An incomplete abortion is a risk for both medical and surgical abortion.
If you are considering an abortion, inform yourself of all the risks before you decide so you can make an informed choice. Keep reading to learn more about incomplete abortion.
Because it can be dangerous, it is essential to seek medical help immediately if you have any signs of an incomplete abortion after an abortion procedure.
Signs of an Incomplete Abortion include:
- Bleeding more than expected
- Bleeding that doesn’t get lighter after the first few days
- Bleeding that lasts more than three weeks
- Very severe pain or cramps
- Pain that lasts longer than a few days
- Discomfort when anything presses on your belly
- Fever that is high or lasts more than a day or two
What Is an Incomplete Abortion?
Sometimes during an abortion, pieces of the pregnancy can remain in the woman’s uterus. When this happens, it is called an incomplete abortion. Seeking help for an incomplete abortion is imperative.
Incomplete abortions can lead to severe complications, including:
- Damage to the uterus
- Septic shock
- Pelvic infection
- Infertility
How Is an Incomplete Abortion Treated?
An incomplete abortion can be treated by a medical professional. Sometimes an incomplete abortion is treated with medications that force the uterus to contract to expel the remaining pieces of the pregnancy.
Other times, a surgical procedure will be needed to open the uterus and remove the remaining pregnancy with suction or with surgical instruments.
How Can You Limit Your Risk?
While incomplete abortion is a risk for any abortion procedure, it is more common in medical abortions when the woman is further along than ten weeks. Getting an ultrasound to date your pregnancy is a good idea to limit this risk.
Can Sierra Pregnancy and Health Medical Clinic Help?
If you want more information regarding your options for the outcome of your pregnancy, schedule a free appointment online.
We offer services to confirm and date your pregnancy and a consultation to give you further information on your available resources and options.
Please Note: We do not provide extended OB/GYN or prenatal care, fertility testing, abortion services, or referrals for abortion.