Expert: Doctor Early Options - 11/9/2009

Question
I am 4-5 wk and took 2 insert pill,  started cramping and bleeding a few hrs later but not heavy. the bleeding and cramping came heavier on the 3rd day, how much longer will this bleeding continue  

Answer
Dear Mary,
It is common and normal to have irregular bleeding for weeks to months after taking the Abortion pill.  Blood flow that is light or spotting is normal. Bleeding like a period is normal.  Blood that is red like a period, or brown, like discharge is normal. Sometimes the blood flow can be much heavier, and have clots.  This is also normal. The bleeding can happen daily, or it can stop and start.  

The average length of irregular bleeding is 6 weeks.  This kind of bleeding is the main reason women are unhappy with the Abortion Pill.  However, your period will come back to normal.  Usually when women understand that it is normal, the bleeding can be more annoying that upsetting.

Bleeding that should be evaluated after the Abortion Pill includes: heavy, gushing bleeding and clots for more than 24 hours, bleeding associated with severe cramping, or daily bleeding like a period (or more) that lasts more than 4 weeks.  If you are not sure if your bleeding patterns are this heavy, it is best to call the doctor who prescribed the Abortion Pill.  

There is much more information on the Abortion Pill on my website: http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com  

Doctor Joan
Early Abortion Specialist