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Abortion/breast tenderness

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Expert: - 9/16/2008


Question
Hi.  I had a medical abortion last Wednesday, and I did bleed that day kind of heavy, and passed some clots, but since have bleed just like a normal period..I am still spotting some but it has only been 5 days now.  My breast are still tender, how long do the symptoms last?  I did have nausea at first but that has passed...I have my 2 week checkup next week, but I still worry that maybe it did not work because of my breast tenderness.  I was only 6 weeks pregnant.  I am 38 and have 2 older kids, that is why I did not want to start all over again with a baby.

Answer
Hi Sandi,
It sounds like the pregnancy is over.  Nausea that goes away is a strong sign that you are no longer pregnant.  At six weeks the doctor should be confident that the pregnancy is over. Breast tenderness is completely normal for weeks after an abortion. You should notice a difference about a week or two after a medical abortion.  If you want the tenderness to go down, it is important not to stimulate them.  Stimulating them (as in sex) can prolong your breast enlargement.  
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
earlyabortionoptions.com
New York City

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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

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