Your symptoms are concerning and should be assessed urgently today. You describe being about 1 month pregnant, taking an abortion medication kit, and now on day 8 having severe abdominal pain, fever/chills, pain with movement, and leg pain. After a medication abortion, some cramping and bleeding can occur, but very severe pain and fever are not symptoms to ignore because they can sometimes suggest incomplete abortion, infection, retained pregnancy tissue, heavy bleeding, or less commonly an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).
Please go to an emergency department, gynecology clinic, or contact your doctor as soon as possible today rather than waiting at home.
Seek emergency help immediately if you also have:
Heavy bleeding (soaking pads quickly) Fainting, dizziness, weakness Bad-smelling vaginal discharge One-sided severe pain Fever that continues or worsens Increasing abdominal swelling
Severe abdominal pain after taking abortion pills could indicate an incomplete abortion or retained tissue, which can cause severe uterine cramps and bleeding. These symptoms alongside leg pain and fever are concerning and might suggest an infection or more rare but serious complications like a blood clot. It’s imperative to seek medical attention immediately to ensure your safety. A healthcare provider will likely need to perform a physical examination, possibly an ultrasound, to determine if the abortion is complete and to assess for any signs of infection. They may also run blood tests to check for anemia or infection indicators like elevated white blood cell count. If an incomplete abortion is confirmed, further medical or surgical intervention could be necessary to prevent complications like heavy bleeding or infection. Fever might suggest infection; if that’s the case, antibiotics may be necessary to treat it effectively. Avoid taking any more pills until you have been evaluated by a healthcare professional. In any case of severe pain or fever post-medication, it’s recommended to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent more serious outcomes and help you get back to health safely and swiftly.
Hello, You should seek urgent medical care today. Severe abdominal pain, leg pain, and feeling feverish 8 days after taking abortion pills are not symptoms that should be ignored. While cramping and bleeding are expected for a few days after a medical abortion, severe pain lasting more than a week may indicate a complication such as: • Incomplete abortion (pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus). • Infection of the uterus (post-abortion infection). • Heavy bleeding that may not be obvious internally. • Less commonly, an ectopic pregnancy that was not recognized before taking the pills.
What you should do now • Go to the nearest gynecology clinic, emergency department, or hospital as soon as possible. • You will likely need: - Clinical examination. - Ultrasound of the pelvis/uterus. - Pregnancy test (β-hCG). - Blood tests (CBC and others if indicated).
For pain relief until you are seen • Tab Paracetamol 650 mg orally every 6 hours as needed for pain or fever. • Drink adequate fluids and rest.
Seek emergency care immediately (do not wait) if: • You have a measured fever. • Heavy bleeding (soaking 2 or more pads per hour). • Dizziness, fainting, or weakness. • Severe worsening abdominal pain. • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Because you have very severe abdominal pain and possible fever 8 days after taking abortion medication, you need an in-person medical assessment urgently to make sure there is no retained tissue or infection.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Hello If you were about 1 month pregnant and took a medical abortion kit (typically 1 mifepristone tablet followed by misoprostol tablets), cramping, bleeding, abdominal pain, feverish feeling, and body/leg aches can occur during the abortion process. However, severe pain on day 8 is not typical and needs medical attention, especially if it is getting worse rather than improving.
Please seek urgent medical care today if you have any of these:
* Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher or chills. * Severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by pain medicine. * Very heavy bleeding (soaking 2 or more pads per hour for 2 consecutive hours). * Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. * Dizziness, fainting, weakness, or difficulty standing. * Severe pain on one side of the abdomen
Until you can get medical advice:
* Drink fluids and rest. * You may take paracetamol/acetaminophen as directed on the package for fever or pain (if you are not allergic and have no reason you cannot take it). * Do not take additional abortion pills unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
Because you are having severe pain 8 days after taking the pills, it is important to be evaluated for possible infection, incomplete abortion, or another complication.
Thank you
Hello
Severe abdominal pain, leg pain, and fever-like symptoms 8 days after taking abortion pills is not something you should manage at home.
This could be due to:
* An incomplete abortion (pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus) * An infection of the uterus or pelvis * Heavy bleeding-related complications * Less commonly, an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus), which can be dangerous
Because you describe very severe pain and fever/chills, you should seek urgent medical care today—preferably at an emergency department or a gynecology clinic.
What the doctor will likely do
* Check your vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse) * Perform an examination * Order an ultrasound to see whether the abortion is complete * Possibly do blood tests, including pregnancy hormone levels and infection markers
Go to the emergency department immediately if you have any of these:
* Fever ≥ 38°C (100.4°F) * Heavy bleeding (soaking 2 or more pads per hour for 2 hours) * Dizziness, fainting, or weakness * Severe one-sided abdominal pain * Foul-smelling vaginal discharge * Worsening pain despite rest
Until you are evaluated:
* Stay hydrated. * Avoid inserting anything into the vagina (tampons, intercourse). * For pain, if you are not allergic and have no contraindications, ibuprofen is often used after medication abortion, but do not let pain medication delay getting urgent medical care, given your symptoms.
Based on what you’ve described, I would not wait for a routine appointment—you need prompt medical assessment today.
Take care Feel free to talk
