Passing Blood Clots After a Medical Abortion: What’s Normal and When to Seek Help

After a medical abortion, bleeding and passing blood clots are common as the uterus expels pregnancy tissue. Understanding what is normal and what may require medical attention can help you navigate the recovery process with confidence.

What’s Normal?

In the days and weeks following a medical abortion, it is typical to experience:

• Heavy bleeding with clots in the first 24-48 hours, similar to a heavy period.
• Clots ranging from small (pea-sized) to up to the size of a golf ball.
• Bleeding that gradually lightens over 1-2 weeks but may come and go for up to 4 weeks.
• Mild to moderate cramping that improves with pain relief such as ibuprofen or heat therapy.

What’s Too Much? When to Seek Medical Attention

While passing clots is expected, excessive bleeding can be a sign of a complication. Contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you experience:

• Soaking through 2 maxi pads per hour for 2 consecutive hours.
• Passing blood clots larger than a tennis ball.
• Bleeding heavily beyond two weeks with no signs of improvement.
• Severe abdominal pain lasting 2 hours or more, with taking pain medication.
• Dizziness, fainting, or symptoms of severe blood loss.
• Foul-smelling discharge, fever, or chills (possible signs of infection).

How to Manage Bleeding and Clots at Home

• Use pads instead of tampons or menstrual cups to monitor the amount of bleeding. (Nothing inserted into the vagina for 7 days following step 2)
• Stay hydrated and rest while allowing your body to recover.
• Take ibuprofen or use heat therapy for cramping.

When to Expect Bleeding to Stop

For most individuals, they will have bleeding heavier than their 1st day period in the first week. Heavy bleeding should start to taper off within 1-2 weeks, though it is very normal to experience inconsistent light bleeding and spotting for up to 4-6 weeks.

Final Thoughts

Passing blood clots after a medical abortion is a normal part of the recovery process, but it is important to know what is excessive and when to seek medical help. If you are unsure about your symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

The information provided on this website by Aunty Jane in any format or medium, are for general information purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The information made available by Aunty Jane do not provide personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To the extent permitted by law, Aunty Jane disclaims all liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information provided. For specific medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.