Post-Abortion Bleeding: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Q: Post-Abortion Bleeding: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Hello： Please stop taking the medication. <br>If the bleeding lasts more than a week, please return for a follow-up appointment. <br>The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Post-medication abortion pelvic examination status?

Hello, I took the first dose of abortion medication on December 9 and the second dose on December 11.
The bleeding stopped on December 22, and during my follow-up appointment on December 25, the doctor performed a pelvic examination and confirmed that everything was clear, advising me to start taking supplements.
However, I experienced some pain during the examination.
On December 26, I took postpartum chicken essence capsules, but I experienced bleeding again (bright red and not spotting) along with a small amount of blood clots.
On December 27, the bleeding had decreased slightly, but there were still some concerns.
Is this bleeding situation normal? Should I stop taking the supplements or return for another appointment, or can I just maintain the current situation? Thank you.

Cindy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/27

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Please stop taking the medication.
If the bleeding lasts more than a week, please return for a follow-up appointment.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2023/12/27

More Info

Post-abortion bleeding is a common concern for many women who have undergone a medical abortion. Understanding the normal patterns of bleeding and when to seek medical help is crucial for ensuring your health and well-being.

After taking abortion medication, it is typical to experience bleeding that can last for several days to a few weeks. This bleeding is often heavier than a normal menstrual period initially, and it may include blood clots. The bleeding usually starts to taper off after a week or so, but some women may experience intermittent bleeding for a longer period. In your case, you mentioned that you had bleeding from December 9th to December 22nd, which is within the expected timeframe for post-abortion bleeding.

However, the fact that you experienced fresh red bleeding and some blood clots after your follow-up appointment on December 25th raises some concerns. Fresh red blood can indicate that there may still be some retained products of conception in the uterus, which can lead to complications if not addressed. It is essential to monitor the amount and color of the blood. If the bleeding is heavy (soaking through a pad in an hour), accompanied by severe pain, or if you experience fever or chills, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Regarding the pain you experienced during the internal examination, some discomfort can be expected, but it should not be severe. If you find that the pain is worsening or if you have any new symptoms, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider.

As for the use of supplements or health products like chicken essence after an abortion, it is generally safe to take nutritional supplements unless otherwise advised by your doctor. However, if you notice that these supplements seem to correlate with increased bleeding or discomfort, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider whether to continue taking them.

In summary, while some bleeding after a medical abortion is normal, the presence of fresh red blood and clots warrants further evaluation. It is always better to err on the side of caution and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your symptoms. They may recommend an ultrasound or further examination to ensure that everything is progressing as it should. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, so do not hesitate to reach out for help if you feel uncertain about your situation.

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