Expert: Pat G - 2/1/2011

Question
I had a surgical abortion a little over a week over when I was 10 weeks pregnant.
Day 3-4 after the abortion, I had extremely severe cramps that felt like labor pains. I was also passing huge clots the size of a baseball. I called the clinic and they assured me that it was completely normal. Now (a few days later), I have pretty bad lower back pains and slight cramping. The entrance to my vagina/cervix is also extremely sensitive. I'm so worried that it was an incomplete abortion or that I've developed infection. Does this sound normal or would I need to go get checked? I have no insurance and very low income, so I don't want to go unless absolutely necessary. Thank you.

Answer
Hello, Megan,

I don't usually hear about this kind of reaction. It certainly is not normal. But having an abortion isn't normal, either. Of course they NEVER warn women they might have complications, and such complications could cost a lot of money to treat.

When they do a surgical abortion, they force open the cervix. This causes many tiny tears, which weakens the cervix. The fact that you are experiencing sensitivity would indicate to me that you definitely had damage (I think most, if not all, women do, but some fare better than others). What this means is that when you become pregnant again, you need to tell your doctor about your abortion, because with a weak cervix, you will have difficulty carrying your child to term. This can cause repeat miscarriages, or very early birth. Very early birth is a leading cause of some fairly serious birth defects. Your doctor may need to do a procedure called cerclage, to help your cervix bear the weight of your baby.

As for the cramping and clots, this sounds like something you need to get checked, definitely. It could be serious. And you should do this as soon as possible. You can get help either by going to the emergency room, or you can find a doctor who is willing to work with you. There are organizations throughout the United States that offer help to women in your position. They have relationships with doctors who have sound medical judgment and are willing to help. To find an organization near you, go to this web site:

http://www.optionline.org/

The lists are linked on the right.

I hope things work out for you. Please let me know how you do. And please don't take any more chances. Abortion is very dangerous, and the damage it does is totally unnecessary. Take care.