Understanding the risks before choosing abortion is an essential step in making your pregnancy decision.
While an abortion may seem like a simple way to deal with an unexpected pregnancy, you should know that abortion is a serious medical decision that can lead to complications.
Incomplete abortion, a known complication of both medical and surgical abortion, occurs when some of the pregnancy tissue remains within the woman’s uterus following an abortion.
Continue reading to learn more about the impact incomplete abortion can have on a woman’s body and how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
Signs and Complications of Incomplete Abortion
Following an abortion, bleeding and cramping are expected as the pregnancy passes. However, soaking a pad every hour and passing large blood clots, as well as experiencing lower abdominal or pelvic cramping that does not improve, may indicate that you’re experiencing a complication.
Other signs of an incomplete abortion include:
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heart rate (more than 100 beats per minute)
- Low blood pressure
- Fever
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms. When an incomplete abortion is left untreated, the pregnancy tissue within the uterus can cause an infection and, in some cases, may lead to the development of sepsis.
Untreated, incomplete abortions can also lead to significant blood loss, leading to hemorrhage.
Diagnosing and Treating Incomplete Abortion
Incomplete abortions are most often diagnosed through an ultrasound scan, and seeking diagnosis and treatment immediately is crucial to prevent serious complications.
In some cases, incomplete abortion can be treated with misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions. However, when a woman is experiencing complications like hemorrhage or sepsis, a surgical procedure called dilation and curettage may be required.
Get Help Today
Whether you’ve already had an abortion or are still considering your pregnancy options, Chester County Connect Care is here to help.
If you’re pregnant, we offer free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. After learning more about your pregnancy, our trusted staff can answer your questions and discuss your options.
If you’ve already had an abortion, we can help you get connected with support resources to begin healing.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.