How long abortion recovery

Patient Education. When can I resume my normal activities after undergoing a procedure? Will I bleed and cramp? What if I still feel pregnant? What complications may occur? How can I avoid infection? After the procedure, when will my menstrual period begin? Should I schedule a follow-up appointment? When can I resume my normal activities after the procedure? Will I bleed or cramp?

Fever over degrees or chills Excessive bleeding soaking one pad per hour for three straight hours Bad cramps unrelieved by ibuprofen or Tylenol or prolonged abdominal pain A doctor can be reached at any time. Monday to Friday during business hours, call Nights, weekends and holidays, page a doctor by calling At the beep, enter the phone number you want the doctor to call, then press the key.

How can I prevent infection? To decrease the chance of pelvic infection, please follow these instructions: Take your antibiotic medication as directed. To reduce the risk of infection, women should avoid:. Abortion recovery times vary from woman to woman. Women who have first trimester abortions and those who do not have any complications will usually feel normal within a few days.

The bleeding usually stops within 6 weeks. Recovery may take longer for late-term abortions. If complications develop, recovery can take much longer, and people may need hospitalization or surgery. This is unusual though, and most women will recover within a few weeks.

Most women who have abortions will have a follow-up with a doctor within a few weeks. If there are no signs of complications, further medical care will not be necessary. Women who experience any symptoms of complications may need an immediate appointment with a doctor. Although it is not common, some abortion complications may require a trip to the emergency room. Many abortion clinics provide a hour advice line that can help women to determine whether or not their symptoms need treatment.

Women should call the advice line, the emergency services, or go to the emergency room if they are:. For most women, an abortion is a straightforward medical procedure that does not cause any lasting complications. Some women worry that an abortion might have long-term effects. Abortion can be a difficult decision, and it is normal to experience a range of emotions. Discuss your plans for future pregnancies and birth control use. Explain how the medicines will work, possible side effects nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common , and when to call your doctor.

It is important for your doctor to know whether you: Have access to a telephone, to call if you have problems. Have transportation to a health care facility if you need to be evaluated. Will be able to return for a follow-up appointment. Are prepared for the cramping pain and bleeding that will occur as the uterine contents are passed.

Understand that a surgical abortion will be needed if a medical abortion fails to complete the process. These medicines are used: For cramping pain caused by uterine contractions.

To prevent nausea or vomiting. To prevent infection. If you need to call your doctor about your symptoms during a medical abortion , be prepared to provide information about: How heavy the bleeding is, compared with your normal menstrual bleeding. The heaviest bleeding should stop 1 to 2 hours after passing the pregnancy tissue.

The number and types of pads used in 1 hour and the total number of soaked pads used. The presence and size of blood clots. Whether any pregnancy tissue has been passed. The severity of your cramping or pain. Care after a medical abortion Carefully follow all of your doctor's instructions and review what-to-expect information after a medical abortion.

Follow these instructions: Most women can return to normal activities in 1 to 2 days after the uterus has cleared. Avoid strenuous exercise for 1 to 2 weeks. Do not have sexual intercourse for 1 to 2 weeks or as advised by your doctor. Be sure to use birth control when you start having sex again. And use condoms to prevent infection. For more information, see the topic Birth Control.

Do not rinse the vagina with fluids douche. This could increase your risk of infections that can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. General physical well-being is usually straightforward to understand; you know when you are unwell with pain or fever for example. Your choice of contraception for prevention of future unplanned pregnancies is an important factor which must not be neglected. In the immediate post-operative period after surgical termination of a pregnancy, you will be cared for by a registered nurse who is experienced in caring for women who have undergone this procedure.

You will be observed closely until you are fully awake and feel well enough to dress yourself and go home. In the days and weeks that follow, it is important that you treat your body kindly: eat well, rest well, and avoid abusing your body in any way.

Some light or intermittent bleeding can be expected for weeks after a surgical termination. Try to remember the reasons why you have decided that having a child at this stage of your life is not a good idea. Forgive yourself. Maximise your recovery by thinking of the future and making sure that you stay healthy and that you are using effective contraception. Treat yourself to something small and achievable that makes you happy every day. Expression is useful, so writing a diary, drawing a picture, singing in a choir — all these things that help you express your emotions are helpful.

We would always recommend a 2-week check which can be undertaken by a local doctor or by staff at Clinic 66 to ensure that you have made a full physical and emotional recovery and that you have chosen a reliable and effective contraceptive that you are happy with. If you have been recently pregnant, it is likely that you will become pregnant again unless you prevent it.