If you have taken the abortion pill or are researching its side effects and risks, knowing how much bleeding is considered normal and when it may signal a complication is important.
Spero Medical is here to help you get the clarity you need. We provide accurate information about abortion, along with no-cost medically verified pregnancy testing and a limited obstetrical ultrasound to give you the medical details you need.
Schedule an appointment at our center today. We are here to help.
Bleeding Is an Expected Side Effect of the Abortion Pill
A medical abortion involves taking two drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, the hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. The second drug, taken one to two days later, is called misoprostol and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through cramping and bleeding.
Bleeding and cramping are expected as part of the process. However, the amount of bleeding varies from woman to woman and may depend on how far along the pregnancy is.
When Bleeding Could Signal a Complication
Very heavy and prolonged bleeding should not be ignored, as it could signal a potential complication. Risks of a medical abortion include an incomplete abortion, infection, and hemorrhage.
Signs that you may be bleeding too heavily include:
- Soaking through two or more full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours
- Passing blood clots larger than the size of a lemon
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
- A fever that lasts more than four hours or develops in the days after taking misoprostol
- Chills, body aches, or a rapid heartbeat
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Why Medical Screening Matters
Confirming your pregnancy with a limited ultrasound is key before making a pregnancy decision.
This is because an ultrasound provides important medical information that a pregnancy test alone cannot, including how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and whether cardiac activity (a fetal heartbeat) is detected.
These details can directly affect your options and your health. For example, the abortion pill is only approved by the FDA through ten weeks of gestation.
There is also a chance your pregnancy is ectopic. This is where the pregnancy implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube, and needs urgent medical attention. It cannot be treated with the abortion pill.
One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Because hCG levels can remain elevated after a pregnancy loss, it is possible to receive a positive pregnancy test result even after miscarrying. In this situation, additional medical follow-up care may be needed.
Spero Medical offers limited ultrasounds to give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision about your pregnancy and health.
Get Accurate Information at Spero Medical
Whether you’re still exploring your pregnancy options or have concerns about your health after taking the abortion pill, Spero Medical is here to help.
Our appointments and pregnancy services are free and confidential, and we will never judge or pressure you into making a decision. We want you to feel fully informed and confident moving forward.
Contact us to make an appointment.
Spero Medical does not provide or refer for abortions.