What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?

If you’re considering abortion or have recently had one and are experiencing some unusual symptoms, understanding the signs of an incomplete abortion is important to protect your health. 

An incomplete abortion is when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after an abortion and needs urgent medical attention. If you suspect you may be experiencing this complication, don’t hesitate to seek immediate care.

If you are still contemplating which pregnancy option to choose, Ascend Women’s Center can help. We offer no-cost pregnancy tests, limited OB ultrasounds, and abortion information consultations to give you the accurate information you need.

Schedule your appointment today.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

An incomplete abortion can happen after a medical abortion or a surgical abortion. 

Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding will occur after a medical abortion, with some women reporting the pain as more severe than expected. A surgical abortion’s side effects include mild abdominal cramping and light vaginal bleeding or spotting that should resolve over time.

After either abortion type, certain warning symptoms can indicate an incomplete abortion, such as:

• Heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding
• Fever or chills
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which may be a sign of infection
• Ongoing pelvic pain or intense cramping

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek prompt medical attention from your healthcare provider.

There is no single cause of an incomplete abortion. However, taking the abortion pill beyond the FDA-approved gestational age of ten weeks can increase the risk of complications.

Why Urgent Treatment Matters

If an incomplete abortion is left untreated, it can cause complications such as anemia due to significant blood loss, infection, chronic pelvic pain, and Asherman’s syndrome, which can lead to infertility.

Even if your symptoms feel mild, getting medical care early can help identify and treat complications before they worsen.

We Are Here for You

If you suspect an incomplete abortion, seek urgent medical care from your healthcare provider. Your health is the priority. 

If you think you may be pregnant and are considering your options, Ascend Women’s Center is here to help you. We offer free pregnancy services and accurate information about your options.

Contact us today to make an appointment. 

Ascend Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.