Bleeding After Taking Misoprostol: What to Expect

Taking Hiccup medication may cause bleeding?

Yesterday, after taking three doses of Misoprostol, I started to feel pain.
Soon after, I experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea (could this be a side effect?).
However, there was no bleeding at that time.
After taking a nap, I noticed some bleeding in the morning when I went to the bathroom (it wasn't much, probably on the lighter side?).
After lying back down, I experienced intermittent pain (similar to menstrual cramps; sometimes it was a bit more intense, and other times just mild).
When I went to the bathroom again (to urinate and change my pad), the old pad had blood but no clots or tissue.
However, when I wiped my vagina with toilet paper, I saw blood and a very small white object (it was really tiny, but still visibly noticeable).
Could this be tissue? Based on this, can it be considered successful? Will the placenta continue to grow?

m, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/16

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, please observe whether the treatment is successful and follow the prescribing physician's instructions for the gynecological examination.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/03/16

More Info

When taking Misoprostol, it is common to experience a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding. Misoprostol is often used for medical abortion or to induce labor, and it works by causing the uterus to contract and expel its contents. The bleeding you are experiencing is a typical response to the medication, as it indicates that the uterus is shedding its lining and any contents that may be present.

In your case, the initial symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea are indeed side effects associated with Misoprostol. These symptoms can occur as the medication stimulates the uterus and gastrointestinal tract. The bleeding you observed the following morning is also a normal part of the process. It is not uncommon for the bleeding to start off light and then become heavier, similar to a menstrual period. The presence of a small white object you noticed on the tissue could potentially be tissue or a clot, but without further examination, it is difficult to determine its exact nature.

Regarding your concerns about whether this indicates a successful outcome, the presence of bleeding and the expulsion of tissue are generally signs that the medication is working as intended. However, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure that the abortion is complete and that there are no complications. They may perform an ultrasound or a physical examination to confirm that the uterus is empty and that the process has been successful.

As for your question about whether the placenta will continue to grow, if the Misoprostol has effectively terminated the pregnancy, then the placenta should not continue to develop. However, if there are any remnants of the pregnancy tissue left in the uterus, it could lead to complications, including continued bleeding or infection. This is why follow-up care is crucial after taking Misoprostol.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing—abdominal pain, bleeding, and the expulsion of tissue—are consistent with the expected effects of Misoprostol. It is vital to maintain communication with your healthcare provider throughout this process to ensure your safety and well-being. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or any other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider can provide the best guidance based on your specific situation and ensure that you receive the appropriate care.

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