What is an incomplete abortion?

July 25, 2022

After a medical or surgical abortion procedure, an incomplete abortion occurs when pregnancy tissue is impaired and doesn’t fully detach in order to exit the body. This causes the body to experience signs and symptoms that can potentially be harmful, or even fatal to a woman’s health. Therefore, it’s important to recognize these symptoms to maintain both health and safety.

What are the signs and symptoms of an incomplete abortion?

It’s important to remember signs and symptoms of a failed abortion may vary from one person to another. However, below are the most common warning signs that an abortion was incomplete according to the National Library of Medicine.

·       Heavy vaginal bleeding and/or the passing of large clots.

Keeping tabs on the amount of bloody discharge is important but can also be difficult to measure. A good rule of thumb is bleeding that soaks a sanitary pad within one hour is considered abnormal. Additionally, symptoms of abnormal bleeding might include feeling light-headed, cold, or having an elevated pulse rate of over 100 beats per minute while resting.  

·       Cramping or pain noted to the abdomen, back and pelvis.

Pain associated with the back, lower abdomen, buttocks, perineum, or pelvic regions can be an indication that something is wrong. Monitoring for these discomforts can prove helpful when understanding if an incomplete abortion may have occurred.

·       An elevated temperature that is usually 100°F or above.

The Mayo Clinic states a temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit is the definition of a fever. Feeling cold and sweating can also be an indication of a high temperature. Checking your temperature from time to time is always a good idea.

When Should I Reach Out?

Remember, if something feels out of the ordinary for you, never hesitate to contact someone you trust. Every woman is different when experiencing symptoms. Therefore, when in doubt and you think you might be experiencing one of the above warning signs, even mildly, we encourage you to reach out to us for a free consultation. We believe in empowering you with the knowledge to keep you safe, happy, healthy, and moving forward.