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What Should I do After an Abortion?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

The physical effects of abortion can last for months afterward, and the psychological effects can last for years. Knowing what to expect after an abortion is an important part of abortion aftercare. Women should be aware of what is normal and what is not, so they can seek emergency medical attention, if necessary. Getting enough rest can also ensure that the woman's body heals after the procedure, and psychological counseling may be helpful to deal with the emotional trauma of such a procedure.

Before a patient leaves the abortion clinic, the nurses or physicians will typically her a list of symptoms that she may experience after an abortion. These symptoms may vary, depending on the type of abortion performed and how far along the pregnancy was. Knowing the difference between these normal symptoms and more dangerous symptoms can prevent a serious illness or other complications like infertility.

The physical and mental effects of an abortion can last for a long period of time.
The physical and mental effects of an abortion can last for a long period of time.

Cramps and bleeding are very common after many types of abortions. The cramping may be mild to moderate, and will often last for a week or longer after an abortion. Discomfort from these cramps can often be relieved by abdominal massage, heat, or an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen. Aspirin should be avoided after an abortion since it is a blood thinner and can cause a woman to start bleeding heavily.

Women should avoid using tampons during the first two weeks of abortion recovery.
Women should avoid using tampons during the first two weeks of abortion recovery.

Bleeding after an abortion is almost inevitable, and can range from light to heavy. Women who have just had an abortion are often told to monitor their vaginal bleeding. Women who need to use more than one regular sanitary pad in an hour are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Also, although passing small clots are common, passing clots that are about the size of a large coin is not considered normal.

Many women experience depression after an abortion, so talking to a therapist can sometimes help.
Many women experience depression after an abortion, so talking to a therapist can sometimes help.

Women who have just had an abortion should also monitor their body temperatures for at least a week. A fever could indicate the presence of a serious infection. Generally, doctors will prescribe an antibiotic after abortions to prevent an infection, and all of this medication should be taken, even if the woman feels fine.

Rest is also considered essential when recovering from an abortion. Women are usually advised to take it easy and return to their normal daily activities only when they feel up to it. Heavy lifting or exercise should be avoided. Sex after abortion should also be avoided, as well as inserting tampons, taking baths, and using douches since the cervix is typically dilated for up to a month after the procedure. In general, these activities can often be resumed after a woman has had her first period after an abortion.

Women may use sanitary napkins to deal with vaginal bleeding after an abortion.
Women may use sanitary napkins to deal with vaginal bleeding after an abortion.

Within three weeks of having an abortion, most women are advised to schedule a checkup appointment. During this checkup, the doctor will ensure that the abortion was completely successful and there is no sign of infection. He may also advise patients about different types of birth control or refer patients to a post abortion counselor or support group.

Abortion is not something that should be done without serious thought.
Abortion is not something that should be done without serious thought.

Since the majority of women who have procedure suffer from post-abortion trauma, finding someone to talk to about her feelings is considered very important for a woman who has had an abortion. This can be a therapist, support group, or even just a close friend. Some women experience depression after an abortion.

Discussion Comments

discographer

@ysmina-- I understand what you're going through. You're not alone, many women experience the same issues after an abortion. Don't be afraid to talk to a professional about it, a psychologist or a therapist. A therapist will not judge you. He or she will listen and will help you recover from this trauma and come terms with your feelings. Although you may feel anxious or worried at first, therapy will make you feel better with time.

ysmina

After my abortion, I took time off from work and just rested at home. I did not do any work like laundry or cleaning. I took it very easy. Thankfully, I had minor bleeding, more like spotting really. The cramps were mild too but did continue for almost a week.

More than the physical effects of the abortion, the psychological effects are giving me trouble. Whenever I think about the abortion, I feel awful. I've started regretting the decision and feel very guilty. I think it's pushing me into depression. I want to talk to someone about it, but it's difficult to talk about it without feeling worse. I'm not sure what to do.

literally45

Really, the most important thing to do after an abortion is to go for that checkup to make sure that all is well.

Rarely, part of the fetus or endometrium may have been left behind during the procedure. This can cause a serious infection and some women may not realize what's going on. So that checkup is essential and no one should skip it. The consequences of the infection can be severe if it is not treated quickly and the remainder of the fetus removed.

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    • The physical and mental effects of an abortion can last for a long period of time.
      By: alejandro dans
      The physical and mental effects of an abortion can last for a long period of time.
    • Women should avoid using tampons during the first two weeks of abortion recovery.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Women should avoid using tampons during the first two weeks of abortion recovery.
    • Many women experience depression after an abortion, so talking to a therapist can sometimes help.
      By: saap585
      Many women experience depression after an abortion, so talking to a therapist can sometimes help.
    • Women may use sanitary napkins to deal with vaginal bleeding after an abortion.
      By: lukasmajercik
      Women may use sanitary napkins to deal with vaginal bleeding after an abortion.
    • Abortion is not something that should be done without serious thought.
      By: Paolese
      Abortion is not something that should be done without serious thought.