If you’ve taken the abortion drugs and you’re wondering whether your symptoms are normal, you’re not alone.
While you will inevitably experience bleeding and cramping after taking the abortion drugs, it can be difficult to know if other symptoms are to be expected or are signs of a complication.
If you’ve taken the abortion drugs and you’re having concerning symptoms, like a fever, dizziness, or heavy bleeding (more than two sanitary pads per hour), it’s important to seek medical care at an emergency room near you immediately.
If you haven’t yet taken the abortion drugs and are looking for more information, contact Lakeside Women’s Clinic today to find a safe space to ask questions, and read on to learn more about warning signs after taking the abortion pill.
Heavy Bleeding Can Be a Sign of a Serious Complication
Vaginal bleeding is expected after taking the abortion drugs, especially after taking misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
However, very heavy bleeding is not something you should ignore.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you:
- Soak through two or more full-size sanitary pads within two consecutive hours.
- Feel faint, dizzy, or lightheaded due to blood loss.
- Pass very large blood clots along with excessive bleeding.
- Feel weak or have trouble standing because of the amount of bleeding.
These symptoms could indicate excessive blood loss and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider right away.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Infection is one of the most serious complications that can occur after an abortion.
If an infection is left untreated, it can progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition in which the body’s response to the infection begins to damage its own tissues and organs.
Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol.
- Chills that continue after the expected medication side effects have passed.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Severe abdominal pain that continues or gets worse instead of improving.
- Confusion, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heart rate.
Prompt treatment is essential if an infection is suspected.
Don’t Ignore Severe or Persistent Symptoms
Every woman’s experience with the abortion drugs is different, but you know your body better than anyone else.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain that isn’t relieved by pain medication.
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping down food or fluids.
- Loss of consciousness or fainting.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Ongoing pregnancy symptoms accompanied by severe pain or heavy bleeding.
- Any symptom that feels severe, worsening, or concerning.
In some cases, women can experience an incomplete abortion, which means pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. This can increase the risk of heavy bleeding or infection and may require additional medical treatment.
We’re Here for You
If you’ve taken the abortion drugs and have questions about your recovery, or if you’re still pregnant and considering your options, Lakeside Women’s Clinic is here to support you. Contact us today.
We offer a safe space to ask questions and find answers. And if you’re still pregnant, we offer free, confidential options consultations, where you’ll receive the information and support you need to make an informed choice.
And if you’ve already taken the abortion drugs and are experiencing any of the emergency symptoms described above, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
