An incomplete abortion occurs when the abortion fails to completely remove a pregnancy (fetus, and placenta) from a woman’s uterus. Unremoved fetal or placental parts can become a breeding ground for bacteria, creating a risk of life-threatening maternal infection.
Read the rest of this article to understand the symptoms as well as the likelihood of an incomplete abortion. Not sure that an abortion is the right choice for your pregnancy? Contact PRC Medical to speak with one of our caring team members. All appointments and resources are confidential and provided at no cost to you.
What Are the Symptoms of an Incomplete Abortion?
According to the National Library of Medicine, common symptoms of an incomplete abortion include:
- Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding
- Lower abdominal and pelvic pains may radiate to the lower back.
Other symptoms may include fever, general weakness, and/or foul smelling vaginal bleeding or discharge.
These symptoms result from your body trying to pass the remaining pregnancy from your uterus. If you are experiencing these symptoms after an abortion, seek medical attention right away.
How Likely Is an Incomplete Abortion?
There is limited research available to predict the likelihood of an incomplete abortion accurately. However, the Cleveland Clinic has provided an estimate indicating that an incomplete abortion occurs in up to 40% of miscarriages and abortions.
According to information from the National Library of Medicine, the risk of incomplete abortion increases the longer the pregnancy continues before termination.
For example, the risk of incomplete abortions in pregnancies after 12 weeks of gestational age increases by 3.4% for terminated pregnancies, with the possibility of maternal death, major surgery, or sterility.
A surgical procedure is required to treat an incomplete abortion by removing the remnants of the pregnancy.
What Are My Other Pregnancy Options?
PRC offers no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy decision support, where you can learn more about your pregnancy and connect with local resources.
We also offer limited ultrasounds, which can confirm the age of your pregnancy. This detail can help you gauge your eligibility for specific procedures, such as the abortion pill, which is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of gestational age.
If the ultrasound reveals a more advanced pregnancy, you may decide that you are more at risk for an incomplete abortion, and we can provide information about pregnancy options other than abortion.
Contact us today to make an appointment!