Signs of an incomplete abortion?
Incomplete Abortion
FIRST, WHAT IS AN INCOMPLETE ABORTION?
Whether you took the abortion pill or had a surgical abortion, one of the risks is an incomplete abortion. If all the products of the pregnancy are not removed from the uterus, this is considered an incomplete abortion. This can be more common after taking the abortion pill, but it happens after surgical abortions as well.
At the Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic in Northridge, California, we want women to have accurate information about their health so they can recognize warning signs and know where to find support.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN INCOMPLETE ABORTION?
For most women, the primary symptom is moderate to severe vaginal bleeding that lasts days or even weeks as well as cramps that are slightly less severe than contractions (as the body works to expel the remnants of the pregnancy).
You should contact your healthcare provider right away if you bleed enough to soak through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours or if you are concerned about heavy bleeding or severe cramping.
Common Signs of an Incomplete Abortion
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding – soaking through more than two pads an hour or bleeding that continues for several days. 2,4
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain – cramping that worsens or doesn’t go away.1
- Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms – may indicate infection.5
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge – could be a sign of uterine infection.5
Ongoing pregnancy symptoms – nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue that continue after the abortion.3,4
If you’ve recently had an abortion and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately because incomplete abortions can cause health complications such as uterine rupture or perforation, infection, cervical damage, etc.
Why It’s Important to Seek Help Immediately
Ignoring symptoms of an incomplete abortion can put your health at risk. Complications may include:
- Severe infection (sepsis)
- Hemorrhaging (dangerous blood loss)
- Future fertility issues
- Life-threatening complications if untreated
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.1,3
WHAT IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING ABORTION?
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, the Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic can help. We are not an abortion provider but we offer important first steps including clinical pregnancy testing, ultrasound to confirm and date the pregnancy, and education on all pregnancy options available to you including abortion.
We are here to help you make an informed and empowered decision for your reproductive health, so schedule an appointment today! All of our services are free and confidential.
Refrences:
- World Health Organization. (2022). Abortion care guideline. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039483
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Abortion: What you can expect. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/abortion/about/pac-20395195
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Incomplete Abortion: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23345-incomplete-abortion
- MedlinePlus. (2023). Abortion - incomplete. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024).
Endometritis. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/endometritis
