What Are the Signs of An Incomplete Abortion? 

Incomplete abortion is a rare complication following an abortion procedure, but one you should be aware of. Experiencing an incomplete abortion is a potential side effect of the abortion pill (medication or medical abortion) or a surgical abortion (an in-clinic procedure). 

If you think you might be unexpectedly pregnant and are considering abortion, be sure you know all of the potential risks and side effects first, including what to look for in the event of, although rare, an incomplete abortion. 

Your health and safety should always come first. You deserve the best care, and it’s essential to be aware of particular signs and symptoms that may put you at further risk. 

What Is an Incomplete Abortion?

Incomplete abortion is what it sounds like. After an abortion, pregnancy tissue is left in the uterus that could cause serious harm or infection. 

Who Is at Risk of an Incomplete Abortion?

Incomplete abortion may be of more significant concern to women who take the abortion pill without first seeking confirmation of how far along they are in pregnancy. 

Simply put, taking the abortion pill too late in pregnancy – or past the FDA-approved timeframe of up to 10 weeks gestational age – could place a woman at increased risk of incomplete abortion.

Your risk also includes ordering the abortion pill online and taking it without confirming the gestational age with a medical professional in person. 

The best way to put your health first and gather enough information about your pregnancy is to seek personalized, professional medical care through an ultrasound exam. 

What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?

You will want to seek medical care to check for incomplete abortion if you recognize the following symptoms (from the National Institutes of Health): 

• Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding and passing of clots
• Abdominal or pelvic pain that may spread to other locations
• Fever (which may be a sign of infection that requires immediate intervention) 
• Low heart rate and low blood pressure, possibly from cervical shock

What if I Had an Abortion & I’m Having These Symptoms? 

If you recognize the symptoms above and recently took the abortion pill or had an abortion procedure, we urge you to call your doctor and seek emergency medical care. A delay in receiving treatment for this complication could be dangerous to your health. 

Treatments for incomplete abortion vary in each unique situation. Sometimes, a single additional dose of misoprostol could expel the remaining tissue or fetal remains, resolving the issue. However, more severe cases may require a surgical procedure. 

I’m Considering Abortion: What Do I Need to Know First? 

Think you’re pregnant and considering abortion? Be sure you know all the unique details about your pregnancy before taking your next medical steps. 

At Life Line Pregnancy Center, we can help you discover critical facts, such as how far along you are in your pregnancy and what options are available. Our professional medical team can help answer these questions and screen for other potential complications (such as ectopic pregnancy) through an ultrasound exam. 

Put your health and safety first by getting the personalized care you deserve. You are not alone on this pregnancy decision journey! Schedule your free appointment today to get your questions answered.