After any medical event, it’s important to understand what your body is experiencing, especially when recovery doesn’t feel quite right. If you’ve had an abortion or taken abortion pills, knowing the warning signs of infection can help you protect your health and seek care early if something feels off.
Why Infection Can Occur After Abortion?
In some cases, infection may develop after an abortion due to bacteria entering the uterus or retained pregnancy tissue, sometimes called an incomplete abortion. Although most women recover without complications, infection remains a possible risk after both medical and surgical abortions.
Understanding what’s part of normal healing and what may signal infection, can help you know when to seek medical care.
Warning Signs After a Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is FDA-approved for use through 10 weeks gestation, and cramping and bleeding are expected as the body expels the pregnancy. However, seek immediate medical care if you notice any of the following symptoms after an abortion:
- Fever (generally 100.4°F / 38°C or higher) that lasts 24 to 48 hours or persistent chills
- Heavy bleeding, such as soaking two or more pads per hour for two consecutive hours
- Severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain that does not improve
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Ongoing nausea, vomiting, weakness, or dizziness
- Feeling generally unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms
Warning Signs After a Surgical Abortion
After a surgical abortion, mild cramping and light bleeding are common during recovery. However, symptoms such as fever, worsening abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge, large blood clots, or persistent nausea or vomiting are not typical and may signal infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a medical provider promptly to receive appropriate care and support.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters?
Untreated infection can lead to serious health concerns, including prolonged pain, heavy blood loss, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or damage to reproductive organs. In rare cases, infection can spread and become life-threatening.
Seeking medical care early can help prevent these complications, often with timely treatment such as antibiotics. If symptoms are sudden, severe, or rapidly worsening, emergency care may be necessary.
When to Seek Support
If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal, it’s always okay to ask. You deserve clear information and compassionate care, regardless of the pregnancy decision you’ve made.
If you have concerns after an abortion you can call to speak with a medical professional at our center.
The Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon does not provide or refer for abortions.