An incomplete abortion is a potential risk associated with medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”).
If you’re considering abortion, it’s essential to be aware of the signs of incomplete abortion so you can protect your health and make an informed decision about how to move forward in your pregnancy.
Read on to learn more about the signs of an incomplete abortion and how to protect your health. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy, contact Spero Medical to be connected to one of our caring team members.
All appointments and resources are free and confidential.
Signs of an Incomplete Abortion
During a medical abortion, the involved drugs work together to terminate the pregnancy and expel it from the uterus.
However, sometimes parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in the uterus, and this is known as an incomplete abortion.
An incomplete abortion is dangerous because it can lead to an infection. Signs you may be experiencing an incomplete abortion after taking the abortion drugs include:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you’ve recently taken the abortion drugs and are experiencing these symptoms, it’s critical to seek emergency medical treatment as soon as possible.
How Can I Protect My Health?
If you’re considering taking abortion drugs, getting an ultrasound first is the best way to protect your health. An ultrasound is a simple scan that will give you the information you need to stay safe.
An ultrasound can help reveal the gestational age of your pregnancy and its location—two important details to know before seeking a medical abortion. This is because mifepristone is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation.
It isn’t an option if you’re experiencing an ectopic pregnancy (which is when the pregnancy is developing outside your uterus). If these situations apply to you and you take the abortion drugs, you’re more likely to experience a risk, which includes an incomplete abortion.
We provide free ultrasounds at Spero Medical because we believe every woman deserves access to essential health services.
Next Steps
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can stir many difficult emotions, but you’re not alone in this. At Spero Medical, we’re here for you with free medical resources, services, and information that can help you feel supported and informed.
You don’t have to do this alone. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.