Post-Abortion Bleeding & Clots: What's Normal?

Question
Had a abortion Feb and this month am having heavy bleeding and about quarter size blood clots. Is that normal or should see a doctor

Answer
Dear Judith,
Heavy bleeding with clots can be normal, and may or may not be from the abortion.  Clots rarely indicate a problem - they simply indicate that the blood was sitting in the uterus before it came down.  However, if they continue, or you continue to have heavy bleeding (heavier than a period) for more than a week, it is possible that you could have "retained products" and you should call the office where you had the abortion and describe your symptoms.  They will decide if you need an evaluation.

Retained products means that some of the pregnancy lining did not come out during the procedure, and this can stimulate irregular bleeding. Retained products is also not anything to be concerned about - usually it resolves on its own, and it is best to have it resolve naturally than to do a procedure.
Here is more information on bleeding and retained products after an abortion:
http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com/abortion-aftercare.html
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City