Possible complications of an abortion
Abortions are generally very safe.
But like any medical treatment, there's a risk of complications. The risk increases the longer the pregnancy continues.
Complications of abortion can include:
- part of the pregnancy remaining and needing an operation to remove it
- heavy bleeding
- damage to the womb
- infection, including sepsis
If a womb infection is left untreated, there's a small chance that it could cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can increase the risk of infertility or an ectopic pregnancy, where an egg implants itself outside of the womb.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you recently had an abortion and are bleeding heavily
Information:
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.