If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, abortion may seem like your simplest option. Still, to protect your health, it’s critical to understand all the risks before deciding to terminate.
Incomplete abortions are a potential risk of both medical and surgical abortions and occur when a portion of the pregnancy tissue remains within the uterus after an abortion. Early recognition and treatment of incomplete abortions are crucial to prevent further complications.
Continue reading to learn more about the signs, diagnosis, and treatment of an incomplete abortion.
Signs of An Incomplete Abortion
Following an abortion, most women are encouraged to monitor their symptoms at home for any signs of complications. Understanding the warning signs of an incomplete abortion and reporting them to your doctor immediately is critical to prevent life-threatening complications.
The following are signs of an incomplete abortion:
- Soaking a pad every hour
- Passing large blood clots
- Lower abdominal or pelvic cramping (not improving with time)
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Rapid heart rate (more than 100 bpm)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Fever
Contact your doctor right away if you experience the above symptoms post-abortion.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Incomplete Abortion
In diagnosing an incomplete abortion, an ultrasound scan is used to examine the uterus for remaining pregnancy tissue.
If remaining pregnancy tissue is found on ultrasound, treatment often depends on the woman’s symptoms. Sometimes, the pregnancy tissue will pass with time, while in other cases, misoprostol or a dilation and curettage procedure may be required.
When misoprostol is used, it causes uterine contractions to rid the body of the tissue. A dilation and curettage is often the treatment of choice if a woman is experiencing complications from an incomplete abortion, like sepsis or hemorrhage.
Get Help Today
Navigating an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming, and sometimes a pregnancy decision can feel like just too much to bear.
Know that you don’t have to walk alone. Chester County Connect Care is here to help.
We offer free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans, and our trained medical team can answer your questions and discuss your options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.