Expert: Doctor Early Options - 10/2/2009

Question
Hello, my name is Reagan and I am a 23y/o female. I have two children ages 3 and 4, the youngest was a cesarean birth. I have no chronic illnesses. I am not currently taking medications and I have not been sexual active since my medical abortion. The only history of surgery was the cesarean.
On July 29th of this current year I took Mifepristone and two days later took 800mg of the Misoprostol. At the time I took the medication I was 5wks gestation. A day after taking the mifepristone I began to bleed heavily and pass clots/tissue. I then did not stop bleeding until fourteen days later. Then not more then two weeks after the bleeding stopped I then began to bleed very heavily again passing large clots and finally stopped bleeding fourteen days later. Today I am now bleeding again but I am experiencing very scant bleeding and I have only been bleeding for the last three days. The bleeding is so scant it is only noticeable when I wipe myself. Before the medical abortion my menstrual cycle was very consistent, always on time, and never missed a beat.
Is this normal after receiving the medical abortion?

Answer
Dear Reagan,
Unfortunately the bleeding you are describing is completely normal after a medical abortion.  It is common and normal to have all the symptoms you are describing: intermittent heavy bleeding with clots and tissue (it is called decidua - and it is the thick lining that forms early in pregnancy, before an embryo develops), irregular bleeding and spotting.  As long as you are not experiencing heavy cramping, and the bleeding is stopping and starting, what you describe is consistent with the symptoms of having a medical abortion.  Your period will become regular again, though I have often heard women say their periods can change in length, frequency or flow after a pregnancy.  

There is more information on our site:
http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com/abortion-aftercare.html

I usually counsel women on what to expect regarding the bleeding after a medical abortion so that it is not so frightening when it happens.  I personally feel that the Aspiration procedure (a 5 minute nonsurgical, simple procedure) is the easiest way to end early pregnancy.  It avoids these bleeding issues. Unfortunately it can be difficult to find a doctor who performs this procedure.

I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City