Surgical Abortion Aftercare
After you leave AMAC
Within the next two weeks
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Physical Recovery
Most women find that the abortion affects them very little while others find they need more rest for a day or two.
Bleeding & Cramps
This can be very variable; some women may have very little or no bleeding at all for the first few days and then begin bleeding. Other women may have bleeding as a heavy menstrual period. Intermittent bleeding can also occur. Most women bleed from 1-3 weeks, during this time experience period like cramps and or pass blood clots, all of which is normal. Discomfort caused by cramps can be eased with analgesics like panadeine. Bleeding that soaks two sanitary pads in an hour (no white left on the pad) or constant pain and passing of large blood clots over a period of several hours is not normal and should be checked by your doctor or AMAC.
Breast tenderness
This can take a little longer to disappear and some women may leak fluid for a day or two, it is not advisable to squeeze the fluid out of the nipples as this can worsen the situation. If breast soreness or leaking persists for longer than a week return for your check up.
Morning sickness
If you have been suffering from nausea during your pregnancy it normally reduces the next day and within a few days stops. If you continue to feel sick a week after the procedure, return for your check up early.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Incomplete Abortion
Heavy or prolonged bleeding and cramps can sometimes be the result of a fragment of tissue remaining in the uterus after the procedure. Sometimes the tissue passes naturally as a result of the cramping sometimes a second procedure called a D&C is advised. This procedure cannot be done at AMAC as it requires a general anaesthetic therefore admission to hospital will have to be arranged by your referring doctor. Non-residents who are admitted to hospital will be charged by the hospital for any care received. Payment is the responsibility of the patient.
Infection
Postoperative infection can be detected by taking your temperature each day for the first week. Temperature recordings of 38 degrees centigrade that persist for more than 8 hours, flu like symptoms or a smelly vaginal discharge are all possible signs of an infection developing. Completing the full course of antibiotics prescribed to you by AMAC to take in the week following your procedure will reduce the likelihood of infection occurring. However if any of the above symptoms occur you must see a doctor who will prescribe a further course of antibiotics for you. (Please remember to use the “7 day rule” if you are taking antibiotics and the combined oral contraceptive pill.)
Continuing Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms that are on-going a week after the procedure should be discussed and checked by a doctor, home pregnancy tests are very sensitive and are often still positive a week after the procedure a blood test is more accurate.
Contraception
You can get pregnant the first time you have sex after the procedure therefore you must start oral contraceptives the day after your procedure, women using barrier methods like condoms must use them immediately intercourse is resumed.
Menstruation
Your next period should begin 4-6 weeks after the procedure this can vary with the choice of contraception you have started. The first period can sometimes be heavier than normal. If your period is delayed longer than 6 weeks please return to your doctor.
Emotional Recovery
Some women feel well while others can feel miserable and unhappy following the abortion, some of this can be attributed to falling hormone levels. Feeling sad and tearful is a perfectly normal response in these circumstances as is feeling relieved and optimistic. It is especially helpful in the first week to have a close friend or partner for support and to be able to discuss your feelings with. Please ensure you discuss any worrying feelings you have been unable to resolve with your doctor or contact AMAC, counselling may be necessary and helpful. Treat your emotional health as every bit as important as your physical health.
Post Operative Check Up
Once discharged from our day clinic we are returning you back into the care of your referring doctor. We strongly advise you attend a post procedure check up with that doctor within two weeks, If you cannot or do not want to return to your referring doctor please ring AMAC and make an appointment for a post operative check here. If you were early pregnant when undergoing the procedure it is important to be absolutely sure you are not still pregnant. Your referring doctor will also want to know how your physical and emotional health is after the procedure. Copies of any test results that AMAC has taken for you will go back to your referring doctor who may want to discuss them with you and provide any appropriate treatment or referrals. AMAC will send a letter to your referring doctor the day after your procedure and provide you with a copy that you can give to any health professional should you have a problem after hours or not be able to see the same doctor who referred you to us.
Post Abortion Counselling
Following your abortion should you have any unresolved feelings or need to discuss your experience, we have trained Counsellors that can assist you at the clinic or a list of specialised counsellors that we can refer you to if you are unable to return to the clinic.
Future Gynaecological or Obstetric Care
It is very difficult and sometimes impossible for a doctor to know that you have had an abortion in the past. Although this is your own personal medical history and you do not need to disclose it to anyone you would be very wise to tell any doctor you are consulting with for Gynaecological or Obstetric related advice and treatment.
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