Bleeding happens after an abortion, whether it’s a medical or surgical procedure. While it’s a normal part of the recovery process, the amount and duration of the bleeding can vary from woman to woman.
In today’s article, we’ll discuss how long you might bleed after an abortion, what is considered normal, and when you should seek medical attention. Keep reading to learn more.
How Long Do You Bleed After the Abortion Pill?
Vaginal bleeding typically begins around two hours after taking misoprostol.[1] It can last for about 9 to 16 days, but it could go on for up to 30 days or longer.[2]
How Long Do You Bleed After a D&C?
You may begin bleeding right away after a surgical abortion (dilation and curettage or D&C). Bleeding and spotting may last for up to 4 weeks.[3]
Can You Stop Bleeding After an Abortion?
Unfortunately, you can’t stop the bleeding yourself after an abortion. It simply needs to run its course. However, there are a few ways to manage your symptoms as you recover[4]:
- Use pads to absorb the bleeding. Change them every 2 to 4 hours to prevent infection.
- Do not use tampons or put anything in your vagina for at least 1 week.
- Do not have vaginal intercourse for up to 3 weeks (or until cleared by your doctor).
- Avoid strenuous activity the first few days, such as lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds.
- Avoid strenuous aerobic activity, such as working out, until cleared by your doctor.
- Take medicines, such as antibiotics, as instructed.
- Rest as needed.
How Much Bleeding is Normal After an Abortion?
The amount of bleeding you experience after abortion depends on the type of abortion you had and how far along you were in your pregnancy.
The abortion pill tends to cause more bleeding compared to surgical abortions.[5] One study found that patients who took the abortion pill lost up to 101 milliliters of blood, while women who had surgical abortions lost up to 53 milliliters.[6]
That being said, it is possible to hemorrhage after an abortion. If your bleeding is so heavy that it requires you to change pads more often than every hour, you may be experiencing severe blood loss.[7]
When to Call Your Doctor
Although bleeding is normal after an abortion, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of hemorrhaging and infection. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following[8]:
- Bleeding so heavy that it requires you to change pads more often than every hour
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Pain or swelling in one leg
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Continued pain or pregnancy symptoms beyond 2 weeks
- Fever that does not go away
- Vaginal drainage with a foul odor and/or that looks like pus
After Abortion Support Groups in Alabama and Online
Bleeding after an abortion can be a painful reminder of the traumatic experience you’ve gone through. You don’t have to do this alone.
Abortion Recovery Alabama is here to help you find hope and healing. Consider joining one of our after abortion support groups. Groups are located in various locations in Alabama. You can also participate virtually.
Give us a call at (205) 894-2868. today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Abortion Recovery Alabama does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, December 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- See source #1.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, January 1). Abortion – procedure – aftercare. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000658.htm
- See source #3.
- Bridwell, R. E., Long, B., Montrief, T., & Gottlieb, M. (2022, October 23). Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9683756/
- See source #5.
- See source #3.
- See source #3.