Lower Abdominal Pain After Abortion: When to Seek Help

Q: Lower Abdominal Pain After Abortion: When to Seek Help

Hello： Generally, after a surgical abortion, there is not much bleeding for the first 3-5 days. <br>Typically, some bleeding may occur around 5-7 days later, but the amount should be minimal and not painful. <br>It is possible that the bleeding you are experiencing is due to the

Lower abdominal pain?

Hello Dr.
Cheng,
I underwent an abortion procedure on March 22 (I was 8 weeks pregnant at the time, and I am unaware of the specific surgical method used by the attending physician).
On the day of the surgery, the doctor prescribed medication for two days, which I believe was an anti-inflammatory, and scheduled a follow-up appointment for the 24th.
After returning home, I did not experience any bleeding, and there was no abdominal pain.

During the follow-up appointment, the doctor only examined the healing of the surgical site and administered medication.
He then prescribed another two days' worth of medication and said that would be sufficient.
However, starting on the 25th, I began to experience some bleeding daily and started to have a feeling of heaviness and pain in my lower abdomen.
Is this normal? Could it be related to my irregular sitting habits and poor sleep? I have not made any significant dietary changes, only consuming herbal soup and avoiding cold foods.

Do I need to return for another follow-up appointment? If so, can I visit you at Hsinchu Hospital? I apologize for the lengthy description and appreciate your response.
Thank you, and I wish you a pleasant day!

Jennifer, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/03/28

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Generally, after a surgical abortion, there is not much bleeding for the first 3-5 days.
Typically, some bleeding may occur around 5-7 days later, but the amount should be minimal and not painful.
It is possible that the bleeding you are experiencing is due to the consumption of herbal soup, which may have caused the newly formed endometrium to shed again.
You should only drink it for 2-3 days and avoid prolonged use.
Please monitor your condition for a few more days; if you feel better, there is no need for a follow-up appointment.
Dr.
Cheng Jin-He, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hsinchu Hospital.

Reply Date: 2004/03/28

More Info

After an abortion, it is not uncommon for women to experience some degree of lower abdominal pain and light bleeding. However, the persistence or worsening of these symptoms can indicate a need for further medical evaluation. In your case, since you began experiencing daily bleeding and dull pain in your lower abdomen starting on the 25th, it is essential to consider a few factors.

Firstly, it is important to understand that after an abortion, the body undergoes a recovery process. This can involve hormonal changes, uterine contractions, and the shedding of the uterine lining, which may manifest as bleeding and cramping. Light bleeding and mild discomfort can be normal in the days following the procedure. However, if the bleeding becomes heavier (similar to a menstrual period or more), or if the pain intensifies, these could be signs of complications such as retained products of conception, infection, or other issues that require medical attention.

In your situation, the fact that you are experiencing consistent bleeding and abdominal pain suggests that it would be prudent to seek further evaluation from your healthcare provider. It is not advisable to wait until your next scheduled appointment if you are experiencing these symptoms. Instead, you should contact your doctor or visit a healthcare facility to discuss your symptoms. They may perform an ultrasound or other diagnostic tests to ensure that everything is healing properly and to rule out any complications.

Regarding your concerns about your lifestyle, factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet can indeed affect your overall health and recovery. While they may not directly cause complications from the abortion, they can impact your body's ability to heal. It is advisable to prioritize rest, maintain a balanced diet, and manage stress levels during your recovery period.

If you are considering returning to the same hospital for a follow-up, it is generally best to see the provider who performed the procedure, as they will be familiar with your case. However, if you feel more comfortable seeking care elsewhere, ensure that the new provider has access to your medical history and any relevant details about your recent abortion.

In summary, while some bleeding and discomfort can be normal after an abortion, the symptoms you are experiencing warrant further investigation. Do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support. Your health and well-being are paramount, and timely medical attention can help ensure a smooth recovery.

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