Recognizing Normal Bleeding, Warning Signs, and When to Seek Help
At Women for Women Kenya, we know that bleeding during or after an abortion can cause anxiety. Many women wonder, “Am I bleeding too much?” or “Why am I not bleeding at all?”
Understanding what kind of bleeding is normal — and what could mean a complication — helps you stay safe and confident throughout your recovery.
💧 Bleeding During the Procedure (Early Pregnancy)
If you are using abortion pills (medical abortion), bleeding usually starts a few hours after taking the second medicine, misoprostol.
Here’s what to expect:
- Moderate to heavy bleeding with clots, often heavier than a normal period.
- Cramping as the uterus expels the pregnancy.
- The heaviest bleeding lasts 2–6 hours, then slowly reduces over the next few days.
👉 This is a normal part of the abortion process. It means the uterus is responding as expected.
⚠️ Excessive Bleeding — When to Seek Immediate Care
While some bleeding is normal, too much bleeding can be dangerous.
Seek emergency help if you experience:
- Soaking two or more large pads per hour for more than two consecutive hours.
- Feeling dizzy, weak, or faint.
- Passing very large clots (larger than a lemon).
- Persistent severe abdominal pain not relieved by painkillers.
These could be signs of heavy blood loss or incomplete abortion and require urgent medical attention.
🚫 No or Minimal Bleeding After Taking the Pills
Some women notice little or no bleeding at all after taking the abortion pills.
This might mean:
The abortion has not started (especially if misoprostol didn’t work as expected).
The pregnancy is ectopic (outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening.
If there is no bleeding within 24–48 hours, it’s important to contact a qualified provider or get an ultrasound to confirm what’s happening.
❗ Signs of a Failed or Incomplete Abortion
Sometimes, the abortion process does not finish completely.
Watch out for these signs:
- Ongoing pregnancy symptoms (breast tenderness, nausea, missed periods).
- Persistent bleeding for more than two weeks.
- Abdominal pain or cramping that continues after bleeding stops.
- A positive pregnancy test more than two weeks after the abortion.
A follow-up ultrasound helps confirm if the uterus is empty or if more care is needed.
💬 What You Should Do
- Rest, eat well, and stay hydrated.
- Track your bleeding (number of pads used and changes in flow).
- Take pain relief as prescribed.
- Avoid inserting anything into the vagina until bleeding stops (no tampons or sex).
- Schedule a follow-up check or scan after one to two weeks.
At Women for Women Kenya, we offer post-abortion care, ultrasound follow-up, and confidential consultations to ensure your recovery is complete.
🌷 Our Commitment
Every woman deserves safe, compassionate care — before, during, and after abortion.
Bleeding patterns vary from person to person, but if you’re unsure, don’t wait.
Reach out for help — we’re here to support you, always.
📞 0700 811 528
📧 kenyawomenforwomen@gmail.com
🌐 www.womenforwomenkenya.com
📍 Nairobi, Kenya
