Abortion

Anticipated side effects following an abortion:

The following is a list of side effects that are frequently experienced following an abortion. It is possible that you may experience these side effects for up to 2 to 4 weeks following the procedure.

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Spotting and Bleeding

Potential more serious complications following an abortion.

Although serious complications only occur in less than 1 out of 100 first trimester abortions and approximately 1 out of every 50 late term abortions; it is important to know the possible risks:

• Heavy or persistent bleeding
• Infection or sepsis
• Damage to the cervix
• Scarring of the uterine lining
• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to other organs
• Death

It is important to understand that these risks are rare and some are even present with child birth. What matters is that you are aware that they exist as you make an educated decision about your pregnancy.

If you have had an abortion, call your doctor and seek medical attention if your side effects become severe or if you experience any of the following:

• Severe abdominal and back pain that prohibits you from standing up
• Bleeding that is heavier than a normal menstrual period
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Fever above 100.4 F
• Continuing symptoms of pregnancy