How Many Days Will I Bleed After a Medical Abortion?
2 months ago
I had a medical abortion 2 days ago. I'm still bleeding and not sure how long it's supposed to last. When does it stop, and how much bleeding is normal versus something I should be worried about?
Answers (1)
Bleeding after a medical abortion varies, but here’s a general picture.
Normal pattern: Heavy bleeding with clots starts within 1–4 hours of taking misoprostol and is heaviest in the first 24–48 hours. After that, it gradually lightens. Most women stop bleeding within 2–3 weeks. Light spotting can continue up to 4 weeks – this is normal.
When to be concerned:
- Soaking more than 2 thick pads per hour for 2+ consecutive hours
- Clots larger than a lemon
- Heavy bleeding lasting more than 2 weeks without lightening
- Fever above 38.3°C, chills, or foul-smelling discharge
- No bleeding at all after misoprostol
Incomplete abortion (around 2–5% of cases) can cause prolonged heavy bleeding if not all tissue was expelled. This needs medical attention, sometimes a D&C.
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