Access to prompt and comprehensive follow-up medical care is vital to protect your health after any major medical procedure, including termination of a pregnancy. Quality follow-up care is very important to watch for any signs of complications.
If you or someone you know is considering taking medication or a surgical procedure to terminate their pregnancy, it is wise to protect your health and safety by knowing the potential signs and symptoms of infection. These details could prove helpful to inform your medical provider as soon as possible.
Infection after any surgical procedure is the #1 complication, including terminating a pregnancy.
Possible Signs of Complications
Certain physical symptoms may indicate a need for emergency medical intervention following a termination procedure, according to the Mayo Clinic. These signs may include:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you experience any of these symptoms after a pregnancy termination procedure, please go to your nearest emergency room and seek immediate medical attention.
Incomplete Termination Procedure Risk
One element of follow-up care that is unique to a pregnancy termination procedure, is the need to watch for signs of retained fetal contents. This potential complication results when part of the fetus or pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, which can lead to infection. This can occur after both types of pregnancy termination; medical (or the pill) or surgical.
If you experience moderate to heavy bleeding, sometimes accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, your body could be warning you of infection caused by retained fetal products.
To prioritize your health and safety, following up with your medical provider is vital to ensure that you are healing properly after terminating your pregnancy. An in-person exam with a medical professional can also screen for signs of infection.
Get the Answers You Need
If you have had a procedure to terminate a pregnancy and the symptoms discussed in this blog sound familiar, we urge you to contact your medical provider immediately. Delaying treatment could put your health at further risk.
If you’re still navigating your pregnancy decision and are gathering information, our professional medical staff at Oasis Medical would be honored to answer your questions. You can find out key details about your health and pregnancy needs through pregnancy confirmation and a limited obstetrical ultrasound, all at no cost to you.
You are not alone on this journey. Reach out today to schedule your free appointment.