What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?
If you recently had an abortion, or if you are considering having an abortion, it’s understandable that you want to be aware of possible complications. While an incomplete abortion is rare, it can happen with either surgical abortion or medication abortion (the abortion pill).
What Is an Incomplete Abortion?
An incomplete abortion means that a woman’s pregnancy has ended, but that her body has not fully expelled the pregnancy tissue.
Incomplete abortions can occur with any type of abortion. However, it may be more of a concern for women who order the abortion pill online, if the medication is taken without confirming the length of pregnancy and if the process is not overseen by a trained healthcare provider.
What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?
Women with incomplete abortions may experience the following symptoms:
- Continually soaking a pad every hour (heavy bleeding)
- Feeling persistent pain
- Having a high fever
- Having a lower fever that lasts more than a couple of days
- Having pain with pressure on the belly
What Are My Next Steps?
Your next steps depend on whether you are currently experiencing symptoms, or if you are gathering more information.
What Should I Do if I Recently Had an Abortion?
If you recently had an abortion, pay attention to your health and how you are feeling. If you think you may be experiencing an incomplete abortion, or if you have any other concerns, contact your physician immediately. When left untreated, an incomplete abortion can cause infection, internal damage, or other serious problems.
Treatment Is Available
Thankfully, treatment is available. Your healthcare team may ask you for more information about your medical history. If you ordered the abortion pill online, you may want to make a note of the medication details (type, dose, when you took it) for your reference. Your healthcare providers may do some tests to help know how to best treat you and get you back to full health.
What Should I Do Before I Have an Abortion?
If you are considering having an abortion, make a free appointment with First Coast Women’s Services to discuss your questions and concerns. Our healthcare team at one of our centers or our Call Center can help answer your questions about types of abortion, complications, side effects, and other considerations as you navigate your next steps.
You Can Reduce Your Risk of an Incomplete Abortion
Before your abortion, talk with us about a free limited ultrasound to confirm the length of your pregnancy. This is an important factor in assessing your safety and avoiding complications such as an incomplete abortion. We care about you and your health. Schedule an appointment or text us today at 904.262.6300.