What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?
Like many procedures, abortion has risks that all women should know about, especially those undergoing one. One of these risks is an incomplete abortion, which is when some of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus following the procedure. Incomplete abortions are dangerous when left untreated and always require further medical treatment.
Any woman can have an incomplete abortion if they’ve undergone a medical or surgical abortion, but some are predisposed to having one if they have certain conditions:
- History of having C-sections
- Having a late-term abortion
- Infections
- Bleeding disorders
How Do I Know If I’m Having an Incomplete Abortion?
Though these signs don’t guarantee that you are having one, they may be indicative of having an incomplete abortion:
- Fever or chills
- Cramping
- Heavy bleeding
- Abdominal or lower back pain
- Passing large clots through vaginal bleeding
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Be sure to seek medical guidance if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. It is always best to get checked out, even if they indicate something else.
If you are diagnosed with having an incomplete abortion, there are several things a medical provider will do to treat you. First, they will use medication to dilate your cervix. This will hopefully allow the remaining pregnancy tissue to pass without complication. If this doesn’t work, however, a procedure known as dilation and curettage may be utilized to remedy the issue.
During a D & C, small instruments or medication are used to dilate the cervix. Next, a gentle suctioning technique or curette removes the pregnancy contents from the uterus. Side effects of this procedure include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
I’d Like More Guidance
If you’ve had an abortion and believe you are experiencing an incomplete abortion, you should seek medical attention at the nearest emergency room. Don’t delay in receiving help.
If you are pregnant and would like to receive no-cost, confidential options information, Life’s Choices Women’s Clinic is here for you. We offer various services to give you the confidence and information you need to move forward.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more!
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
Pregnancy Tests
If you have had unprotected sex or missed your period, you might wonder if you are pregnant. The first thing you should do is take a pregnancy test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing at no cost.
Ultrasounds
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound will help determine how far along you are, if the pregnancy is viable (growing), and if it’s located in the correct place. We offer limited obstetric ultrasounds at no cost.
STD Testing
When a person engages in sex or sex-like activity, there’s a chance of contracting an STD. Most people with an STD don’t have immediate symptoms. Regular testing helps prevent later physical risks. We offer no-cost and confidential STD testing to women and men.
Men MENtoring Men
Our fatherhood program, Men MENtoring Men, begins during the first medical appointment. Men MENtoring Men is the opportunity for you to meet with a male advocate to discuss your feelings about becoming a dad.
