Cramping, bleeding, and fatigue are all expected during a normal abortion recovery. But, what happens if something feels different? When should you wait it out at home and when is it time to call your doctor?
Knowing the difference can make a huge difference. While most abortions are safe, serious complications can happen.
This is why it’s important to know the warning signs of abortion complications.
What’s Normal After an Abortion?
You may experience many different symptoms after an abortion, including:
- Mild to moderate cramping and bleeding
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Mild fever
- Breast tenderness
After a medication abortion, bleeding and cramping may be more noticeable because the medication causes the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue.
After a surgical abortion, cramping and light to moderate bleeding can occur for several days.
What’s most important is that you notice your symptoms improving, not getting worse.
Common Warning Signs of Abortion Complications
Most abortions go as planned without any complications. But, in the event that something goes wrong, it helps to know what to look for and what steps to take next.
Heavy Bleeding
Bleeding is expected, but you don’t want to ignore heavy bleeding. If you’re soaking through two or more pads an hour for two consecutive hours, contact our team immediately.
You should also call if you’re experiencing heavy clotting.
If you’re bleeding so heavily that you feel weak, faint, dizzy, or unusually unwell, seek urgent medical care.
Severe Pain
After an abortion, it’s normal to experience some uncomfortable cramping. But, severe paint hat doesn’t improve with medication is worrisome.
Persistent or worsening pelvic or abdominal pain should be assessed by a doctor.
Pain that suddenly becomes much worse, especially when combined with heavy bleeding, dizziness, or fainting, can be signs of a more serious problem.
Remember, you know your body best. If the pain feels far beyond what you were told to expect, it’s better to contact our team than sit at home hoping it passes.
Fever or Chills
A short-lived fever or chills can happen after an abortion. But, if your fever continues, it becomes much more worrisome.
If your fever lasts longer than 24 hours and or is above 100°F, you’ll want to contact us immediately.
You should also pay close attention to vaginal discharge. An unusual or foul smell could indicate an infection.
Little to No Bleeding
After taking the second abortion pill, some bleeding is expected. So, if you have no bleeding within 24 hours after taking it, you’ll want to give us a call.
No bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. But, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
After a medication abortion, a follow-up appointment is extremely important to confirm that the abortion was successful.
When You Should Go to the ER
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, here are a few more symptoms that require immediate care. You should go to the emergency room if you experience:
- Serious dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Fainting
- Racing heart
These could all be signs of internal bleeding, an infection, or some other serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Worried About Abortion Complications? Don’t Hesitate to Call Us
One of the hardest parts of recovery can be wondering if what you’re experiencing is normal. If you have any concerns about something you’re experiencing, the team at Metropolitan Medical Associates is here to help when you need us the most.
Though serious complications are uncommon, they can still happen. Remember, if something feels wrong, listen to your gut.
Call our clinic at 201.429.9748 today if you have any questions about what you’ve read above.
Abortion complications can be concerning, but when treatment is performed by, or under the care of, an experienced professional, complication risks are very minimal.
To book an appointment at our abortion clinic in Englewood, NJ, fill out the form below.
Learn More About Our Compassionate, Highly Specialized Abortion Providers in Englewood, NJ
Located just three miles from the George Washington Bridge in Englewood, New Jersey, Metropolitan Medical Associates is a state-licensed ambulatory care gynecological center dedicated to providing comprehensive women’s healthcare with the utmost regard for privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
Decades of Combined Medical Expertise
Our clinical care is led by a dedicated team of board-certified gynecologists bringing over 100 years of combined experience to our practice. Supported by licensed medical personnel, an M.D. Anesthesiologist, and an on-site licensed laboratory, our medical team delivers high-quality, individualized care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Certified Specialty Services
- Comprehensive Pregnancy Termination Care: Specially certified by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners to perform surgical and non-surgical abortions, administer the Abortion Pill, and provide care through 27 weeks of gestation.
- Women’s Health & Preventive Gynecology: Expert guidance and care across a broad range of gynecological needs, including birth control, STD screenings, cervical and breast cancer awareness, and cardiovascular health.
- Hospital Affiliations: Our physicians hold hospital privileges at nearby Englewood Hospital.
Accredited for Quality & Safety
Metropolitan Medical Associates is accredited by AAAASF (The Gold Standard in Accreditation) and strictly adheres to state and federal safety guidelines established by the State of New Jersey and the Department of Health & Human Services. We are also a proud member of the National Abortion Federation (NAF).To learn more about our medical services or to schedule an appointment, visit our Contact & Appointment Request page or reach out directly to our team.