Whether you have a medication or surgical abortion, you run the risk of it being incomplete. Some abortion providers refer to an incomplete abortion as “retained products of conception.”
It means part of the pregnancy remains in your body, which can cause a serious infection or other long-term complications.
If you are considering an abortion for an unexpected pregnancy, it’s good that you are asking this question. You need to be prepared for any complications.
What Causes an Incomplete Abortion?
As a fetus grows, it and other tissues attach to the wall of your uterus. After an abortion, some of the tissue might remain inside.
For instance, the abortion pill method is a medication abortion using two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Experts state that an incomplete abortion is one of the risks. The drugs become less effective the further along you are in your pregnancy.
The FDA approves the use of these drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only (70 days past the first day of your last period). You must determine exactly how far along your pregnancy is.
A surgical abortion uses medical instruments to remove a pregnancy, including a sharp spoon-shaped tool used for scraping. It is possible to miss certain parts during surgery.
What Symptoms Should I Look For?
After an abortion, you should expect some bleeding and cramping, but experiencing any of the following symptoms could indicate a problem:
- Heavy bleeding or blood clots
- Fever
- Infection
- Pelvic pain
How is an Incomplete Abortion Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider might take blood and tissue tests. You may need to continue taking pregnancy tests to see if the amount of hCG (a pregnancy hormone) remains high.
Your provider may recommend a D & C (dilation and curettage) if necessary. This procedure requires the scraping tool to remove more tissue.
A transvaginal ultrasound is also possible. It checks for an enlarged or thickened uterine lining.
How Can New Life Assist Me?
If you experience heavy bleeding, a high fever, nausea, or severe pelvic pain after an abortion, seek medical attention immediately.
New Life does not perform or refer for abortion, but we can give you additional information about side effects and other potential risks. We also offer limited obstetrical ultrasound at no cost if you need to find out how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and if it is viable (growing) or if you have miscarried.
Trust the team at New Life to take care of you. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical professionals and get the help you need.