Heavy Bleeding During Medical Abortion: How Much Bleeding Is Too Much?

Heavy Bleeding During Medical Abortion: How Much Bleeding Is Too Much?

If you’re looking into the abortion pill, you may have read that you should expect bleeding. This can lead to questions. How heavy might the bleeding be? How do you know when it has crossed into something concerning? What other symptoms should get your attention?

These are important questions to ask before making a pregnancy decision. First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center will help you get them answered. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today.

What Should You Expect From the Abortion Pill?

A medical abortion generally involves mifepristone followed by misoprostol. The first drug blocks progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy’s development. The second causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy.

Those contractions result in cramping and vaginal bleeding. You may also pass blood clots. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills are other possible side effects.

While bleeding is expected, that doesn’t mean there is no upper limit to what is considered safe.

What to Look For

Rather than trying to compare your bleeding with a normal period, pay attention to how quickly you are soaking sanitary pads.

The Mayo Clinic advises contacting a healthcare provider if you soak through two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours.

That guideline gives you something concrete to watch for during a process that can otherwise be difficult to measure.

Medical attention may also be necessary if you experience bad stomach or pelvic pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, persistent fever, chills or body aches, or a fast heart rate.

If your symptoms seem severe or you believe you may be experiencing a complication, go to the emergency room right away.

Find Out More Information

If you’re still considering abortion, you have an opportunity to learn more about your pregnancy before making a decision. 

First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center provides free pregnancy testing with 99% accuracy. We can also offer on-site referrals for free ultrasounds performed by licensed medical providers, with same-day appointments available.

An ultrasound can provide information about how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and whether the pregnancy is developing.

We’re here for you. Schedule your no-cost appointment and get the information you need before making a pregnancy decision.

First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

The Marlborough location provides pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. The Clinton location provides other resources, support, and education.

All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.