What Are the Warning Signs of Infection After Abortion?
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion—or if you’ve already had one—it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs of infection to protect your health.
Infection is one of the risks associated with abortion. Read on to learn more about how infection happens after abortion and warning signs to watch out for. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person, contact Assure Women’s Center to be connected to one of our caring team members. All appointments and resources are free and confidential.
How Does Infection Happen After Abortion?
Infection is a risk of abortion, and it can happen due to various factors.
During a surgical abortion, infection can occur due to the abortion process itself. This is because, during a surgical abortion, medical instruments enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy. Any time you introduce foreign objects into your body, there is an opportunity for infection, although infection after surgical abortion is typically rare.
Infection after medical abortion can happen if parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in the uterus instead of being expelled through the vagina. This is known as an incomplete abortion.
What Are the Warning Signs of Infection After Abortion?
Infection after abortion can cause symptoms that might initially be difficult to discern from more typical abortion side effects. For example, a low-grade fever after abortion is common, but this is also a sign of infection. Vaginal bleeding will also happen after abortion, but prolonged bleeding might be a sign of infection.
This is why, if you’re considering abortion, it’s essential to have access to emergency care afterward to understand if what you’re experiencing is normal.
Other signs that something isn’t right after abortion include:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Next Steps
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s essential to get an ultrasound first. This scan will reveal the key details you need to know about your pregnancy to stay safe.
At Assure Women’s Center, we offer free (no-cost) ultrasounds and other resources to help you decide how to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with one of our caring team members.
