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Abortion/bleeding, clots after abortion

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Expert: - 5/16/2009


Question
Had a abortion Feb and this month am having heavy bleeding and about quarter size blood clots. Is that normal or should see a doctor

Answer
Dear Judith,
Heavy bleeding with clots can be normal, and may or may not be from the abortion.  Clots rarely indicate a problem - they simply indicate that the blood was sitting in the uterus before it came down.  However, if they continue, or you continue to have heavy bleeding (heavier than a period) for more than a week, it is possible that you could have "retained products" and you should call the office where you had the abortion and describe your symptoms.  They will decide if you need an evaluation.

Retained products means that some of the pregnancy lining did not come out during the procedure, and this can stimulate irregular bleeding. Retained products is also not anything to be concerned about - usually it resolves on its own, and it is best to have it resolve naturally than to do a procedure.
Here is more information on bleeding and retained products after an abortion:
http://www.earlyabortionoptions.com/abortion-aftercare.html
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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