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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Pregnancy/Abortion > Post abortion cramps
Posted on: 10/11/2004
Question
I have been sexually active with the same partner for 2 years and we are both monogamous. I had an abortion 2 months ago and am now experiencing cramps and a thick brown discharge occasionally instead of my regular period. Can you tell me what this is, besides telling me to go see a doctor?
Answer
You really do need to see a doctor promptly. It's not uncommon to have irregular bleeding and an unusual period after an abortion. But this is going on longer than expected and needs evaluation. The worst case would be "retained products of conception" (i.e. some tissue from the pregnancy left in the uterus after the abortion). Infection is also possible.