelled after a miscarriage or abortion. An incomplete abortion can lead to various complications if not treated promptly.
The following are some of the potential complications that can arise from an incomplete abortion:
- Infection: When the contents of the uterus are not completely expelled, there is a risk of infection. If bacteria enter the uterus, it can lead to a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Hemorrhage: Incomplete abortion can also cause heavy bleeding, especially if the uterus is unable to contract properly to expel the remaining tissue. This can lead to anemia, shock, and even death if not treated promptly.
- Retained products of conception (POC): Incomplete abortion can leave behind fragments of tissue or fetal remains inside the uterus, which can cause pain, bleeding, and infection.
- Scarring: Incomplete abortion can cause scarring in the uterus, which can lead to fertility problems or complications during future pregnancies.
- Cervical injury: If instruments are used to remove the remaining tissue, there is a risk of cervical injury, which can lead to bleeding, infection, or scarring.
- Emotional distress: An incomplete abortion can be emotionally distressing, especially if the patient was not prepared for the possibility of complications. This can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
It is important to know the signs of an incomplete abortion and seek medical attention if you suspect you may be experiencing one. Treatment for an incomplete abortion may involve medication or surgery. If the uterus has not completely emptied, your healthcare provider may recommend a medication to help expel the remaining tissue from your uterus. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the remaining tissue.
The Importance of Knowing
If you’ve recently had an abortion, or are considering an abortion, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of an incomplete abortion. This can especially be true if you are considering medical abortion, also known as “the pill”. Attempting a medical abortion too late in pregnancy has been known to be a cause of incomplete abortion.
That’s why it’s best to know everything you can about your pregnancy before you make a decision. Knowing details like the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy are all key facts that can empower you to make the best decision for your health.
Get the Help You Need
Our team at Options Care Center is here to help you. Using medical-grade pregnancy tests and an ultrasound scan we can provide you with the important facts you need to know about your pregnancy and what options are available to you. And best of all our services are confidential and provided at no cost to you.
It’s your body and your future, so contact us today to schedule your appointment and start getting the answers you deserve about your pregnancy.
