Medical Abortion Aftercare

 

Most women recover soon after their abortion, but it is advisable to have a few days rest and quiet. The links below contain important information on how to take care of yourself after your abortion.

 

We strongly recommend

If you left the clinic before the abortion was complete, to ensure that you are not still pregnant, return to AMAC after 1 week.

Return to your referring doctor 1-2 weeks after your abortion. If you have not finalised your future contraception with AMAC, finalise it with your doctor at this check up.

For the first two weeks:

• DO NOT use tampons - use sanitary pads instead.
• DO NOT use a bath, spa or go swimming - shower or sponge down only.
• DO NOT have vaginal intercourse - you could become pregnant again, fingers, penis, condoms or mouth contact may introduce infection.
• DO NOT partake in any strenuous exercise such as horse riding, weight training etc.

Physical

Most women find that the abortion affects them very little, others find they may need more rest than usual for a day or two and may have some of the symptoms described below:

• Cramps: vary from woman to woman, but are often similar to period pain and can last for a few days. Panadol or Panadeine and a hot water bottle usually bring about relief.
• Breast tenderness: any swelling or discomfort usually subsides 24-48 hours following the abortion. Panadol or Panadeine can be taken for effective relief.
• Bleeding: This is an expected side effect; usually being heaviest on the day of your second visit and more than you experience with your normal monthly period and often longer than surgical abortion. The bleeding should steadily reduce with time. Most women continue to bleed for 14-17 days following the procedure, by this time most women report only “spot bleeding”, however up to 9% of women continue to bleed for up to 30 days. There have been reported cases of women bleeding for as long as 69 days. Heavy bleeding is to be expected, but if fresh red blood soaks (No white pad can be seen) two or more thick full size sanitary pads in an hour, for two hours in a row this is too heavy and you should seek help.
• Menstruation: your next monthly period should begin four to eight weeks after your abortion and for some women can be heavier than normal.

Contact your doctor or AMAC if

• You have heavy bleeding as described above.
• You have severe and continuous abdominal pain or cramps.
• You have a raised temperature, feel unwell or feverish.
• Your vaginal discharge smells offensive or is a different colour.
• You do not get your period within 6-8 weeks after the abortion.
• You have any ongoing pregnancy symptoms.

Emotions

This varies from woman to woman; some feel well and relieved whilst others may feel sad or unhappy. These emotions can be a result of the changing hormone levels and /or a natural part of the grieving process. Generally these feelings pass quickly and emotions return to normal as you get on with your life. It is especially helpful if you have the support of a close friend or partner during this time. However your emotional health is as important as your physical health so talk to your doctor if you have any unresolved feelings, at the time of your two-week check up.

Possible Complications that may occur following early medical abortions

Some problems can occur due to things that have happened in the past, it is therefore important to tell your counsellor, nurse or doctor if you have:

• Had a bad reaction to any tablets, medicine or drugs
• Any medical problems you are seeing a doctor for
• Had problems with a previous abortion, pregnancy or delivery
• Had any operation on your uterus (womb)
  

Complications that could require admission to hospital

• Extra bleeding: Sometimes occurs, it may be necessary to give an injection of medication to slow it down. Occasionally a drip line is required and you would have to stay in hospital. Smokers can have an increased risk of excessive bleeding . Following the procedure about 40% of women have heavy bleeding associated with abdominal pain; contact your doctor or AMAC if this happens to you.
• Retained tissue or clots: Occasionally the uterus does not contract as it should and this allows tissue or blood clot to remain inside the uterus. If this happen, you may experience extra cramps or pain with bleeding that gets worse over 24-48 hours. If pain increases steadily you should see a doctor or contact AMAC.
• Infection: This causes fever (feeling hot and sweaty) and pain in the lower abdomen sometimes with heavier bleeding. It may happen 2-7 days after the procedure and affects 3-6% of women having an abortion. If this happens you must see a doctor who will give you antibiotic treatment if they think you may have an infection. This will prevent you becoming very sick and reduce the risk of infertility in the future.
• Failed abortion: (pregnancy continues) is rare, occurs to about 2 in 1000 women (0.2%).
• Severe complications: rare, if damage occurs to a major blood vessel severe bleeding can occur and a hysterectomy (removal of the womb) may be necessary.
• Anaesthetic reactions: (if surgical abortion is necessary). A reaction to local anaesthetic is very rare. It usually produces a skin rash and settles after 12-24 hours. Even more rare is a severe reaction that can cause trouble with bleeding which happens within minutes of the injection. Medication can be given to relieve this.
• Perforation of the uterus (WOMB) (if surgical abortion is necessary). Where a surgical instrument passes through the wall of the uterus, which occurs in about 1- 4 in 1000 operations. Sometimes repair to the uterus is required under a general anaesthetic, if the bladder or bowel has also been damaged a repair would be required to these organs also.
  

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