What Are the Warning Signs of Infection After Abortion?

Whether you’ve had an abortion recently or are considering one, it’s important to understand the warning signs of possible complications.

One of the most serious possible complications after an abortion is infection. Recognizing the symptoms of infection early and seeking prompt medical care are vital to protecting your health.

If you’ve recently had an abortion, here’s what you should know about infection, when to seek emergency care, and where to find support afterward. 

And if you’re still pregnant and wanting to learn more about abortion and your other options, contact Life Line today to find a safe space to get answers.

Know the Signs of Infection

After an abortion, vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping will happen. However, certain symptoms are not considered part of a normal recovery and should never be ignored.

Contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts more than 24 hours.
• Chills that continue after the expected medication side effects have passed.
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that gets worse instead of better.
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• Heavy bleeding, especially if you’re soaking through two or more full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours.
• Feeling faint, dizzy, weak, or unusually ill.

These symptoms may be signs of an infection or another complication that requires prompt medical attention.

Why Can an Infection Happen?

An infection can occur after either a medical abortion (abortion drugs) or a surgical abortion.

One possible cause of an infection after abortion is an incomplete abortion, which occurs when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus. When this happens, bacteria can grow, leading to an infection if the remaining tissue isn’t removed.

If left untreated, an infection can become more serious and, in rare cases, progress to sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency in which the body’s response to an infection begins damaging its own tissues and organs.

Infections are often treatable if they’re recognized early. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to your symptoms and seek medical care if something doesn’t feel right.

Don’t Ignore Your Instincts

You know your body better than anyone else.

If your symptoms seem unusually severe, continue to worsen, or simply don’t seem right, it’s always better to seek medical care than to wait and hope they’ll improve.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Confusion or difficulty staying awake.
• Severe pain that isn’t relieved by medication.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Extremely heavy bleeding.
• A combination of fever, chills, and worsening abdominal pain.

Important note: When seeking emergency care, be sure to let the staff know that you had an abortion so that they can best help you.

We’re Here for You

If you’re recovering from an abortion, Life Line wants you to know that you don’t have to go through this alone.

If you’re experiencing signs of infection or another medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. 

Once you’ve received the medical care you need, Life Line is here to provide compassionate, confidential support. Whether you have questions about your recovery, need someone to talk to, or are looking for emotional healing after an abortion, our caring team is here to listen without judgment and connect you with the resources you need.

No matter what you’re feeling or what you’ve experienced, you don’t have to carry it alone. Contact Life Line to learn more about our post-abortion support services. We’re here for you.