Post-abortion infection can occur when fetal and pregnancy tissues remain in your uterus (this can also occur during a miscarriage) or when bacteria enter your bloodstream during the procedure. These circumstances can cause an infection that requires immediate medical attention.
Some of the most obvious signs of infection include heavy bleeding, fever, and symptoms that worsen instead of improve.
Signs and Symptoms of a Post-Abortion Infection
If you undergo a medical or surgical abortion, here is a more robust list of symptoms you should look out for that may indicate an infection:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads per hour for two hours)
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Fever lasting longer than 4 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- An incomplete abortion (this may require a follow-up surgical intervention)
- Digestive system discomfort
This isn’t an exhaustive list. If you’ve had an abortion and are experiencing symptoms not listed above that become more severe, you should seek medical attention immediately.
How to Protect Your Health
At Crossroads Women’s Center, we want you to be informed and aware of your options. We offer no-cost services such as pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.
If you are considering an abortion, ultrasounds can be especially helpful to give you details that affect your available options.
For example, an ultrasound can reveal the pregnancy’s location. If the pregnancy is located outside of the uterus, this is called an ectopic pregnancy and cannot be treated with an elective abortion.
You can also learn the pregnancy’s gestational age. If it is 11 weeks or older, you will not be eligible for a medical abortion because they are only FDA-approved through 10 weeks.
Up to 26% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, which is another condition that is not eligible for an elective abortion.
While we do not perform abortions or provide abortion referrals, we offer options consultations in a supportive and compassionate environment. We provide factual information, answer your questions, and ensure you feel heard and understood.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!