Abortion
Day 3 after abortion: bleeding that starts late
Day 3 · Recovery after abortion
Your pad has been clean for three days; today first came some pain, then bleeding with small clots in it. This picture, which seems to be in the wrong order, is one of the patterns our clinic's doctor describes.
If your bleeding has not started yet, this page is for you too: you will know in advance what you might see today or tomorrow. Something familiar is less frightening when it comes.
Short answer
I had no bleeding after the abortion, then 3 days later it started with pain; why?
In some women there is no bleeding after an abortion; 3–4 days later it comes with small clots after some pain. According to the SoftCare Clinic doctor, the reason is that the cervix is very tight and closes after the procedure. There is no day limit for the bleeding to come; it never coming is not considered abnormal either. If you pass a clot the size of a golf ball, call the clinic straight away.
The three patterns of bleeding
First pattern: the first days pass without bleeding; on day 3–4 bleeding starts after some pain.
A chart divided into days; the first days are empty, and bleeding and clot marks appear on days three and four.Why does bleeding start late after an abortion?
The explanation lies in the cervix. In women whose cervix is very tight, this canal closes after the procedure. As long as it stays closed, no blood comes out; that is why the first days pass without bleeding.
The delay is related to the structure of the cervix, not to the procedure; that the procedure was complete was already confirmed during it, with ultrasound and by hand.
How does delayed bleeding start?
- First there is some pain.
- Then the bleeding comes.
- There are small clots in the bleeding.
- This sequence happens 3–4 days after the procedure.
Is seeing clots a bad sign?
In this pattern, small clots are an expected part of the bleeding; on their own they do not indicate a problem. What matters is the size of the clot and how fast the pad fills.
Our clinic's measure is this: if you see a clot the size of a golf ball, or 2–3 pads fill in one hour, call straight away. Severe pain that the painkiller does not settle belongs to the same group.
What if my bleeding has not started by day 4 either?
Our clinic's doctor does not set a day limit for the bleeding to come: there is no rule saying 'call if it has not come by this day'. Sometimes bleeding does not come at all, and this is not considered abnormal.
If you have pain or doubts, call the clinic and share your situation with the medical team; they decide what to do.
You can shower; the 15-day restriction on baths applies whether or not you are bleeding.
Do today
- Note the time the bleeding started.
- Use your painkiller as it was prescribed to you.
- Look at how long it takes for your pad to fill.
Don't do today
- Do not take medicine on your own when you see clots.
- Do not conclude that the procedure was incomplete because the bleeding was late.
- Do not get into a bath; the bath restriction lasts 15 days.
Special note
If you have pain or doubts
What is expected in this pattern is 'some' pain. If your pain is increasing or you are unsure about your situation, do not try to make the distinction yourself; call the clinic. Our clinic's patients can reach a nurse or the doctor's assistant 24 hours a day; when needed, they contact the doctor.
When should you call?
Call 112 first (if you are abroad, that country's emergency number)
- Fainting: If you faint, call 112 first; if you are abroad, call the emergency number of the country you are in.
Call the clinic straight away
- Heavy bleeding: Soaking 2–3 pads within one hour. A total of 2–3 pads over the whole day is normal.
- Fever: A temperature of 38 °C or higher, or fever together with weakness.
- Severe pain: Severe abdominal or back pain that does not ease with painkillers.
- Foul-smelling discharge: Unusual, foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Large clot: Passing a clot the size of a golf ball.
Call the clinic
- If your pain is no longer 'some' pain and does not settle with medicine, call the clinic straight away.
- If you have seen a clot the size of a golf ball, let the clinic know without delay.
- Dizziness or shivering: Dizziness, chills and shivering that do not pass.
- Hard abdomen: The abdomen becoming hard, or clear tenderness when touched.
- Burning on urination: Burning or stinging when passing urine.
SoftCare Clinic patients can reach the doctor's assistant or a nurse 24 hours a day; when needed, they contact the doctor. Call whenever you are unsure; what your own doctor tells you always comes first.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for bleeding to start 3 days after an abortion?
Yes, it is one of the patterns seen. In some women there is no bleeding after the procedure; 3–4 days later it starts after some pain, together with small clots. The SoftCare Clinic doctor attributes this to the cervix being very tight and closing after the procedure.
Is it dangerous to have no bleeding at all after an abortion?
After an abortion, bleeding may come late, may stay as spotting or may not come at all; the SoftCare Clinic doctor does not consider this abnormal and sets no day limit for the bleeding to come. If the absence of bleeding comes with pain or a doubt, the clinic is called, the situation is shared with the medical team and the decision is made accordingly.
When should you ask the doctor about clots after an abortion?
Small clots are expected with delayed bleeding. If a clot the size of a golf ball is seen, 2–3 pads fill in an hour or there is severe pain that does not ease with painkillers, call SoftCare Clinic straight away. If you have doubts about smaller clots, you can also call and ask.
Sources
SoftCare Clinic for your questions
Our patients can reach a nurse and the doctor's assistant 24 hours a day.
This page is for general information; it does not replace an examination or your doctor's advice. Every woman recovers differently. The times and rules your doctor gives you always take priority over those on this page.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: