What Is an Incomplete Abortion?
An incomplete abortion is a risk of both medical and surgical abortion. An incomplete abortion occurs when tissue from the pregnancy remains in the woman’s uterus after the pregnancy has been terminated. Incomplete abortion can lead to severe complications, like bleeding and infection, and requires medical intervention.
Signs of an Incomplete Abortion
Since women recover from abortion at home, they will be responsible for monitoring themselves for complications like incomplete abortion and seeking medical assistance if needed. Signs and symptoms of incomplete abortion to watch for include the following:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through 1 pad every hour)
- Passing blood clots
- Severe abdominal or lower back pain
- Fever
- Rhythmic cramps, like labor
- Slower pulse
- Lower blood pressure
Risk Factors
While any woman may experience an incomplete abortion after receiving an abortion, there are common risk factors that can increase a woman’s chances of experiencing this side effect. However, just because a woman has these risk factors does not mean she will experience an incomplete abortion. Risk factors for incomplete abortion include the following:
- Abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy
- Advanced maternal age (older the 35)
- Never having given birth before
- History of incomplete abortion
- Previous C-section or uterine surgery
Do You Have More Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out and allow us to support you. Our staff is passionate about providing evidence-based information about pregnancy, adoption, and abortion. Find the education and resources you are looking for at Life Options Clinic.
Our clinic also offers services like pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases at no cost so you can prioritize your safety when choosing an outcome for your pregnancy.
Schedule a free appointment online, and let us know how we can help.