When Can Abortion Be Dangerous?
Understanding High-Risk Periods and the Importance of Post-Abortal Care
Abortion is a medical procedure. When carried out under proper medical supervision, it can be relatively safe. However, abortion becomes dangerous when it is done at the wrong time, in the wrong way, or without medical assessment and follow-up care.
Many of the severe complications seen in Nigerian clinics today result from unsafe or poorly managed abortions; not from the procedure itself.
Weeks of Pregnancy With Higher Risk
0–6 Weeks: Risk of Missed or Wrong Diagnosis
At very early stages:
- Pregnancy may not yet be visible on ultrasound
- Ectopic pregnancy can be missed
- Pills may be taken without confirmation of pregnancy location
Major risk:
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which can cause sudden internal bleeding and death.
7–9 Weeks: Increased Risk With Incorrect Pill Use
This is the period when abortion pills are most commonly misused.
Risks increase when:
- Wrong dosage is used
- Pills are taken from unverified sources
- No medical supervision is involved
Possible complications include:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding
- Retained products of conception
- Severe infection
10–12 Weeks: Significantly Higher Risk
At this stage:
- The uterus is larger
- Bleeding is more severe
- Incomplete abortion is more common
Common complications:
- Profuse bleeding
- Retained tissue
- Severe pelvic infection
- Need for emergency evacuation or blood transfusion
Abortions attempted at this stage without proper facilities are particularly dangerous.
Beyond 12 Weeks: High-Risk and Life-Threatening
After 12 weeks, abortion becomes much more complex and dangerous, especially outside a hospital setting.
Risks include:
- Uterine perforation
- Cervical injury
- Massive hemorrhage
- Sepsis
- Long-term infertility or death
Abortions at this stage should never be attempted outside a properly equipped medical facility.
Other Situations That Make Abortion Dangerous
🔴 Untrained Providers
Abortions done by non-medical personnel increase the risk of:
- Uterine damage
- Infection
- Incomplete evacuation
🔴 Poor Hygiene or Unsafe Environment
Unsterile instruments or settings can lead to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Blood infection (sepsis)
- Chronic pelvic pain
🔴 Underlying Health Conditions
Women with:
- Severe anemia
- Bleeding disorders
- Heart disease
- Ongoing infections
require careful evaluation before any abortion attempt.
Warning Signs After an Abortion
Seek urgent medical care if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking ≥2 pads per hour)
- Severe lower abdominal pain
- Fever or chills
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Dizziness or fainting
Early treatment saves lives.
Why Post-Abortal Care Is Essential
Post-abortal care is not optional; it is a critical part of protecting a woman’s health.
Proper post-abortal care includes:
- Ultrasound to confirm the uterus is empty
- Treatment of infection or bleeding
- Pain control and recovery monitoring
- Counseling and emotional support
- Family planning to prevent repeat unsafe abortions
Many complications occur days to weeks later, not immediately.
Our Post-Abortal Care Services
At Mascot Healthcare Medical Center, we provide confidential, non-judgmental post-abortal care, including:
✔ Management of incomplete abortion
✔ Treatment of post-abortal infections
✔ Ultrasound scans
✔ Contraception and family planning counseling
You do not need to explain where or how the abortion was done.
Your safety is our priority.
When to Visit Us Immediately
If you’ve had an abortion—medical or otherwise—and notice any unusual symptoms, do not wait.
Visit Mascot Healthcare Clinic for safe, professional post-abortal care.