Expert: Doctor Early Options - 8/12/2009

Question
I had an abortion done about a month ago. Everything went as expected and I got my first period a few weeks later after the procedure, as explained that I would by the doctor. After I finished my period...stopped bleeding and everything...about a week later I started bleeding heavy out of no where but it only lasted a few hours and then stopped. However, since then I've been experiencing some light brown discharge. There's no scent to it and I'm not experiencing any menstrual pains.  Is this normal after an abortion or should I be worried?

Answer
Dear Noelle,
The bleeding and brown discharge you are describing is completely normal.  Sometimes weeks to months after an abortion there can be either sudden bleeding, or a recurrence of daily bleeding.  The blood can be red, brown, regular, or with clots. Brown discharge that is odorless is simply blood that sits in the uterus before it comes out,and is harmless and normal.  

If the bleeding continues daily for another month, or if you start to experience cramping that does not respond to over the counter medication like ibuprofen, or a strong foul odor, you should get an evaluation. So far, what you describe sounds perfectly normal, and nothing to be concerned about.  Your cycle will come back to normal.

Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City