When considering an abortion procedure, it’s essential to consider the risks. Since women take the abortion pill at home, it’s even more necessary to understand the signs of an incomplete abortion, as you are responsible for monitoring your symptoms. Signs of incomplete abortion can be as subtle as abdominal pain to severe signs like fever and infection.
First, What is An Incomplete Abortion?
An incomplete abortion is the partial loss or removal of a pregnancy. If a woman takes the abortion pill, the pregnancy may not have been entirely expelled from her body. During surgical abortions, the healthcare provider may overlook some of the tissue or placenta which remains inside the uterus.
An incomplete abortion is one of the most common complications following a medical abortion.
What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?
The Cleveland Clinic also shares that an enlarged uterus, fever, hypomenorrhea (light or infrequent periods), infection, and open ectocervix (this should be small or closed) as additional symptoms.
The National Institute of Health reveals common signs of incomplete abortion, including:
- Cramping
- Fever
- Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding lasting days or possibly weeks
- Lower abdominal and/or pelvic pain
- Hemorrhagic shock – a medical emergency where the body begins to shut down due to heavy blood loss
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you even have the slightest sign of a potential complication.
Follow-Up After Abortion
Following up after an abortion is vital to protect your health. Be sure to visit with your provider to be sure you’re healing and evaluate if you have any signs of incomplete abortion.
If you are still considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, verify your pregnancy details to determine what option you have and confirm your pregnancy health. Schedule a no-cost and confidential pregnancy test and ultrasound appointment with us today.