What are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?

If you have recently had an abortion, or are considering abortion, be informed and aware of all the potential outcomes. One complication of an abortion is an incomplete abortion, which occurs when the pregnancy tissue isn’t completely removed from the uterus. An incomplete abortion can lead to serious health risks and should be addressed immediately.

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of an incomplete abortion can include:

• Heavy bleeding: You may experience heavy or prolonged bleeding that may last for several days.
• Pain: You may experience abdominal pain or cramping, which can range from mild to severe.
• Persistent vaginal discharge: You may experience a persistent discharge that is different from your normal menstrual period.
• Retention of tissue: You may feel that some pregnancy tissue is still inside your uterus.
• Fever: You may develop a fever, which can be a sign of infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms after an abortion, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. An incomplete abortion can lead to serious health risks and should be addressed promptly.

Treating an Incomplete Abortion

Some of the common treatments for an incomplete abortion are:

• Medications: In some cases, a woman may be given medications, like misoprostol, to help her uterus contract and expel any remaining pregnancy tissue. This treatment is often used in combination with a D&C.
• Dilation and curettage (D&C): This is a procedure in which the cervix is dilated and a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument) is used to remove any remaining pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
• Repeat abortion: In some cases, a woman may need to have a repeat abortion to remove any remaining pregnancy tissue.
• Observation: In some cases, a woman may be monitored for several days to see if her body will naturally expel the remaining pregnancy tissue.

In addition to the signs and symptoms of an incomplete abortion, it is important to understand how this condition is treated. The treatment for an incomplete abortion will depend on a number of factors, including the extent of the pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus and the overall health of the woman.

Your healthcare provider will be able to provide you with more information about your specific situation and the best course of treatment for you.

Before an Abortion

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy it’s important to get all the information you can before deciding what option you are going to pursue. For example, one factor that can increase the chance of an incomplete abortion is attempting a medical abortion too late in pregnancy. 

That’s why an ultrasound scan can be an important step in giving you important details–like the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy. 

The trained staff at Alpha Pregnancy Care Center provide lab-quality pregnancy tests to confirm pregnancy and a follow-up ultrasound scan–all at no cost to you and completely confidential. 

Contact our team today to schedule an appointment, and start getting the answers you need to make the best decision for your health and future.