Does Light Vaginal Bleeding After Having Abortion Pills Indicate A Successful Abortion?

Posted on Thu, 3 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Dec 2015 Answered on

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I took the medical abortion pills last night around 4pm. About an hour later I started to very lightly bleed. I waited and waited for the cramping to start (from what I've read, it seemed like it was going to be a pretty ghastly experience) but I had very mild cramping. Less than what I normally have for my normal period. I went to sleep just fine, and didn't bleed too much. Very light.
I remember seeing very small blood clots at about 7:30, 3 hours after it fully dissolved. Today, I've had very minimal bleeding and no cramping that I have been even aware of.
I'm curious that because this was such an "easy" experience, was it not successful?
My last period was around Oct 31ish and I think the date of conception was around Nov 11ish.
Is it possible that I go in for a checkup next week to confirm its success?
I am also writing to you through this website because I am currently living and working in Thailand. Access to planned parenthood isn't an easy trip down the road.
Please let me know your professional opinion.
Thanks so much

Answered by Dr. Soumya (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Appears to be successful

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for your query.

I have read you query and I understand your concerns about abortion.

Following is my reply:

1) Cramping or severe pain is not always necessary.

2) Your abortion seems to have been successful.

3) You can go next week for an ultrasound scan to confirm if the abortion has been complete.

I hope I answered you query and addressed your concerns.

Let me know if you wish to ask any further questions. I will be glad to help you.

Regards,
Dr. Soumya

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (1 hour later)

Thanks for much for your speedy response.

Due to my pregnancy being only 3 weeks old, is that why it was so 'easy' compared to other women's' stories? I expected it to be as painful or more painful than my normal menstrual cycle. If it wasn't successful, should I up the dosage of pills I take? Or is 4 pills enough.

Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Soumya (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Small pregnancy, so easy

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You are right.

It is possible that due to pregnancy being early, the bleeding will be less and easy.

If its not successful, next course can only be decided after seeing ultrasound scan.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (17 hours later)

Hello again Dr. XXXXXXX

Thanks again for answering my questions. Today however, I'm experiencing somewhat different symptoms. Today I've had the most bleeding I've experienced thus far after taking the pills. (Keep in mind it is still very light) It's more normal 'blood' color rather than a brownish color. Is this normal for the blood to change colors after the procedure has taken place? Almost 48 hours after taking the pills?

Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Soumya (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This is normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Bleeding will be bright only in beginning.

Remaining blood slowly comes out as brownish colour as you are experiencing.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (1 minute later)

Well the first blood that came out after the pills was brown, now its changed to more red. It's also heavier than it was yesterday. But not by much.

Answered by Dr. Soumya (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This pattern is normal and there is nothing serious about it.

Remaining pieces are coming out now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Soumya (1 minute later)

Ok, thanks again. I appreciate it.

Answered by Dr. Soumya (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Wish you good health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar