Abortion/cramping

Advertisement

Expert: - 11/3/2008


Question
I just  had a medical abortion on Thursday. I wasn't bleeding much until Sunday.  Its a normal flow but I'm cramping. Is that normal? Also, I did not take the antibiotics they gave me...is that bad?

Answer
Dear NL,
This sounds like a normal response to a medical abortion.  Sometimes it takes a few days for the bleeding to occur.  Cramps should be like period cramps.  They should come and go, and they should respond to ibuprofen (800mg) or over the counter pain medications.   If the cramps are persistent and worsening, you should be seen.  This would indicate that some of the tissue got stuck in your cervix, and it was not complete.
I would not worry about the antibiotics.
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City

Abortion

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Doctor Early Options

Expertise

We are a group of family doctors who provide abortion care for over a decade. We can answer any health or medical related questions about early abortion, including the aspiration procedure, the abortion pill (RU486), or surgical abortion. We run a practice called Early Options, located in New York City: http://www.EarlyAbortionOptions.com. The practice is dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. There are other family doctors around the United States who practice a similar approach to early abortion care: see http://www.EarlyAbortion.com. Please do not ask "private" questions so that other women can learn from your experience. Please tell me what country you are from so that we can better help you.

Experience

Experience in the area: We are all board certified family doctors who have special training in early abortion and reproductive health. Dr. Joan Fleischman is the founder of Early Options (earlyabortionoptions.com) dedicated to making early abortion part of mainstream medical care. Organizations: National Abortion Federation American Association of Family Physicians

Education/Credentials
Dr. Joan Fleischman, Founder M.D., Harvard Medical School M.P.A., John F. Kennedy School of Government

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.