QuestionQUESTION: Dear doctor Joan. thank you for spendng sometime reading my question. I hope you could help me in this situation beacause this is really making me scared and frightened especially i do not have anyone to talk to. I had an abortion last Feb 16, i think i was 3-4 weeks pregnant at that time. after that i did not bleed, just spotting. i just started bledding like a regular period on Feb 19, 3 days after and until now im still bleading. It stopped for a while yesterday though but went back again late night on the same day. I can see clots in my pads and it is really painful when there is a clot coming out. would like to ask your opinion on this matter whether this is normal. what medicine should i take to avoid the cramping. thank you very much doctor. Hope for your immediate response regarding this matter.
ANSWER: Dear Nicole,
It sounds like you are having something called retained tissue. This happens a few days after the procedure. It is caused by clots or small amounts of the tissue lining of your uterus coming out. Most times it passes naturally, like a period, but for some women there are more clots and heavier bleeding and cramping. The good news is that it is completely harmless and does not mean that there is anything wrong. However, if it continues for a few more days and the tissue is not passing on its own, you should call the clinic and get their advice on what to do. Try taking motrin/advil/ibuprofen 800 mg (4 tabs) every 6-8 hours, and try massaging your lower abdomen or using a heating pad. This can help with the cramping.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City
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QUESTION: thanks you doctor joan for your immediate response. It was a sigh of relief to hear your reply stating its normal. I have a follow up question. what do you mean by "if it continues for a few more days"? the bleeding or the cramping? probably how long? a week or 3-4 days? how long will i usually bleeed? and when do i expect to have my next period? your response will surely give me a peace of mind. More power to you and thanks.
ANSWER: Nicole,
The bleeding can last for a week or more, and it can be irregular bleeding, spotting, or cramping. This is normal, and it is not a problem. It is the severe cramping that indicates that the tissue is not passing correctly, or "is stuck" so your uterus is trying to push it out. Take ibuprofen as I said, and if that works, you do not need to see the doctor. If the cramping continues even despite the ibuprofen or is severe, you should get checked if it lasts more than one more day. There is no way to know when your next period is, given the irregular bleeding pattern. It will come back to normal in the next months.
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City
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QUESTION: hi doctor joan, just a follow up question again,i had an abortion last feb 16 and it has been 2 weeks and i am still bleeding but not regular, irregular bleeding and spotting. sometimes it will stop during the day but it will go back during the night or while i am sleeping. just wondering if this is normal. How long should i be expecting the bleeding? can i still get pregnant if i am still having irreguar bledding? i am also confused whether i should get myself check with a doctor but i am not really financially capable. doctor might charged me even if it is normal if such be the case. Your advice will surely help me go through this ordeal. Thank you Doctor joan
AnswerDear Nicole,
The bleeding is normal, and is not a problem. You can have irregular bleeding for the first month after an abortion. However, if you have severe cramping, you should see the doctor. Yes, you can get pregnant while you are having irregular bleeding after an abortion. It is a common mistake to think that you can't.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City
