How to Minimize Excessive Bleeding During and After Abortion

How to Minimize Excessive Bleeding During and After Abortion

1️⃣ The Most Important Step: Abort Early

  • As we always emphasize:
     👉 The earlier you abort, the lower the risk of heavy bleeding.
  • Abortion before 10 weeks usually involves less tissue and is safer.

2️⃣ Use Correct Doses and Medications

  • Always follow a medically recommended protocol for abortion pills:

    • Mifepristone 200 mg orally (first step)
    • Followed by Misoprostol 800 mcg (usually 24-48 hours later) vaginally, buccally, or sublingually.

  • Incorrect dosages or misuse of pills can increase bleeding risks.

3️⃣ Rule Out Risk Factors Before Abortion

  • Before taking abortion pills, ensure:
    • You do not have an ectopic pregnancy.
    • You do not have bleeding disorders (like anemia, clotting disorders, etc.).
    • You are not on blood thinners or medications that increase bleeding.

Women for Women Kenya always screens clients carefully for these risks.

4️⃣ Pain Management and Bleeding Control

  • Ibuprofen (Brufen) not only reduces pain but may also help reduce prostaglandin-induced heavy bleeding.

Dose: 400–800 mg every 6–8 hours.

  • Avoid aspirin, as it can make bleeding worse.

5️⃣ Good Aftercare Practices

  • Avoid heavy physical activities or lifting heavy objects for a few days after the abortion.
  • Avoid inserting anything into the vagina (no sex, tampons, or douching) until bleeding stops.

6️⃣ Know the Red Flags

Even with good care, bleeding varies. It’s important to know when bleeding becomes excessive:

  • Soaking more than 2 maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours
  • Feeling faint, dizzy, weak, or very tired
  • Passing very large clots (bigger than a golf ball) repeatedly
    👉 In these cases, Seek immediate medical attention.

7️⃣ In Clinic Settings: Use of Medications to Control Bleeding

For clinics like Women for Women Kenya, if excessive bleeding happens:

  • Tranexamic Acid (Exacyl or Cyklokapron):

    • Dose: 1,000 mg orally or IV, 2–3 times daily
    • Helps stabilize blood clots

  • Oxytocin (for surgical abortion or retained products):

    • Promotes uterine contractions to stop bleeding.

Repeat doses of misoprostol may help expel retained tissue.

8️⃣ Follow-Up is Crucial

  • Always have a follow-up visit after abortion (usually after 7-14 days) to ensure:
    • Abortion is complete
    • There are no retained products
    • Bleeding has normalized

🔑 Key Takeaway: Early, Correct, and Monitored Care = Less Bleeding

At Women for Women Kenya, we always remind women:

✅ Act early
 ✅ Use medications correctly
 ✅ Follow medical advice
 ✅ Know when to seek help

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