Are you considering the abortion pill (also known as a “medical abortion”)? Did you know that an incomplete abortion is one of the major risks of taking the abortion drugs?
An incomplete abortion happens when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus; this is a dangerous situation because it can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection.
Before seeking abortion drugs, it’s essential to learn more about incomplete abortion and the other risks involved in a medical abortion to be prepared and protect your health.
How Would I Know If I’m Having an Incomplete Abortion?
Taking the abortion drugs will cause you to experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding—and so does an incomplete abortion. This is why it can be difficult to know whether you’re experiencing typical abortion side effects or an incomplete abortion.
One way to determine the difference between typical abortion drug side effects and an incomplete abortion is that the latter causes heavy and prolonged bleeding that is often accompanied by blood clots.
Incomplete abortion can also cause the following symptoms:
- Enlarged uterus
- Fever
- Hypomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstrual periods)
- Infection
- Open ectocervix (the opening between the vagina and uterus should be small or closed after pregnancy)
- Pelvic pain
If you’ve already taken the abortion drugs and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek immediate medical intervention as soon as possible. Be sure to tell the medical professionals that you recently took abortion drugs and are worried about an incomplete abortion.
How Does an Ultrasound Protect My Health?
Whether you’re still thinking about taking the abortion drugs or you’ve already taken them and are worried that you’re experiencing an incomplete abortion, getting an ultrasound is the essential next step.
Ultrasound is a simple scan that gives you the critical details you need to know about your pregnancy, including its gestational age (this is important to know before taking the abortion drugs since they are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under).
Plus, ultrasound can help diagnose an incomplete abortion if you’ve already taken the drugs.
You’re Not Alone
Navigating an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially as you consider your options. However, you’re not alone in this. At 1st Way Pregnancy Support Center, we’re here for you.
