Expert: Dr. Harriet Johnson - 9/24/2009

Question
Dr. Johnson my concern is that I had an abortion 26 days ago to be exact, today I started bleeding on and off through out the day, I don't feel like it can be my period but yet not sure if its normal to bleed on and off after an abortion, it was a light bleeding like at the begining of your menstral cycle, not heavy bleeding, but it does concern me a lot, how long will it take for my uterus to go back to normal? During my follow up visit they mention that I should start to get my period no later than mid october if not I should see my Dr. Though I have had sex with my boyfriend and after intercourse I start to spot or have light bleeding? Should I be concern?  I schedual a pap test to be done next month so should I wait to see my Dr. then or should I worry about this bleeding now and see him sooner? I also have been working out because they said I should go back to everyday life, not sure if that has to do with it as well...

So this bleeding is it normal? Or is my uterus recovering? Any advice would be great..

Thanks


Answer
Hi Maria,

If you had no complications with your abortion then it is your uterus healing. It is normal to bleed on and off for a while after an abortion. Exercise and sex can also cause bleeding as your uterus has not yet healed. You don't need to be worried.