Post-Procedure
After Leaving AMAC
Within the next two weeks
- Use pads instead of tampons until bleeding stops
- Use a shower instead of a bath
- Do not use swimming pools or Spa baths
- Avoid strenuous activities like working out with weights or doing heavy jobs
- Avoid sexual intercourse
- Take any medications that have been prescribed
- Attend a postoperative check up
- Avoid long haul flights & situations where medical care is limited
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 for the first few days and then begin bleeding later. Other women may have bleeding as a heavy menstrual period. Intermittent bleeding can also occur. Most women bleed from 1-3 weeks, medical abortion patients may bleed longer. During this time some may 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 AMAC or a doctor.
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 early.
Morning sickness
If you have had 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.
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 contact AMAC or 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 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.
Possible Complications
Incomplete Abortion
Heavy or prolonged bleeding and cramps can sometimes be the result of a fragment of tissue remaining in the uterus or blood clotting after the procedure. The tissue may expel naturally as a result of the cramping but sometimes a procedure called a D&C is indicated. This procedure can be done at AMAC free of charge. Non-residents who go to a public hospital will be charged by the hospital for any care received. Payment for public treatment 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 any antibiotics prescribed to you by AMAC will reduce the likelihood of infection occurring. However if any of the above symptoms occur you must contact AMAC or your doctor within 24hrs. (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 checked at AMAC or by your doctor. Home pregnancy tests are very sensitive and are often still positive some weeks after the procedure even though the pregnancy has ended.
Post Operative Check Up
AMAC will send a letter to your referring doctor after your procedure and provide you with a copy that you can give to any health professional should you have a problem after hours.
Your referring doctor will want to know how your physical and emotional health is after the procedure. We strongly advise you attend a post procedure check up with that doctor within two weeks, of the abortion. Copies of any test results taken at AMAC will be sent back to your referring doctor who may want to discuss them with you and provide any appropriate treatment or referrals.
If you cannot or do not want to return to your referring doctor please ring AMAC and make an appointment for a postoperative check. A $45.00 fee applies at AMAC. If you are eligible for N.Z. healthcare this check-up may be free at your own doctors.
If you think you may have a postoperative complication do not wait for your check-up, contact AMAC for advice, there is no consultancy charge for complications.
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 (a fee may apply). We have a list of specialised counsellors that we can refer you to if you are unable to return to AMAC.
Future Gynaecological or Obstetric Care
Contact details for AMAC
Normal Clinic Hours:
Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm
During busy periods some Saturday surgeries may operate
Telephone: (09) 638 6040 or (09) 638 6041
E-mail: lwood@amac.org.nz
Fax: (09) 631 0451
After hours or weekends:
Contact your referring doctor who will have an emergency number to call.
Urgent medical attention:
Your local hospital and any 24 hours Emergency Accident and Medical Clinic. Telephone numbers are listed in the phone book (take your copy of the letter given to you at discharge by AMAC).
Worried something is not quite right?
Please contact us and we will provide you with specialised advise.
Call us first on
(09) 6386040 or (09) 6386041