Before an abortion, your healthcare provider should evaluate your medical history, thoroughly examine you, and review your medications. But if you are post-abortion and feeling lower back or abdominal pain, passing blood clots, and cramping, you may have had an incomplete abortion. You must see your abortion provider immediately.
What is an Incomplete Abortion?
Both a miscarriage and an elected abortion can result in what’s known as an incomplete abortion. The National Library of Medicine describes it as “the partial loss of the products of conception within the first 20 weeks.”
If your body miscarries on its own, it’s often due to chromosomal abnormalities. In other words, the cells forming the embryo do not divide correctly. There are other reasons a woman could miscarry, including certain diseases, her age, STIs, and drug or alcohol use.
If you elect to have an abortion, it is possible for parts of a pregnancy to remain in a woman’s uterus. The Mayo Clinic lists an incomplete abortion as the first risk of a medical abortion.
Can I Prevent an Incomplete Abortion?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. There is no way to prevent an incomplete abortion with a natural miscarriage, and the cause is often unknown.
Abortion providers cannot determine whether your abortion will be complete or incomplete. The provider should insist you have an in-person follow-up visit to determine if the abortion was complete.
What Symptoms Should I Look For?
A woman experiencing an incomplete abortion may report the following:
- Rhythmic or labor-like cramping
- Passage of blood clots or pieces of tissue
- Vaginal bleeding
- Potential shock from blood loss
- A fever which may indicate an infection
- Lower abdominal and/or pelvic pain
- Pain in the lower back, buttocks, or genitals
Can All Elected Abortions Be Incomplete?
It is possible to have an incomplete abortion with both a medical or surgical abortion. A medical abortion uses the abortion pill method. Women perform this type of abortion in their homes. Since you do not have a doctor’s oversight, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of an incomplete abortion so you can seek emergency medical care immediately.
Surgical abortions can result in an incomplete procedure as well. You may require a second surgery to complete the abortion.
How Can Pee Dee Pregnancy Resource Center Help Me?
Our team specializes in providing accurate and factual information regarding abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks. Although we do not provide or refer for abortion, we can discuss the physical and emotional consequences you may face.
We offer free and confidential pregnancy consultations. At PD Pregnancy Resource Center, you are always supported, loved, equipped, and empowered. If you have experienced an abortion and are struggling emotionally, talk with us.
Schedule your free appointment today!