Post-Surgical Abortion Bleeding: What to Expect & When to Worry

Question
Hi, I had a surgical abortion done 1/17 and I was 14 weeks & 2 days..after the abortion I had bleeding for about 2 weeks varying in flow...I did not go for a follow visit at the clinic..I got what appears to be my first period after the procedure and that was on 2/14...today is 2/27 and I'm still bleeding...it initially was a little darker and now is a bright red and the last few days I've had some small clotting and some times looks like a fleshy mucus or something..amount of bleeding has varied but the last 3-4 days it seems to be heavier..when my period started I was using tampons but have since been using a pad...is all of this normal?  I'm a little worried.

Answer
Dear Mandy,
The bleeding you are describing after a surgical abortion sounds completely normal.  It is normal to have irregular bleeding for the month after the abortion, and it is normal to have a period that is not quite normal.  Red blood, brown blood, spotting, clots, intermittent heavier bleeding are all normal.  The main concern with bleeding is when it is heavier than a period every day for more than three weeks, or if you also have significant cramping with it.  So, what you describe sounds doesn't lead me to have any concerns.  Usually your period goes back to normal in a month or two.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com