Understanding the potential risks and complications of abortion can help you make informed decisions about your health. One of these risks includes an incomplete abortion, where pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after an abortion.
Black Hills Pregnancy Center is here to offer you post-abortion support if you are struggling. We provide care in a safe and non-judgmental space.
Schedule an appointment at our center today.
What Is an Incomplete Abortion?
An incomplete abortion can happen after a medical abortion or a surgical abortion. This means some pregnancy tissue is left behind in the uterus instead of being fully expelled.
There is no single cause of an incomplete abortion. However, taking the abortion pill beyond the FDA-approved gestational age of ten weeks may increase the risk of complications.
Warning Signs Of an Incomplete Abortion
The abortion pill and a surgical abortion do have side effects such as cramping and bleeding, which can be more significant than some women expect.
However, if you are experiencing the following symptoms, seeking medical attention is important to reduce the risk of serious complications.
The warning signs of an incomplete abortion include:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads per hour for two consecutive hours)
- Blood clots larger than the size of a lemon
- Continued signs of pregnancy
- Signs of infection, such as bad-smelling vaginal discharge, a fever, or severe pain in your back or stomach
- Feeling weak, dizzy, or faint
- Symptoms that worsen instead of improving over time
Why an Incomplete Abortion Needs Urgent Medical Treatment
An incomplete abortion left untreated can increase the risk of infection and blood loss. Some potential complications include anemia caused by significant blood loss, infection that may lead to sepsis, chronic pelvic pain, and Asherman’s syndrome.
Seeking medical care as soon as an incomplete abortion is suspected can reduce the chances of these complications developing. In some cases, a follow-up surgical procedure may be required to remove the remaining tissue.
We Are Here To Help You
We know that after an abortion, you may be feeling a mix of emotions, and Black Hills Pregnancy Center is here to offer you confidential support as you recover. We also give referrals for licensed counseling.
If you haven’t made a pregnancy decision yet and are still looking at your options, we provide free lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and counseling at the center so that you can be informed moving forward.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about the support available to you.
