Signs and symptoms of an incomplete abortion can include severe pain, heavy bleeding, and fever. Incomplete abortion can become life-threatening if left untreated. If you are considering an abortion, learning more about this risk can help you prioritize your health and safety.
What Is an Incomplete Abortion?
You might have heard about incomplete abortion as a side effect of medical and surgical abortion, but what is it? An incomplete abortion is when parts of the embryo, fetus, or supportive pregnancy tissue remain in the uterus after an abortion, though the pregnancy does not continue to grow. This condition must be addressed by medical professionals because it cannot go away on its own and can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Signs and Symptoms of Incomplete Abortion
Because women experience medical abortion at home and women are sent home to recover after a surgical abortion, they will need to keep their health and safety a priority by monitoring themselves for signs and symptoms of incomplete abortion and seeking medical attention if they experience any. Signs and symptoms of incomplete abortion include:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through 1 pad every hour)
- Passing blood clots
- Severe abdominal or lower back pain
- Fever
- Rhythmic cramps, like labor
- Slower pulse
- Lower blood pressure
Increased Risk
While no one can predict what side effects of abortion a woman will experience, there are risk factors that increase the chances of incomplete abortion. This is why it is crucial that a woman disclose her health history with her provider. Risk factors for incomplete abortion after an abortion include:
- Abortion during the second trimester (from weeks 13-26)
- Being older than 35 when pregnant
- Never having given birth before (even if they have been pregnant before)
- History of past incomplete abortions
Find Info Here
If you have questions about your options for the outcome of your pregnancy, please contact us for answers. Schedule a free, confidential appointment to discuss your options and get the support you need.
This blog is for informational purposes only. This facility is not a licensed medical facility. We do not offer, recommend, or refer for abortions or abortifacients; therefore, we receive no financial gain from your decision. We are committed to provide accurate information about pregnancy options, abortion procedure risks and alternatives, and after abortion care.