Knowing what to expect before having an abortion is essential to understanding when to seek additional care. All abortions involve bleeding and cramping, but how do you know when you are experiencing complications?
Be prepared by getting factual information from First Choice Georgia Pregnancy Clinic. We’ll explain the warning signs of infection. If you would like more information about abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, and other potential risks, schedule an appointment today.
Knowing the Signs to Look For
An abortion is a major medical decision with the possibility of physical and emotional risks. If you’re considering the abortion pill method, knowing the warning signs of infection is vital since you perform this at home alone.
Medical Abortion (the Abortion Pill Method)
Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. While these drugs always cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, risks can occur.
Potential signs of infection include:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row)
- Bad pain in the stomach area or pelvis
- Chills or body aches
- Fast heart rate
- A fever that lasts more than 4 hours or that starts after you take misoprostol (the second drug)
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Surgical Abortion
Surgical procedures use a combination of suction or vacuum aspiration and surgical tools like a scraping tool or forceps. Mild cramping and light bleeding can occur after the procedure.
You are encouraged to contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
How Can First Choice Assist Me?
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual, medically based details about each procedure, what side effects to expect, and how to know if you need to seek additional medical attention. Your health and safety are our first concern.
Let us be your first choice for getting the information you need to make a confident decision. Schedule an appointment online, call (912) 538-0762, or text (912) 495-8682. We’re always here for you.
