Experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and considering your options can feel overwhelming. If you’re learning about medical abortion, it’s essential to understand not only how the process works, but also the warning signs that may indicate a serious complication. One of the most important symptoms to watch for is heavy bleeding.
Your health and safety matter. Being informed helps you know when something is within the range of expected side effects, and when it’s time to seek immediate medical care.
At Attleboro Women’s Health, our care team offers free, confidential appointments where you can ask questions, receive accurate information, and better understand your pregnancy and options. Schedule an appointment today to talk with us.
In the meantime, here’s what you should know about bleeding during a medical abortion.
Understanding Bleeding After a Medical Abortion
A medical abortion uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone necessary to sustain the pregnancy, causing the fetus to detach from the uterus. Misoprostol is taken next and triggers uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.
Bleeding and cramping will occur during this process. However, there is a difference between typical bleeding and bleeding that signals a complication. Knowing what’s expected and what’s not is key to protecting your health.
When Bleeding Becomes a Medical Concern
Heavy bleeding requires prompt medical attention. A common warning sign is soaking two or more full sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours. Bleeding at this level is not considered normal and should not be ignored.
Other symptoms that may indicate a complication include severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, fever that lasts more than four hours or begins days after taking misoprostol, chills or flu-like body aches, a rapid heartbeat, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
If you experience any of these signs, seek emergency medical care right away. When it comes to your health, it’s always better to act quickly, even if you’re unsure.
Why Understanding the Risks Is Important
If you’re still weighing your pregnancy options, understanding the possible risks and complications of abortion procedures is an important part of making an informed decision. Medical abortion does not affect everyone the same way, and factors like gestational age (how far along you are) and individual health history matter.
Being informed allows you to advocate for yourself and make choices that consider both your physical and emotional well-being.
Find Support at Attleboro Women’s Health
You don’t have to navigate this alone. At Attleboro Women’s Health, our compassionate care team provides free, confidential pregnancy services, including free limited ultrasounds to help confirm and understand your pregnancy.
We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and support you as you consider your next steps.
Schedule your free, confidential appointment today. Your health, safety, and peace of mind matter to us.
Attleboro Women’s Health does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.