Being prepared for complications following an abortion is essential for protecting your health. All abortions can cause bleeding and cramping, but how do you know if you are bleeding or cramping too much? Here are some of the warning signs of infection to look for.
For more information, schedule an appointment with a Pee Dee Pregnancy Resource Center advocate. You deserve to know the truth.
The Two Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy usually determines which procedure you have.
Medical Abortion (a.k.a. the abortion pill method)
The FDA approves abortion drugs for a medical abortion through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The first drug, mifepristone, is highly regulated, and only certified providers can prescribe it. Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is vital to the success of the drugs.
Warning Signs of Infection With the Abortion Pill
Call your healthcare professional or visit the ER if you have any of the following symptoms after a medical abortion:
- Heavy Bleeding – soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row.
- Bad pain in the stomach or pelvis.
- Chills or body aches.
- Fast heart rate.
- A fever that lasts more than four hours or that starts in the days after you take misoprostol (the second drug).
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Surgical Abortion
For surgical abortions, providers use suction or vacuum aspiration for early pregnancies. By the end of the first trimester, the abortion provider may add surgical instruments such as a curette for scraping or forceps. Surgical procedures usually require some form of anesthesia and dilation (opening) of the cervix.
Warning Signs of Infection With a Surgical Abortion
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms after a surgical procedure:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour.
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness.
- A fever.
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours.
- Pain that gets worse instead of better.
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.
Get More Information From Pee Dee PRC
Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can give you details about abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, and the physical and emotional risks. Your health and safety are our first concern.
Take time to learn the facts about your pregnancy and options. Fill out our convenient and confidential online contact form for a no-cost appointment. We’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.