If you’re considering taking or have already taken the abortion pill, it’s important to know not just how the process works, but also the possible risks — including the risk of an incomplete abortion.

Understanding these risks ahead of time can help you make an informed decision, know what warning signs to watch for, and feel more prepared as you consider your next steps. You deserve to have clear, honest information as you navigate this decision. 

What is an incomplete abortion?

An incomplete abortion occurs when a pregnancy is terminated, but not all the pregnancy tissue (fetal tissue, placenta, etc.) is fully expelled from the uterus. 

If you are experiencing an incomplete abortion, it does not mean you are still pregnant. Rather, it means that some of the pregnancy tissue remains inside your uterus. This is a serious condition requiring you to seek immediate medical intervention.

If an incomplete abortion is left untreated it can lead to serious complications like heavy bleeding, infection, and the need for a surgical procedure to remove the remaining tissue.

What are the signs of an incomplete abortion?

Common incomplete abortion symptoms include: 

• Pain in the abdominal/pelvic regions or back pain that does not get better with pain medication 
• Cramping 
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than two pads an hour for two hours)  
• Passing large blood clots or pieces of tissue 
• Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension 
• Feeling faint or light-headed 
• Increased pulse rate (100 beats per minute or more during periods of rest) 
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge 
• A fever (temperature above 100.4 °F) or chills 

When should I seek medical attention?

Seek immediate medical attention from the nearest emergency room if you are showing any of the above signs or suspect something isn’t right. Getting immediate medical care is necessary for your safety and to limit future complications. 

How is incomplete abortion treated?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), incomplete abortion treatment is a most commonly a repeat dose of misoprostol. Depending on the doctor’s recommendations and the patient’s request, other methods such as uterine aspiration or expectant management may be considered instead. 

Let’s break these down in more detail:

• Repeat dose of misoprostol
  • According to Guttmacher Institute, treatment of incomplete abortion using a repeated dose of misoprostol is 99% effective at emptying the patient’s uterus if the pregnancy is 12 or fewer weeks. 
• Uterine aspiration
  • Uterine aspiration (also called suction or vacuum aspiration) is a medical procedure in which the cervix is dilated (opened) and the doctor uses a suction device to empty the patient’s uterus. 
• Expectant management
  • This treatment option involves waiting and allowing the patient’s uterus to empty its contents spontaneously. However, this method is not typically recommended due to low efficacy (lower success rates) and because the timeline for such events to occur can be unpredictable. 

How common is incomplete abortions?

According to research reported by Charlotte Lozier Institute, surgery for an incomplete abortion is required 3.4-7.9% of the time following an attempted chemical (medical) abortion. Therefore, it is very important that you monitor your symptoms and watch for signs of this dangerous condition.

If you have taken the abortion pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol and find yourself experiencing troublesome symptoms, go to your nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Incomplete abortion, though rare, is a serious condition requiring you to seek immediate medical attention.