If you’ve taken the abortion pill or you are considering a medical abortion, heavy bleeding can be concerning. You may be wondering whether what you’re experiencing is expected or how much bleeding is too much.
Bleeding and cramping are expected effects of the abortion pill, but there is a point when bleeding can become a sign of a serious complication. Knowing the difference matters.
Paying attention to how much you’re bleeding and how you’re feeling can help you recognize when it’s time to contact a healthcare provider or seek urgent medical care.
Her Choice Women’s Health is here to provide you with factual information about abortion, free pregnancy tests, and limited OB ultrasounds to help you learn more about your pregnancy before making a pregnancy decision.
If you have already had an abortion, we also offer post-abortion recovery for both men and women who are processing the emotional impact of abortion. You are not alone.
Schedule your appointment today, and continue reading to learn which signs of heavy bleeding after an abortion may require medical attention.
How Much Bleeding Is Expected?
The abortion pill uses two different drugs that work in sequence. Mifepristone interferes with and blocks progesterone, the hormone that supports the pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken afterward and causes the uterus to contract, resulting in cramping and bleeding as the pregnancy is expelled.
Bleeding after taking misoprostol can be heavier than a normal menstrual period. You may also pass blood clots or pregnancy tissue. Other potential side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fever, or chills.
The amount and duration of bleeding can vary from woman to woman. Because of this, paying attention to how heavy the bleeding is and how you are feeling is important.
What Heavy Bleeding Can Mean
Very heavy bleeding can be a sign of a complication and may require emergency medical care.
Seek immediate medical attention if you are soaking through two full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours.
You should also seek medical care if heavy bleeding is accompanied by:
- Fainting, dizziness, or significant weakness
- Severe abdominal or back pain that does not improve
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Chills or flu-like symptoms that persist
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Heavy bleeding may occur with an incomplete abortion, which happens when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus and may require additional treatment. Infection is another possible complication.
Severe or one-sided abdominal or pelvic pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, weakness, or fainting can also be warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus and requires urgent medical treatment.
If you are experiencing any of these severe symptoms, then seek emergency medical care.
Get the Care and Information You Need
If you are concerned about bleeding after taking the abortion pill, getting medical care can help determine what is happening and whether further treatment is needed.
Before taking abortion drugs, it is also important to understand key details about your pregnancy. Pregnancy tests look for hCG in the body, but they cannot show how far along your pregnancy is or where the pregnancy is developing.
A limited ultrasound can provide additional information about the pregnancy, including gestational age, location, and signs of development.
Her Choice Women’s Health provides free and confidential pregnancy services to help you understand how your pregnancy is developing. If you need immediate medical attention, seek care from an emergency department or other healthcare provider.
Reach out to us and make your appointment.
Call (610) 900-4417.
Text (610) 900-4417.
Her Choice Women’s Health does not perform or refer for abortions. The team is here to answer your questions honestly, with no pressure either way.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
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