Abortion is a serious medical procedure, and like many procedures, it carries a certain number of risks that you should be aware of. But what happens when you develop warning signs of infection, and what are those signs?
Infection can occur after a medical or surgical abortion, so it is important to be aware of the signs of infection so that you can seek prompt medical treatment. Your health matters, so don’t wait!
What Are the Normal Side Effects of Abortion?
Abortion side effects vary based on the type of procedure you are having. For some women, they are mild, while for others, they tend to be more severe.
Medical Abortion
It is common to experience a range of side effects following a medical abortion. These may include:
● Fever
● Chills
● Diarrhea
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Headache
● Vaginal bleeding
● Abdominal cramping
There are more serious issues following a medical abortion that may mean something more serious is going on, like an infection. Seek medical help right away if you are experiencing:
● Severe abdominal or back pain
● Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)
● Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
● Fever for more than 24 hours
Surgical Abortion
Like medical abortion, surgical abortion can cause a range of side effects, such as cramping or bleeding. But there are other risks and signs of more serious complications such as infection, including:
● Fever
● Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
● Cramping lasting more than 48 hours
● Bleeding severe enough that you’re changing pads every hour
● Dizziness or lightheadedness
● Pain that worsens instead of getting better
Both medical and surgical abortion also carry the risk of having an incomplete abortion, which is when some of the pregnancy tissue is left behind in the uterus. Incomplete abortions are very dangerous and require emergency treatment. Seek help immediately if you are experiencing:
● Moderate to heavy vaginal bleeding
● Pelvic or abdominal pain
Have More Questions?
If you have more questions about warning signs of infection following an abortion or would like to learn more about post-abortion support and care, contact us today.
We are here for you!
