Bleeding after an abortion typically lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of abortion. For a medical abortion (abortion pills), bleeding often starts within a few hours after taking the medication and the heaviest bleeding usually lasts for a day or two. However, lighter bleeding or spotting can persist intermittently for 2 to 4 weeks, and in some cases up to 8 weeks. Clots and irregular bleeding are normal during this time as the uterus returns to its normal size. For a surgical abortion, bleeding is usually heavier than a normal period initially but tends to be lighter than after a medical abortion and generally lasts up to 2 weeks. Some spotting may continue after that. If bleeding lasts longer than the typical duration, is very heavy (soaking through two or more pads per hour for two consecutive hours), or is accompanied by severe pain, fever, or foul-smelling discharge, medical advice should be sought. In summary:
- Medical abortion: bleeding up to 2-4 weeks, possibly up to 8 weeks
- Surgical abortion: bleeding up to 2 weeks
- Light spotting can continue until the next period
- Seek medical help if bleeding is very heavy or accompanied by worrying symptoms.
